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Why can't I breathe? Any suggestions please? (Read 2025 times)
MastoGem
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Why can't I breathe? Any suggestions please?
08/09/11 at 04:13:54
 
Thank you Deborah W. for suggesting that I should post what my symptoms are and and what medication I'm on and ask for advice.  Great idea!

Ranitidine 300 mg 2x/day
Gastrocrom 5ml 4x/day
cetirizine 10ml at night
Progesterone 25mg or 50 mg depending on time of month

Diagnosed:
Barrett's Esophagus (pre-cancerous probably from acid reflux)
MACD

Ranitidine:  Honestly I'm not sure this helps much so I've been kinda forgetting to take it sometimes.  I have an script for PPI, but I felt extremely sluggish on them.  But I probably should try them again, bc of the Barrett's.

Gastrocrom:  This has been giving me insomnia.  I'm taking the last dose as early as possible and it's still affecting my sleep but I've only been on it for about 10 days.  Should I stick it out or ask to not take the last dose for awhile until my body adjusts.  I don't feel horrible without as much sleep as usual.  Actually I feel surprisingly rested for how much sleep I'm getting.  Usually I'd be destroyed on this schedule, but I feel like it's taking a toll if you know what I mean.  I should mention that I've already had two other noticeable side effects from starting the Gastrocrom that have passed (increase in diarrhea and balance problems), so maybe I just need to give this more time.

cetirizine: Had to start with 2.5 mg because it made me very tired and loopy, but I just started taking an adult dose again last night and I don't feel a thing.  

My worst symptom is that I frequently feel I can't breathe or can't catch my breath.  It comes and goes and I know it gets worse when I'm stressed so maybe it's just this newly diagnosed thing.  But does it have a name? And can anyone tell me what helps them? Is there any medication for it?  I've noticed that sometimes I just need more water.  I did have low ferritin levels and low D awhile back.  But my new USF doc told me not to take my multis with iron.  (And I've got to start the D again, just been distracted.)

Other than the difficulty breathing, my symptoms are:

Nausea
Intermittent Stomach Pain and frequent 'discomfort'
Headaches
Itching
Brain fog
Depression (of course)  
Irritability
Fatigue
Diarrhea (sometimes)
Heartburn (this is a concern bc of the Barrett's - but I'd rather ignore it)
Sore throat, etc.

I've bought some Allegra bc of the posts I've read on here.  My doc didn't tell me to take it though.  I might try it anyway.

Last question - I'm thinking of trying to get in to see one of the docs in Boston.  Do you think they can help me significantly?  If so, may I please have their contact information?

Thank you.
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"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." — EKR
 
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Riverwn
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Re: Why can't I breathe? Any suggestions please?
Reply #1 - 08/09/11 at 06:10:32
 
Hi Sweety
ok, now do NOT forget to take your Zantac, it is an important one ok?? . In the morning take Zyrtec, Singulair, and Allegra. At night take another Allegra and your Claritan. You sound pretty good on the GastroCrom. Talk to your DR about this.. I would bet you will feel great with the Allegra, made such a big difference to me.

OK about your breathing--I would bet that your heart rate is going way up when this happens and its usually on exertion right? Alot of us have that and its called Tachycardia. That allegra will help that lessen and almost dissapear. IF it is your lungs instead then, here are 3 things you can try; first Albuterol inhaler, helps stop the mast cells in the lungs reacting and helps you breath easier.. The seond is an inhaler with some type of cortisone in it for reducing inflammation--IF necessary (ask your DR) the third thing is that Singulair may really help with that ... Lets us know how you are Smiley
hugs
Ramona
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MastoGem
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Re: Why can't I breathe? Any suggestions please?
Reply #2 - 08/09/11 at 07:24:44
 
Oh WOW Ramona!!  THANK YOU!!

I can't wait to try your suggestions.  

Looks like I better get a pill box. Can I clarify a few of your suggestions?  Are you saying I should take the Singulair and Allegra twice a day?  Why do you recommend taking the Zyrtec in the morning - it has the potential to cause drowsiness, no?  

BTW - my MCAD doc is in your neighborhood at USF in Gainesville.  Have you seen her?  Once I understand exactly what you think - I'm going to email her to ask her option as you've advised me to do.  But I think it might be time to see a specialist.  I welcome your opinion on this.

You're right!  Smiley My heart rate does go up and it is worse on exertion. But frequently is SUCKS just sitting down.  I can have multiple episodes of this kinda thing when I'm stressed.  But on the average they only last 45 minutes.  I went to the ER twice for this, but they were useless.  So now I just wait it out.  I hope that's ok.  It's happened enough that I figure it's not going to kill me.  But IDK.

THANKS again Ramona.
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"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." — EKR
 
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