-cc-David Tinkelman. --Breathing Problems

[motox320]

I have posted on here probably 5 times
25 male on-off breathing problems x 1.5 years
You prob rem. some of my other posts.

I still have this on-off breathing issue with no def. answers.

-I have seen 2 psychologist, who do not think I have a mental problem which is causing this
-Tests:  xray CT w dye  5 pul function tests over the last 1.5 years broncochallage test 2 echos of the heart C-ANCA, P-ANCA blood tests 48 hour holter

All tests were EXCELLENT, 2nd echo of heart did show mild left ventrical hypothy, but heart specailst says its a measurement error, because the 1st one a month before this did not show this  ? ?

I do have GERD, and a 5 cm hitial hernia on endoscope.  I did see allot of improvment the last 2 months, by switching from nexium to zegerid. Now could this really be GERD related? I dont know. My gerd guy says he isnt sure, but the pul guy, and gerd specailist say very well could be.

http://nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/6364-incisionless-surgery-for-heartburn-goes-for-the-throat

Please, read the above article from the link.  what do you think ?

The thing is even when my breathing is bad I can blow over a 720 on my pocket sprintometer, and my oxogen in blood is always 100 percent. But it still feels like I am sufficating. On a day when its not bugging me, I can run a mile with EASE.

I am not a baby, or complanier Just had the endoscope done this summer with no sedation at all, and did not complain the slightest bit.

I have had left sided facial numbness for 2.5 years with no answer, and recent migrain headaches with no history of them.

I am starting to think that maybe my breathing problem realted to the CNS. If not has to be gerd. But would gerd show on a breathing test or not?

I have had 2 mri's of the brain which were unremarkable

My question is, what diseases-problems with the CNS could effect breathing on and off? Autoimmue ?
any ideas ?

This is my last thing I can look into

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

Your test results suggest that you have normal heart and lung function and that further testing would not be useful, with one exception.  There is a condition called vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) that can fluctuate in severity, over time, is associated with obstruction to airflow and shortness of breath, and can mimic asthma.  The diagnosis is made by direct observation (via a fiberoptic laryngoscope) of the vocal cords, at a time when you are symptomatic.  The diagnosis can be suggested by abnormality of the inspiratory flow-volume loop on pulmonary function testing.  You may want to pursue this with your doctors.

As for an association of VCD with GERD, perhaps, as GERD has been associated with vocal cord spasm.

I checked the website:  http://nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/6364-incisionless-surgery-for-heartburn-goes-for-the-throat

Dr. Blair Jobe, a renowned physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, has done extensive research on this technique and its proper application.  He has published his work in peer-reviewed journals.  This technique appears to be a legitimate option for persons with GERD, who have failed more conservative therapy.  

I suggest that you be most hesitant to subject yourself to any such surgery, until you have explored the option mentioned above.

It is all too easy for a person with a chronic, life-disruptive health disorder of any kind, to be caught-up in seeing multiple specialists and sub-specialists and being subjected to extensive testing in their respective fields of expertise.  My recommendation at this time is that rather than seeing yet another specialist, that arrange for consultation with the Professor and Chief of Internal Medicine, a Diagnostician, at the nearest academic medical center and, if at all feasible, you do this at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Good luck

[motox320]

additional info

Here my breathing issue story along with my other current problems.

Up to age 22, never had any medical problems at all, never. College runner, and wrestler.

At age 22, in the early spring of 2007, I was working in sewer lines - woods for my job. I became suddenly very sick, with chills, fever, extreme fatigue, and swollen painfull lymph nodes in my groin. This lasted on and off for near 2, almost 3 months. good and bad days, but general very sick.

The only thing the doctors did was see a higher than normal white Blood count (12.0), and a low number of lymths, and a high number of neutrophals.

I got better on my own, basically.

Then in June 2007, I owned my own landscaping company, worked outside. I had a sore thorat, runny nose, next day woke up with a sudden facial numbness on the left side of my face. trigemninal nerve area. This was constant and never let up. It felt like novicane wearing off. No weakness, just numbness.

This lasted for about 1.5 years, then from then had impoved allot, but is still there. (went from a 9 to a 2 on a scale)

In Jan 2008, the breathing issue started. At 1st it was on off, but got really bad in Fall on 2008. This could be GERD realted I dont know. Anyways, it has improved late this summer, but still there on and off.

Then, in late AUG 2009, developed bad headaches with light sensativily, and vertigo sometimes floowing them.

No answers to anything.

Normal brain MRI's

any adivce?

[dave_d]

Have you ever been tested for lyme disease?

Not sure if the breathing thing is related to that but your other symptoms could indicate possible exposure to lyme.  I am not a doctor but it might be worth a check.

-David