Um...bad?

[brightrosefox]

Well, that would explain it. Actually, it wouldn't. I can't find an explanation. True, I could barely breathe this morning, but how come I still can't? I can take deep breaths, and yawn, and cough--but every time I cough my chest hurts. It's a dry cough, mind you. It feels like...like there's something heavy sitting on my lungs and stealing the oxygen that my body's trying to draw in. It's not really deep--not yet at the diaphragm level that might indicate a serious problem. But it's not quite at the top either. When I cough I feel it directly between the breasts, but lower than the throat. The breaths that I do take are quick, loud, squeaky, and attempting to go deep but coming up shallow. Feels like I've been out running. I haven't.
I could attribute this to monstrous PMS symptoms. I've had sinus issues and congestion and dizziness while PMSing. But never severe breathing issues. Mom thinks that maybe a little virus is working out of my system, alongside the PMS. I definitely have PMS--all of it--I know that much. But this respiratory thing worries me. Adam keeps thinking it's small panic attacks that keep creeping up, but I know how distinct my panic attacks can be. I don't have any signs of one aside from trouble breathing. I'm hesitant to call my doctor, because this all may disappear once my period comes next week. But if it continues and/or gets worse, something will need to be done.
Caffeine seems to help. Tonight I'll be taking Benadryl, since my nose is really really stuffy and my head feels like cotton. Panax Ginseng and Cat's Claw both help, too, gives me decent energy bursts. I'm also inhaling some peppermint and eucalyptus oils. Skin is awful dry. But I'm peeing a lot and the urine is clear, so it might not be dehydration as much. I'm going to chalk this up to monster PMS and hope it goes away. I want to breathe like a normal person. Even as I type this it's getting harder. I'm physically straining. Maybe I should call a doctor. I dunno what to do.

Comments

[moronqueen.livejournal.com]

That sounds for all the world like you're having an asthma attack. Sit down (don't LIE down...that'd be REALLY bad), lean back against something, get a nice mug of coffee to drink...breath deeply, so your stomach rises, instead of your chest. Stay as calm as you can...panicking does nothing but make it worse. If you still have problems breathing, do go to a doctor...*hugs* Work on breathing excersizes, Tai Chi and Yoga when you can...focus on yourself and the working aperatus of your breathing, and concentrate on relaxing it...easier said than done, but...hopefully it'll help. Hope it clears up for you. *massage*

[brightrosefox.livejournal.com]

You'd know, more than anyone. You're right; it feels like my lungs are being squeezed. Good thing is, I'm not panicking. And there is free coffee. I'm also working on very slow breaths, trying to move my stomach rather than my chest. I can feel it doing something, but I still feel dizzy. If I'm on AIM tonight, I'll find you...I'd like some advice for future occurances... *hugs*

[moronqueen.livejournal.com]

*hugs back* No problem...the dizziness is from the lack of breath (though sometimes you'll get dizzy from breathing in deeply too much, too...gotta figure out your own limits). Juuust gotta take it as easy as you can. *huggles again* We can talk about triggers and stuff...

[ronin-lethe.livejournal.com]

go to the drugstore. purchase primetene mist, or a non-inhalational type asthma medication. call doctor. get albuterol inhalor. if your doctor is in the office, do it now.
don't fuck around with this. not cats claw or eucalyptus gum or whatever. find what works for you, yes, but NOT UNTIL YOU HAVE A RESCUE INHALOR ON HAND.
body count of people i personally knew who died from an acute asthma attack: 2. so if i sound a little aggressive, it's because, well, see previous.

[saighin.livejournal.com]

In agreement with Em here. From what you're describing, and judging from the few weekends I've seen you in recent months, sounds like you may be developing asthma.
Call your doctor, see if you can get a prescription for an albuterol inhaler. They're much better for you than Primatene mist & crap.
Relaxation excerscises are good, if it's anxiety related, but a bronchial dialator is better. Call your doc.

[saighin.livejournal.com]

Yup. Ditto on the wise Beca's advice.

[brightrosefox.livejournal.com]

Well, here's what I am planning: Getting in touch with my doctor and asking for the Albuterol inhaler. Laying off the capsules of herbal stuff for a while. Not lying down till this goes away. Currently: Talking with Beth on the phone. Thank you, sweetie, for calling. You are all helping so much.