shortness of breath

[nailit]

I posted a few weeks back, http://www.theanswerb.../Question1096670.html about having a slight stabbing sensation when breathing and my breathing been a bit laboured. Since posting that, I have found it more and more difficult to breath properly when doing anything (even walking leaves me feeling faint) Yesterday my doctor sent me for a chest xray but it will be about 10 days for results. I had a bad chest infection over xmas and was wondering if my problems are perhaps left over from that?
Must admit, Im beginning to find this a bit scary, especially as I had been a smoker for nearly 20 years (I gave up at new year).
If anyone else has given up smoking and then found that they initially felt worse, I would very much like to hear from you.
Thanks.

[treetops1]

I gave up 2 years ago and always have trouble with my breathing now. I have to get the bus into town but manage to walk back. I always said cigs were my lungs. My husband still smokes and he can walk better and farther than me.

[hellywelly4]

Treetops - yes possibly he can at the moment, but the ciggies will catch up with him in the end!

[Ratty2E]

I think a lot of people get chest problems after giving up, probably because of the lungs clearing out all the acumulated gunk. My OH had the most terrible chest infection just after he gave up and was very wheezy. It was a few years ago now and he says he feels so much better now for not smoking. I hope it turns out OK and whatever you do keep off the fags you've passed the worst.

[nailit]

thanks guys, worst thing I ever did was to start smoking. Hope my kids never take it up.

[TheNovice]

I gave up smoking fifteen years ago and was constantly suffering fromn various chest ailments for months. Hang on in there though, once you're over that you will feel the benefits. No going back now or ever and the ruddy things stink........and so does everything they come in touch with.

[nailit]

Thanks Novice, no intention of starting again, this has worried me.

[cathfromsaron]

i work in the pulmonary dept.

yes, for some people, giving up smoking CAN make them feel worse for a while.

this is because smoke inhalation 'kills' the natural instincts of the body to clear debris and pollution. now you have stopped, your body is repairing and the little lung hairs are probably starting to push out the secretions like they should. hence you can feel more 'bunged up' than before!

have you seen the respiratory nurse for a 'blow test' and a physio for breathing exercises yet?

good luck and i hope you get the help you need.

[nailit]

Thanks cath. I havnt seen a respiratory nurse or physio for breathing but ive got to see my doctor when my xrays come back so see what he says then.

[cathfromsaron]

get the specialist nurse referral first, and lots of other sevices will follow! x