Breathing issues

[mkwins]

I am 46 years old and am tired of not being able to get a breath.  This all started two years ago while at rest.  I was a previous smoker, which I quit the day this started.  I go through bouts where I am short of breath on and off throughout the day.  Every 2 to 4 weeks I get hit like a ton of bricks where I can hardly get air in.  My oxygen levels have been good but I get a headache every day this happens due to the struggling for air.  I yawn a lot and get spasms in my throat.  I feel like a freak.  My ears get clogged and I produce a lot of phlegm.  My PFT results are below.  I have had numerous tests.  I don't want to feel this way for the rest of my life.  I am very depressed.  I feel at times like I am dying because I feel so bad.  It is hard when you know your body and know something is wrong and you feel you are not being taken seriously.  If I wasn't so far I would go to the Jewish Health Center, I have heard many good things.  I am very discouraged.  I do have an appointment coming up with the Cleveland Clinic.  I hope I get some answers.  
FVC Pred 2.91 Best 3.02 Post RX 2.93  FEV1 Pred 2.45 Best 1.94 POST  2.06 FEV1/FVC 85 Best 64 Pre rx Pols 70
FEF25-75% Pred 2.82  Pre Best s.05  Post 1.43 FEF 50%  3.43 Pre Best 1.48 Post 2.27 PEF 5.70 Best 4.07 Post 4.43 MVV Pred 103  Best 72 Post 68
Lung Volumes 4.40 Pred Best 4.35 RV 1.47 Pred Best 1.33 RVTLC 34 Best 31
FRC PL 2.22 Best 1.4 DL Adj 22.2  Best 14.4  DLCO/VA  4.17 Best 2.75  DL/VA  2.75 VA Liters 5.24
Thanks so much

[mkwins]

Thanks for the info.  I just went to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and they told me I have mild ashma.  I believe the rest of my issues that seem so much more severe, are what you describe.  I will have to check out the book.
Thanks so much

[peppermint73]

I hope this might help someone.  I have been suffering from similar symptoms for about 10 months.  I always felt like I had to yawn and couldn't get a satisfying breath.  My neck, back, & chest were always sore.  After tons of research and trying different things, I found something called "Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome".  I didn't feel like I was hyperventilating, but when I looked up the symptoms, it was like a check list of everything I had been feeling.  There is a book called "Self Help for Hyperventilation Syndrome" written by Dinah Bradley.  I picked one up on Amazon for about $12.  She gives breathing excercises that retrain your body to breath from your diaphram.  I was totally shocked that within 1 week of doing the excercises my yawning was gone.  It has been 2 months now and no more frequent yawning.  I am still dealing with the tension in my neck & upper back, but she also recommends doing relaxation techniques to get rid of that.  I wish I could have found this information months earlier.  I hope this helps someone!

[mkwins]

I just feel on and off throughtout the day, I can't get a full breath.  I will get one good breath but not the next.  Many times I can't get a good breath most of the day for days on end.

[gmichael66]

What do you mean by breathing issues, do you breathe normal but cant get a deep breath ? If you can elaborate, I can share my experiences and things Ive done to try and get better

Geoffrey