Very hard to breath

I am a 67 year old male with no history of heart disease. Two months ago I experienced what may have been a mild heart attack. I hadn't applied for medicare yet and didn't have any insurance so, I didn't get medical help. Since then, I black out occasionally. I can't sleep due to beathing difficulty (always short of breath) and am extremely fatiqued. I am going to go to the veteran's hospital in a few days but need advice on what could be causing the shortness of breath and fainting. I have to sleep with a pen in my mouth to be able to breath when I am able to sleep.

[ireneo]

I don't know what's going on. If you had a heart attack, then any damage to the heart muscle could be causing these types of problems. I'm so glad you'll be seeing a doctor soon. One thing you can try to do is sleep in a more upright position. Use a few pillows. If you have any fluid collecting in the lungs, that will make it difficult to breathe. Also, cut way back on the salt. That means more than the salt shaker. That means no chips, cheese, meal in a box type food or canned soups. Read the labels and you'll be surprised how much sodium is in processed foods. I hope the doctors can help you feel better soon.

[ed34]

Surely you can get into a hospital somewhere, somehow? Someone who has to risk choking in their sleep using a pen to breath is urgent.

[momkwt]

My husband went into congestive heart failure after a heart attack and was put in ICU. His lungs started filling with fluid and the ambulance barely got him to the hospital in time.  I am not trying to scare you, but you need to see a doctor as soon as you can.  The passing out is not good.  It could be from lack of oxygen or a rhythm problem.  Either problem needs urgent attention.
The advice about low salt diet was very good.  My husband is on a very low salt diet.  The doctor said too much salt could put him back in the hospital.
Good luck.

[GTO1972]

Dude....wake up.....if you are VA then get your behind to ER at the VA NOW....Do not spend another night with your condition and symptoms. You do know where the VA ER is don't you?  Man ...what are you thinking? Give me your Phone # and I will come get you. The longer you wait the more critical your condition becomes.