I lost my voice about 10 days ago and since I got it back (over a week ago) I have been very short of breath. I feel almost like there is a weight pushing down my sternum and I keep choking and coughing. I have no wheeze and very little in the way of musous or anything when I cough, plus my chest is clear and not rattly. I have tried taking ventolin because years ago I was told I was asthmatic and usually it helps, but all it's doing is making my heart race. I know I don't have an infection or anything but should I go to the GP anyway, or is this just a normal leftover from my sore throat of 10 days ago? Any advice welcomed
I would go and get it checked out simply because it sounds like it's a bit distressing for you, and the gp may be able to give you something to help. Also, it's been ten days, you should be feeling significantly better, not getting a fresh crop of sensations, kwim?
Thanks Marydean, and I know that's exactly the advice I would give someone else but I'm not very good at taking my own advice . I'm fairly keen not to go to the GP tomorrow because I'll have my twins with me and it's just no fun sitting in the waiting room with them. I guess I was hoping someone would pop up and say "oh yes, I had the same thing and the SOB lasted 12 days then went away" I might go on Tuesday then, if I still feel like this
Sorry hon, I'd say get thee to a go too. There is a virus going around at the moment that takes a bit to get over. But everyone I know who go it ended up with secondary infections. So best go get it checked any way.
In the mean time, how have you felt after a steaming shower?
Also, us there a history of heart conditions in your family?
Showers do help, but only really whilst I am in there. I haven't been concerned about it until last night when I was at a wedding, and when I came off the dance floor and was coughing one of my friends from uni looked very distressed at how short of breath I was. Then today I was having lying down and one of the twins lay next to me with their arm across my chest and I couldn't breath at all which wasn't very nice. But honestly most of the time I am fine, just this feeling of a heavy chest. I really don't think I have an infection and I don't want to waste the GP's time for him to tell me that.
Can someone look after your twins today or this evening for you so u can get checked ?
The heavy chest doesn't sit well with me especially lying with your child cuddling u on the bed . Have u pain anywhere in your chest back arms face neck ? Sorry I'm not meaning to scare u ok but I would be getting checked out .
Definitely go back. Or just go straight for a second opinion. Often seeing a different dr at the same practice is good because they can review your notes but you get the benefit of a different viewpoint.
A virus can take 2-3 weeks to really leave the system but I would expect some sort of improvement over that time. It sounds to me like you have had no improvement at all though. Which leads me to say... go back to the Dr. I agree with MD about considering a second opinion by another Dr in the same clinic. The fact you were given the brush off last time says more about the poor attitude of the Dr though.
Please don't be embarrassed though - if you're unwell, you're unwell. And if the GP is a jerk... well, there's no remedy for that I'm afraid... Go back. Explain how you're feeling, how much it is impacting on your life.
Can I ask why you shouldnt use ventolin? I also have a shocking cough that seems to be getting worse and ventolin was the only thing that calmed it enough for me to sleep last night.
Traveler I am asthmatic and often get it without the wheeze, where i dont notice, and my blood oxygen level just drops til I get all weekand shaky. I can't remember what the doc calls it. But if ventolin isn't helping maybe try a different asthma reliever like bricanel? I find it works better depending what had triggered it.
Fingers crossed it clears up soon!
Short of breath
Reply With Quote
I might go on Tuesday then, if I still feel like this 
Bookmarks