I feel so bad for you- I've been having difficulty breathing for 2 months following surg. I don't think It's in your head. DId you ever have a sniff test-it's an easy xray that'll show if your diaphragm is paralyzed? II would just keep looking for another opinion. Of course you are going to get anxious if you can"t breathe right. Good luck. Google phrenic nerve palsy.
I'm so sorry you are going through this. But, I can say that I suffered from panic attacks several years ago and what you are explaining is exactly what I felt. I felt like I couldn't get enough air. When you said it came back following smoking a cigarette, that makes sense. Nicotine can make anxiety much worse. If the doctors have checked you out for everything else, then perhaps it is anxiety. Either way, you will be in my prayers!
Also Xanax might not be the best choice for you if you are not reacting to that medication. Have you tried Paxil? When I was going through the anxiety and panic attacks, my doctor put me on Paxil. It helps with depression and anxiety. It worked wonders for me. Perhaps go see a psychiatrist or psychologist and see what they think? I also now take Tranxene sometimes at night when I can't sleep. It's a longer acting benzo that helps with anxiety. Maybe something like that would work better!?
Good luck and keep us posted!
Thanks for the advise and prayers Terri. Next time i visit with the doctor i will ask about the sniff test. I heard about phrenic nerve damage but not palsy. Is it the same thing? My Internist sen me for a CT scan and MRI but my insurance wont cover it. I also was diagnosed with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and i heard that can also cause breathing problems.
Thanks helpingutah. Im actually taking xanax with Cymbalta
I'm a 57yr old female, non-smoker, with recent onset of the same problem: shortness of breath, exactly as you describe, with no apparent cause. I have a mitral valve prolapse (floppy heart valve) which usually causes no problems, but I am wondering if there is a link. Heart & lung monitoring at the weekend showed no abnormality. That sensation of having to take a deep breath just to get enough air is pretty scary. Am seeing my GP this week, but am trying to prepare for him saying that it's all in my head (not likely)!
http://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/jared-bunch-rhythm-of-life/is-it-anxiety-or-heart-disease-sometimes-its-hard-to-tell-the-difference/
Since google brought me here, I thought i'd leave this for anyone else who gets to this page...
It kind of explains how the anxiety can cause physical symptoms, and physical symptoms can cause anxiety -- so doctors aren't always wrong for saying it's in your head, but they shouldn't dismiss you - there are real treatments for anxiety that - if nothing else- should help you deal with an unresolved medical condition...