Help/Prayers - Decreased Air Movement in Lungs - NOT Asthma?

[staci]

If anyone has ever heard of a diagnosis like this I would appreciate any information you may have.

I have been having trouble breathing for 11 wks now, and some recent tests at the hospital ruled OUT asthma as a cause. The nurse called to tell me late friday, and is scheduling me an appt to see a pulmonary specialist, but it may take a week or so to get in.

The ONLY information the nurse gave me was that I 'do not have asthma, but do have decreased air movement in my lungs, and need to see a pulmonary specialist'.

Just wondering if ANYONE has any experience with this??? I am 22 wks pregnant and scared to death about the impact on the baby; I was worried when it was asthma but the unknown is killing me.

Thanks guys.

 

[staci]

 

[staci]

hoping someone in the daytime crowd might be able to help.

 

[mickeyboat]

staci - I can see why you would be frightened!

When I was PG I felt like I had a tough time breathing, too. It was like I couldn't breathe in deeply enough, and I needed to take very deep breaths (sometimes even a yawn) every few times to get enough air. I complained to my midwife who did not seem to concerned. I think it was just the pressure of the baby and my growing belly on my lungs. But it also started earlier than when I started to gain weight, so I thought it might be hormones.

I was also larger than I should have been when I got PG, so it may have had something to do with it. This happens to me sometimes now, when I have a cold.

I hope the pulmonary specialist is able to help you feel better.

Denae

 

[staci]

mickeyboat:

Thank you so much for replying. I dont *THINK* is it the weight of the baby or anything, as I was only 10.5wks when it started.

I yawn constantly to breath, and that is with steroid inhalers and rescue inhalers as well. I cant go to the store without feeling very winded and coming home to nap. I am glad I do not work, becasue I am afraid that I would have to quit my job if I had one.

I have wondered about the hormone thing, but my doctor seems concerned that this is out of the ordinary for pregnancies.

Thanks again for replying!!

 

[YourMajesty]

I really can't give you any insight but just wanted to say that i hope all goes well at the pulmonary Dr. Hopefully this is a temporary condition for you and all is well with the baby. Good luck.

 

[mickeyboat]

I googled your problem, and one of the articles said that if you do have some sort of pulmonary issue, there are exercises that can strengthen your breathing muscles, that should help you breathe better. Maybe it is something like that, and the pulmonary specialist can help.

Good luck.

Denae

 

[staci]

Thanks for the happy thoughts, yourmagesty.

Mickeyboat; thank you for looking it up!! I have tried to google it, but it seems like such a broad topic that I get stuff all over the board, most of which sounds very scary and technical and I dont ever know which stuff would be applicable to me or not, so I am trying to not do it too much, as it just give me more to think about!

 

[YourMajesty]

It's hard enough to wait...but with a little one on the way I'm sure you are beside yourself. Both of my DS's have had lung function testing for ashtma. One son does have ashtma. I know they have to be able to reverse the obstruction a certain % before they called IT asthma. Have you had any previous lung problems or times when it was hard to breath?

 

[THE HAT]

i am sorry i don't have any thoughts as to what is causing this but, i just wanted to add my thoughts and prayers for you to get some answers soon, and to feel better. please keep us updated as you know more!!

 

[staci]

It's hard enough to wait...but with a little one on the way I'm sure you are beside yourself. Both of my DS's have had lung function testing for ashtma. One son does have ashtma. I know they have to be able to reverse the obstruction a certain % before they called IT asthma. Have you had any previous lung problems or times when it was hard to breath?

Well, I always had trouble minor trouble breathing during sports, but havent played those much since middle school, so about 12-13 years ago. Other than that, not really any breathing problems before. I do have allergies. My first pregnancy was completely normal.

 

[MinnieM3]

Seeing a pulmonologist is just the next logical thing. Try not to get too upset! (easier said than done). They probably want you to have what's called PFT or Pulmonary Function Tests. I just had to have this last week. A tech will walk you through a series of different breathing tests and record the results. They can easily see how well or poorly your lungs are working with the PFT. I hope things go well for you!

 

[staci]

Seeing a pulmonologist is just the next logical thing. Try not to get too upset! (easier said than done). They probably want you to have what's called PFT or Pulmonary Function Tests. I just had to have this last week. A tech will walk you through a series of different breathing tests and record the results. They can easily see how well or poorly your lungs are working with the PFT. I hope things go well for you!

Thanks Minnie.
I *may* have already had this done - I had a test at the hospital about 2 wks ago, where I did a lot of breathing into a machine, and that is what determined that it is not asthma, but that I am not moving air like I should. I know I should remember what it was called but I really wasnt expecting to have this go any further than that.