Anxious and worried again about lung/heart damage. Searching the internet for answers, but only making me more scared. Similar stories help!

[Mrworrymaster]

Hello,

As some of you may know, I'm a bit of a worry wart..in fact I'm obsessive about it. I quit smoking 4 months ago and since that time I've noticed my breathing is a bit more taxed and I just feel a bit funny. It's almost like I've been swimming in a heavily chlorinated pool all day, my lungs just feel gunked up. I've had the spirometry test done (passed at 106%), had an X-Ray, blood work, ER visit, and have a heart appt. this week. I feel like maybe they missed something (which I know sounds ridiculous that 8 different doctors missed something).

Internet sites say that my cilia grows back in two weeks and is fully functional, hell that after a month I should be feeling great. This of course makes me feel worse because I'm sitting here at 4 months feeling like crap. Also, all the doctors believe this is all related to anxiety..which is just fantastic.

I guess what I'm looking for is comfort from your stories out there. Did you feel short of breath for a while? How long did your symptoms of feeling off, unhealthy, anxious, etc. go on after quitting. Does anyone have any reasonable explanation as to why I might be feeling this way as my body recovers? Is it possible to pass a Spirometry test with 106% reading and still have COPD or lung disease?

I'm 32 and smoked for roughly 12-15 years, about 7-10 cigs a day. I'm terrified I've stopped smoking too late and my life will be forever destroyed by picking up this stupid habit.

[Nottobad]

Hi just try to calm down get a relaxation tape and listen to it. I know it is easier said than done. I am a worryer too. And stop googling. If you have any questions see your GP. If that is your spiro test I wouldn't think you have COPD I have COPD mine is 58%. Just try and relax and take every day as it comes x

[Mrworrymaster in reply to Nottobad]

Thanks for the response Not. First, I'm sorry to hear you acquired COPD. I hope you found some peace with treatments and are able to enjoy life.

I've seen my GP, and he tells me I've got anxiety issues. (same thing the ER doctor said, the Minute Clinic MP said, same thing the nurse said, same thing Urgent Care said) It's just so hard to believe that these breathing issues I'm experiencing are only from anxiety. I feel like I run out of breath when talking to people, when picking up my kid, when sitting at my desk, when eating with my family. It's taken up almost all of my life thinking about how I breathe.

I was terrified to take that Spiro test, but blessed enough to get a clear from my GP. Heart test is this week just to make sure, but I was exercising fine until I googled heart issues. And guess what happened then?? I can't run on the treadmill or do my workout for more than 2 minutes without gasping for air.

I just hate this, I want to feel like myself again. In some ways something other than anxiety would be a better answer because there would be some sort of treatment. Anxiety is just a mental battle within yourself..and it's a tough one.

[Nottobad in reply to Mrworrymaster]

Glad you have a diagnosis. Did your GP give you any medication for it. We all get anxious about things. Some more than others. Maybe you should stop worrying about thing and concentrate on your children for a while it may make you feel a lot better. And remember everyone is different. Take care x

[Mrworrymaster in reply to Nottobad]

He prescribed me some meds, but they come with side effects and can be habit forming. The side effects are anxiety, and kicking the habit if you become hooked is extreme anxiety...so I think I'll just try to tough this one out! Reading other's stories of shortness of breath helps. It seems like it's a pretty common side effect once people quit. Nice knowing i'm not alone.

[Nottobad in reply to Mrworrymaster]

Well good for you. All drugs come with side effects. Doesn't mean everyone will get them. But they do help I take medication for for psoriatic arthritis I have to have blood test because they can damage your liver and kidneys but I take them because they help.

[Mrworrymaster in reply to Nottobad]

Understood, meds are always an option but for someone who is overly anxious I would probably create more psychosomatic issues worrying about the meds themselves. I feel I can beat this anxiety issue. This site is incredibly helpful with the support.

[Nottobad in reply to Mrworrymaster]

I wish you all the best of luck.

[droopyJ]

It could well be anxiety mrworrymaster, the chances of it being anything more sinister are pretty remote. But please don't look up your symptoms on line as this only adds to your stress!

Your worrying about your future and your kids which is natural, but you have done what you need to do to ensure you see your family grow up...... You've quit smoking, you've QUIT 😊👍 be proud of your achievements, you are still young and you and your body will reap the benefits of quitting 😊🚭🚭🚭🚭

Now go and treat yourself and your family with some of the money you've saved 😊👍💜

[Mrworrymaster in reply to droopyJ]

Thanks droopy. I know we've spoke on other posts too. Some days I feel better, some days I'm an absolute mess. I get these thoughts that everyone is missing something, that I should feel better by now and I just don't...so I must have something deadly going on inside me that everyone is missing.

Thank you for the kind words. I'm sure if I didn't have children my anxiety wouldn't be a problem. I love my kids more than anything and I want to be there for them. Which is why im overly anxious, and why I'm afraid they've missed something and won't find it until it's too late. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

[droopyJ in reply to Mrworrymaster]

It's understandable that you feel like that but don't let it eat away at you otherwise your kids will miss out on spending fun quality time with their dad!! 😱😊

I have my breathing physio on Thursday so will let you know how it goes 😊 Enjoy your new found freedom from cigs😊😊😊

[Briarwood Administrator Ducky]

Please please stay away from Dr. Google coz he does you no favors☹️

4 months is a terrific quit👍🏼 I don't know much about anxiety but I think relaxation, meditation or yoga breathing would be helpful. You are very lucky to have quit this awful addiction while you're young and have done the very best thing for your health. So well done to you Sir👏🏼👏🏼 start enjoying this wonderful smoke free life🚭 Turn your negatives into positives and write down all the good things about quitting. One day at a time and try to focus on the benefits. bet your family are really proud of you😊

[glolin LONG TERM WINNER]

Dr Google is not helping you at all....each and everyone of us could find symptoms to just about every known disease. It is not worth putting yourself through this.. Anxiety can be very debilitating, you are is adding fuel to it.

Celebrating being smoke free and enjoying life is the best remedy - enjoy your children and if you have a genuine medical concern, see your GP. 🍀🍀👍👍😀😀