Never been this bad, could I die?

Hi there everyone,

I'm new to the board and I'm glad I found people who have asthma like me. about a decade ago, I'd have such a hard time breathing that I rushed to the ER a couple of times to see what was wrong with me. Both times, the ER claimed I was stressed. I was baffled, because life was going pretty good at those times. It wasn't until I went to an allergy doctor that he diagnosed me with severe asthma. The breathing test was performed on me and my breathing capacity was so low, he immediately administered a shot of prednisone right above my butt. Then the test was done again and my breathing was much better.

Well, to make a long story short... (I'm trying!)...For the past decade I have had a few attacks here and there, but I have managed ok. Presently, I do not have any heallth insurance and I moved in with my boyfriend a few months ago. He has a Pitbull and I have never had such a hard time in my life trying to breathe. I tried to get into a free/low cost asthma clinic here in Los Angeles, but was turned away because they said they have an overload of asthmatics there. I have also........(deleted), because I am seriously worried that I might die this time. Here are my symptoms:

*My regular breathing is labored and has a constant wheeze to it.
*I've had a chronic cough for about 4 months now.
*I constantly cough up clear mucous.
*I am tired and want to sleep all of the time.
*I have little or no energy to exercise, which is odd, I've always been an active person.
*I have had 2 episodes within the past 2 months that I stayed up through the nights literally gasping for air. I am really trying not to freak myself out, but when I have taken my pulse during these episodes, it has felt faint, not strong like it usually is. And I would sit there in and out of falling asleep.
*I am afraid to go to the hospital due to the fact it will probably cost me thousands, and they won't do anything.

What I'd like to know is- am I living in danger that I could go into cardiac arrest? I really don't know how serious this is I guess, I am pretty optimistic for the most part and have a hard time believing that I could die from this.

Perhaps I am just over-reacting? Thanks so much for any advice, I really appreciate it!

Post Edited (littlered) : 12/3/2005 3:45:21 PM (GMT-7)

Thanks SnowyLynne for the reply. I, too have inhalers I have acquired, but they only work as a band aid for so long. I'll be running out soon, so I'll be back to my Generic Primatene Mist shortl. I don't have access to any other medications, unfortunately. I'm guessing my situation is not a big deal and that the probability of me passing on (dying) is slim since there have been so many "viewers" and only 1 reply. I guess I'm over-reacting. Although I did go into a sauna last night and nearly fell onto the floor when I walked out. I had to grab onto the walls, I blacked out and wobbled a bit until I re-gained my vision.

I hope you get over the COPD SnowyLynne or at least have it under control, I'll have to educate myself on COPD, this is all very new to me.

Hope you have a beautiful evening,
Littlered