Hi,
I am writing for my husband who is 53 and just gave up smoking 5 days ago. He's smoked for years. Anyway in the last month or so he gets a feeling in his chest when he bends over like he is unable to get enough air in or breathe normally, then he might but not everytime, feel dizzy. There is never any pain or soreness or chest pressure and then it stops. This also happens when he gets excited or upset and is trying to explain something..suddenly he feels like he cannot breathe and talk at the same time.

I cannot get to go to a doctor as we don't have health insurance but I don't think he would go anyway. I have no idea if this sounds like a cardio or pulmonary thing...does this sounds familiar to anyone. I was concerned it might be emphysema but there is no coughing, wheezing or mucous. I hope someone can reply. Thank you.

Sorry to hear that you have no health insurance... because they do so many tests that cost alot of money. Most of the time they just put you on some type of beta blocker. Does your husband drink tons of sodas like I use to? All I do now days is just drink tons of water and do a little exercise every other day... works for me.

Thank you so much for the reply. He does drink soda, but more coffee. Getting him to drink water is hard, I wish he drank more of it. He certainly could use some exercise. He doesn't drink any alcohol at all and is anxious alot of the time due to money issues and job worries too. Have to wonder how much stress is a factor....

There must be health clinics that would treat him for a low fee. Maybe you can bribe him to go, or make a contract with him, where if he just gets checked out (for YOUR peace of mind, FOR YOU), then you will do something for him (something he's wanted you to do that you've been putting off). Strike up a deal. This isn't the time to be stubborn or rest on his manly laurels for the sake of pride.

Why won't he go? There must be a reason... is he afraid of doctors, afraid he'll hear bad news, afraid of the hospital, needles, tests, white coats, ... what specifically is he concerned about that is keeping him from going?

If it's money (and I understand because I'm having money issues and other health problems too) -- then take out a loan, get a 2nd mortgage, sell something, borrow money from a friend or relative (with a written contract to pay back), try a teaching school for med students, ask the emergency room or your primary care physician for referrals.

It's quite possible that he's experiencing anxiety. The first year after quitting is tough, this isn't something that goes away right away or in a few days or even weeks. He can expect the next several weeks especially to be quite tough, and anxiety will exacerbate his symptoms a lot.

I'm not a doctor so this isn't a diagnosis, of course, but he needs to check in with a doctor if he's concerned, or at least just a check up.

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Life isn't what happens to you -- it's how you react to it!

Thoughts don't make us who we are -- Actions do.

He is really fearful of the outcome. I cannot tell you how many times he has cancelled other appointments at the last minute. He doesn't like invasive examinations either. I know that he is anxious anyway and under alot of stress at work. They stopped the almost unlimited overtime about a year ago back down to straight 40 hours. Because he is paying child support, he had to take a weekend job for the last year, so he works 7 days in a row for a year.

I have pleaded and gone from A-Z in the emotional range of feelings, hoping he would go. He says I am making it worse. So, all I can do is wait and hope in time this goes away on its own. I have suggested going to the e.r. during one of those episodes and letting them take a chest x-ray but he says if they find something they will keep him there....and more of the same.

It is just so frustrating and frightening...thank you for the reply though.

Sorry you and your husband are dealing with this. He really needs to go to some kind of doctor. My mom has COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and she has symptoms similar to your husband. Since he won't go to the doctor, you may want to try the library there are many books on different breathing techniques that help with using lung capacity that you have to help get better air in and out. The problem with COPD, is not really getting good air in, it's in getting the bad stuff out.

Good Luck.

Thank you for your reply...the library might work with him. I know he won't read it but I will and try and figure out a way to present it. Thanks again.