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Lungs fine, still an SOB, advice?

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Posted 6/25/2007 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone, I'm in need of some advice.  My pulmonary function tests, x-rays, O2 saturation, echocardiogram, and stress test were normal.  The pulmonologist said my lungs are heart are good, I don't have asthma, and he doesn't know why I continue to be SOB.  The SOB seems to last for days at a time and then I'll feel better for a day or two.  My chest gets very tight, I have a dry cough and have to clear my throat often (wierd).  I've been getting chills (rigors) a couple of times a day, but no fever.  My vertigo is much worse than usual.  I've been reviewing my meds (big surprise that is!) and I've decided to taper off my new psych med, lamictal because a side effect is vertigo and these symptoms began since on lamictal.  You all know I'll see my shrink if my mental problems get worse than the usual :-) Oh, I almost forgot, if I increase my prednisone I breath easier.  I've been having my blood drawn every two weeks.  Since I've been an SOB for several weeks now, I doubt it's anything serious, but I'd sure like to know if anyone else has experienced this.
Posted 6/25/2007 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm Anita and I'm new to this forum. I have been reading it for a while, but this particular post caught my eye. I was diagnosed with UCTD about 3 months ago. I have been in and out of doctor's for close to 10 years and no one could put any of this together until recently.
My symptoms started out separately. I had joint pain in my hips. Then I fainted-low blood pressure-was told due to an inner ear infection. I started suffering from vertigo and ringing in my ears. about 7 years ago, I had my first bout of costochondritis (shortness of breath and chest pain that mimicks a heart attack). I started suffering from migraines and the fainting spells returned. I had facial numbness and then started getting tingling and burning in my hands. I started putting on weight (unexplained).
My husband and I moved to New York almost 2 years ago, and I eventually ended up at NYU seeing a Rheumatologist who diagnosed me. My ANA test are negative, but the inflammation test was very out of range. I had a stress test a few days ago, and my heart is fine.
But I said all this to say that I get short of breath and have severe chest pains. My Rheumy called it chronic pleuritis. I have vertigo and ear pain constantly, always feel like I am falling. I also got sick about a month ago and had to start taking antibiotics. Every since then, the methotrexate( 10 miligrams/week) hasn't seemed as effective, but the weather here on the east coast has been cooler than normal and kind of damp. I assume that at some point I will start to feel better again. I have serious heat/cold sensitivity as well.
One thing I noticed with SOB happens when it's very hot or very cold. Or, I am stressed, it happens. My rheumy gave me naproxen for the chest pain (pleuritis) for the last flare up I had of that.
Posted 6/25/2007 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Anita.  Welcome to our forum.  You're symptoms sound very familiar.  I don't really have chest pain, but my chest feels very tight and I was thinking it sounded like costochondritis.   I also have the constant ringing in my ears, along with the vertigo and light headedness, but no ear pain.  Thanks very much for your input.  I'm sure you'll find our members as supportive as I do.  yeah
Posted 6/25/2007 8:39 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Donna, well first off I want to say that is wonderful news that you have a healthy heart and lungs! Unfortunately it leaves a lot more questions than answers. As you know I do have lung problems and when I'm really having a hard time the doctor told me to increase my prednisone until my breathing eased up. The reason my problems worsen is because of the humid weather. It really makes my breathing heavier. and I breath faster and deeper which causes other issues like making me tired from working so hard to breath. Have you ever been tested for alergies? Allergies can cause the clearing of the throat, tight chest,dry cough. I get cold chills somtimes when my o2 gets low. I really don't know anything about costro, but I sure hope they get to the bottom of it soon. It's very unsettleing to not be able to breath. Sorry I couldn't be of help but I just wanted to end you hugs and let you know I was thinking of you

love ya

carol

Posted 6/26/2007 4:59 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Carol.  Often when I think of you I'm amazed that you can keep a positive attitude (not to mention quick wit!) with all you have to contend.  I was tested for allergies last year and I'm allergic to milk, pollens and grasses.  I finally gave up milk (my favorite drink) a few months ago.  Prior to my extensive non-recreational drug habit, I enjoyed the occasional beer with Mexican food and even more rarely a gin & tonic.  At least I still get my dose of quinine from the plaquenil eyes :)

Love ya Sis.

Posted 6/26/2007 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Donna, I don't know anything about shortness of breath, but I wanted to tell you that I'm happy your tests turned out ok. I didn't really understand what you meant by calling yourself an SOB because I've called my ex-husband that from time to time, but then happily Anita spelled it out. :)

Anita, I'm glad you're here and want to welcome you to the forum. I also have costocondritis and several other folks here do too. I'm sorry you were diagnosed with UCTD but it was probably a relief to finally be taken seriously and to know what's going on with your body.

We're a pretty active group here and love having new people join us. I'll be anxious to learn more about you and hope you'll feel comfortable being here with us.

Pat
Posted 6/27/2007 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
Donna,

I might be out of my league here, but is there an actual test for checking out who might and might not be an SOB? There are several people I know that I'd like to have tested.

By the way, I'm glad that all of your tests indicate that you are not one, but your symptoms do create quite the puzzle. I have my thinking cap on (size infant small). If I have any brainstorms (drizzles) that might help, I'll let you know.

xoxo emmie
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