213 days off methadone and lungs are still weak

[weaver71]

I have had mucus in my lungs since I quit methadone. I went to the doctor and even had x-rays of my chest. There's no reason, according to the doctor, that my lungs are filling with mucus. He said it's likely an over-reaction of my immune system. I did have respiratory arrest and chronic breathing issues while using methadone. I used an inhaler for a couple weeks and my lungs cleared up, but once the inhaler was gone, my issues continue. Any suggestions on what I could do to strengthen my lungs? Has anyone heard of these symptoms being caused by methadone after 7 months clean time?

[dominosarah]

Please get yourself to a doctor who deals with this sort of thing.  It may be something really easy to treat.

[conhall]

Hi my Friend I am going to agree with above post see another Doctor a specialist Pulmonary Doctor would be a good start.
Listen to your body , I have an example to share After I had my last baby she is 8 now I Had a C section and afterwards about two days later, I had hard time catching my breath and shortness of breath and coughing alot, I went to ER they ran a few test and nothing and they were going to release me and then  one doctor said I want a Cat scan to rule out something that is probably not an issue but I have a feeling, The other Doctor had missed it he was checking me out to leave and he did the scan and sure enough I had a Clot in my Lung, Pulmonary embolism very rare I never had any issues before but because I had the csection I was in bed over a long period of time and If I hadnt had that doctor and the Cat scan I would not be here today. It would of traveled to my heart and killed me. So My Point is not that you have this a pulmonary embolism,  But its That you should listen to your body something isnt right and one doctor could of missed it and another doctor will find it. The doctor that had released me found out what I had from other doctor  that ordered scan and he turned white as a ghost. He apologized and told me that he was sorry. :O.I was a new mother and he thought I was just being whiny,

Doctors make mistakes and you have been through alot these past months get another opinion and get to the bottom of this. Feel better Tony and I am praying for you and sending you positive energy :)

[clean_in_ks]

Hey guy.....once again, I can relate to you. I know our recovery times and  almost identical time on subs are very similar; even tho methadone wasn't the drug I w/drew from, my 200-300 mg/hydros did a number on my respiratory system. Even had a wasted trip to the ER early on for CNS and respiratory issues.

Since our histamine levels are majorly affected while using, this has an inflammatory effect on our bodies.  And as you may already know, our bodies produce extra mucus as a way to flush out and rid our bodies of anything foreign or inflammatory.  I've been bothered by excess mucus and rapid heart rate off and on here of late and have been really researching for some possible answers.  I'm learning specifics about opiates and histamine levels, Vit C, muscarinic receptors, more neurons and more neurotransmitters (lol) that once again make a whole lot of sense to me in this area. (I kinda thought I had exhausted understanding neurotransmitters....and then there's MORE yet to learn LOL)  The extent of healing necessary from our abuse continues to astound me!

I'm gonna send you a PM with a little more I've been learning on this "sticky" subject (ooh gross)....just to add to the mix of feedback you're getting.  Funny, but I just told my hubby today.....man I'm sick of all this extra phlegm and mucus!!  And then I got home and saw this post!!

My personal belief is that I don't need to panic or rush to a specialist.....but learn more, heal more, and then make a decision. (course I have no job, no health to get a job right now, no insurance and no money...ha, so that is why I'm researching more and more b4 heading to a specialist or something)  Whatever you decide to do, just know you've got a friend in recovery doing the same thing.....and I'm feeling more positive about trying some things now to assist my worn out nervous system and all these crazy receptors and neurotransmitters I didn't even know how to pronounce before June of 2012!!  Bless you big time from the Sunflower State~    

[Sweetness91]

I agree also...you should seek medical treatment ASAP! But I will say, until I was on methadone, I was completely healthy. After I was on it a few years I started with being told I had asthma, which was at 32 yrs old and had never had breathing issues, then went to chronic bronchitis, and ended up with pneumonia almost once a year also. It never dawned on me that it could be the methadone until reading your post!! Wow!! Unbelievable what that crap can do to your body.

Please follow everyone's advice here and seek treatment, as Gnarly said, it just may save your life!

[gnarly_1]

hey dude....I wouldent be so quick to make this a lung problem methadone has a bad habit of sending your heart into arithmea it then pushes the blood back into your lungs causing them to feel full
If I where you I would go to a heart doctor also it may ver well save your life...I will keep you in my prayers.....Gnarly

[weaver71]

I've never had allergies and I live in one of the most beautiful clean places in America. Fresh air and spring water from the tap. I have breathed a lot of dust over the years. I run heavy equipment and am a landscape contractor. I'm not around smoke, but I chew tobacco. I eat organic and raise fresh eggs and veggies. I snow board, hike, and especially like being above 12,000 feet. Never had altitude sickness or any problems with my respiratory system. I haven't heard of anyone having problems this long after detox.

As far as symptoms go, i started having shallow breaths and a chronic wet cough about the last year to 6 months of using methadone. When I detoxed, I thought I had walking pnuemonia. That's why went to a doctor. When I would take a lot of methadone, I had to force myself to breath. My lungs stopped a couple of times. Now, I feel like I have a chest cold, no other symptoms really. I can't seem to clear my lungs.