I can't breathe!!!

[bguadiana]

I really need the help of anyone with medical experience or anyone familiar with my situation for this situation is ruining my life completely. For 4 months I have been having trouble breathing, it’s more like I can’t take a deep breath. The feeling is like an elephant is sitting on my chest and I can’t expand my lungs to take a breath and at the same time It feels like something’s going on in my throat. I notice it makes it worse when I lay flat on my back or when I sit on the couch or when I get in my car to drive or when I bend over to put my shoes on. I have to lie on my side to get some relief and that’s the only way I can get a few hours of sleep. I have been to the doctor 4 times and my heart, lungs, liver, kidneys are fine and the doctor tells me there is nothing wrong with me. I’m told I don’t have copd or asthma nor emphysema nor t. b. Also when I do activities like take out the trash or bring the groceries in to the house etc. this breathing problem occurs to. I am 36 years old I stand 5’6” and weigh 230 lbs. I was a smoker for 15 years but have not smoked in 3 months. I have lost my car cause my job don’t work me and there about to let me go due to being a liability to the company. I don’t know what I’m going to do to take care of my family and pay the bills. If anyone has any thoughts or know anything about this please shed some light on me thank you so much.

It also feels like my throat is closing up...its not anxiety either! also this happened overnight

[christini]

Although you've been to the doctor 4 times, try to keep up with them if you continue to have your symptoms. If they get any worse, and you feel like you can't breathe at all, go to the ER.

You stated your doctor told you your heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys were fine, and you say it's not anxiety. What kind of tests have they done for you? Are you following a specialist or a general family doctor? There are a number of conditions that could relate to your problem. Since you have a history of long term smoking, you're at a high risk for a lot: blood clots, emphysema, COPD, asthma, plaque in arteries, etc. You mentioned emphysema, COPD, and asthma were ruled out. Pulmonary embolism (also known as PE) is a blood clot of the main artery to your lung. That could cause breathing difficulties, and so can injuries to your heart.

I can't stress it enough, but please follow up with your doctor.

[candlewax]

This is why I'm confused and asked the same thing about the tests. His heart was ruled as healthy, so why is he having symptoms related to heart and lungs? :/

[candlewax]

* and lungs healthy. It's rather confusing and makes me wonder how thorough the doc was. :/

[christini]

Right :/ I hope everything turned out okay for him.

[candlewax]

When you went to the doctor, what kind of tests were run to check your lungs? What did the doc do to check your heart? If he didn't put you on an ekg, I'd highly recommend going to a cardiologist so they can look over an EKG to see what's up.

If your doc hasn't found anything, get a second opinion for sure. It's kind of scary that he hasn't referred you to someone who specializes in this area.

[pj411985]

ask for a referral and a second opion. If you continue to feel like this, it could be worse if not better. DON'T wait, ACT NOW.

If I'm not mistaken, you can deny it isn't anxitey, but defintely anxiety and stress on top of losing your car and job---not able to continue to provide for your family put a big stress on anyone.

[jesstacia]

Get a blood test! And go to a better doctor. If your conditions are this serious, there must be something wrong and your doctor does not seem to know what it is. Find one that will. Go to a hospital if you must.

Try breathing with your stomach if you can. Watch your stomach move as you breathe, not your chest.

[pepper01]

the time is took you to type this from people who are not medical personal you could be at the hospital getting help! don't take no for an answer! you know something is wrong so push for testing. I hope you feel better :) keep us posted

[LoveBambi]

Go to a doctor that specializes in that area of your body (chest or throat). Sounds like a serious problem and sometimes doctors miss things and tell you there's nothing wrong. That's when you find another doctor.

[DishLady]

You might have one of any number of serious respiratory or coronary diseases. Step away from the computer and GO TO A DOCTOR'S OFFICE ASAP.

[wrenlgr]

Sounds like asthma (especially since you smoked!) and that you have an allergic reaction to something. Go to the doctor

[Deft_maiden]

For one you need to lose some weight. Go and second and third opinions.

[TimB -1-2-3]

Go to a friggin doctor, man O_o