Shortness of breath

[kajero]

Last night I did something kind of illegal. I "borrowed" my SO's prescription nebulizer which he doesn't use any more. I did the breathing thing for 25 minutes. It made a world a difference this morning at spin class. Although I was out of breath, it was nothing like before.

So today I went to a highly recommended nurse practitioner. I was so impresed that she is now my primary physician. She LISTENED to me and then had me do some kind of test where you breath into this little machine. It indicated I do have some lung constriction and there is small chance of asthma. She prescribed an inhaler. I can't wait to try it Thursday to see if it makes a difference.

Thank you all for all your wonderful insights and information. It's going to be very interesting to ride without having everyone ask me if I am all right because I am so short of breath!

[marni]

good news indeed, but cardio is always good so you don't become too dependent on the inhaler. The good news is that it will easier and better with a little snort before hand but you will eventually get so that you can go longer and longer between snorts.

marni

[ny biker]

Regular cardiovascular exercise will definitely help control the asthma over the long term. And the meds help you do the exercise.

Good luck!!

[Catrin]

Regular cardiovascular exercise will definitely help control the asthma over the long term. And the meds help you do the exercise.

Good luck!!

Yes - this I used to have major asthma problems and now I don't even take meds for it, ever. I have a rescue inhaler...somewhere

[emily_in_nc]

Yes - this I used to have major asthma problems and now I don't even take meds for it, ever. I have a rescue inhaler...somewhere

Ditto!

[kajero]

For the first time in around three years I found what "normal" breathing is when participating in spinning classes, bike rides, aerobics classes, etc.

I used the inhaler as instructed this morning. I was actually breathing normally during spin class this morning. I can't believe what "normal" is. I didn't get winded, I didn't huff and puff, I learned what just short if breathless truly is, I didn't get dizzy, I was able to keep up and not take continual rest breaks, etc. It was amazing.

I am so glad I went to a person who actually listened to me. I don't know what you call a nurse practitioner, but she helped me a lot more than the specialist I saw two years ago who just ordered stress tests.

[indysteel]

That's great, Kajero. I'm so glad you've gotten this sorted out.