BREATHING PROBLEMS

[LITTLEPRINT]

hi,my name is kathy and i will try to keep short.in 6/2006 i had a anterior cervicle fusion as a result of a mva in 12/2005.ive had numerous neurological symptoms for 3 yrs prior,still being evaluated for them.the results of my pre surgical testing-chest x-ray showed early lung disease-no breathing diff. prior.post surgery i had voice difficulties-very hoarse,very breathy,difficulty swallowing-gagging on liquids.was told it happens sometimes after this type of surgery would subside and did within 3 months.still having pain in neck after surgery and now a new problem has started 6 months out from surg.it feels like im short of breath and involuntarly taking in deep breaths.it happens all the time,at rest or doing something,including speaking.i cant make it stop.i dont feel short of breath,only when im actively doing something do i feel short of breath.my dr thinks its the emphesema and gave me a breathing treatment in the office but it did nothing.he also sent me home with a script for albuterol inhaler.it does not help.involuntarily my body is taking these really deep breaths and my chest starts to hurt usually by the end of the day.im tuckering out and im afraid im going to get too tired and have to go to the er.i know the evidence on my chest xray is swaying my dr,but me and my husband seem to think it might possibly be neurological in nature,that my brains wires are getting crossed and causing all these other problems.am i way off base here? please help

[National Jewish]

This is too complex for us to provide a succinct, reliable response.  You will need to have a thorough physical exam to find out the nature of the problem that is causing your symptoms.  You should be seen by a pulmonologist along with having pulmonary function tests (PFTs) done.

[LITTLEPRINT]

i should also mention that i have a persistent wheeze,i have smoked for over 20 yrs,trying to quit.