Is it one side more then another . . . although vertigo problems can be both sides too? For me, I have to sleep on my right side with my face pointing down (with back of my head propped up). If I don't, I will often choke, my heart beats hard, I feel nauseous, and I can't seem to get any air into my lungs.

I imagine there is some "emotional" response included in that, because who wouldn't be a little freaked out when they feel that way?

Try various methods of propping up pillows, taking away pillows, etc. to see if it helps at all. It may just be a hug thing, but the fact that it bothers you most when you are laying made me think of the vertigo angle.

Cherie

I second what everyone else is saying--do see your doctor!!!

I had attacks of this over a period of several months, and my doctor put me on a heart monitor--about the size of a very tiny camera--which I wore around my neck for a week. This records your heartbeats and tells if you have any irregular heart rhythms. It might be a valuable tool to help identify the problem.

Warm wishes and hugs--hope you get some answers!

Hi Kell~~~ Does this shortness of breath feeling only happen at bedtime? Do you notice when climbing stairs or exerting yourself??

While Cheri is right that it is prob the "hug", it wouldn't hurt to have it checked out. I'm thinking of ya!!

(((Kelly))). I agree with the others that you should get it checked out and find the root of the problem. Although the hug has become my constant, unwanted, companion, I don't discount other reasons for this.

If it is the MS hug, I often put my arms above my head to help relieve that hug feeling and I am able to take deeper breaths.

BTW- Why do they call it the hug? Hugs are supposed to be nice and make you feel good, warm, and fuzzy like this: or . I don't quite get that feeling with this.

I get it when I'm just sitting still or lying down OR exerting myself. I don't have stairs but if I do something strenuous I find myself getting winded. Like I said, it probably has something to do with the extra weight I'm carrying around. Stupid Neurontin. . . . . . .

Interferons can cause shortness of breath. In rare cases interferons can result in Sarcoidosis which is the body attacking organs, usually lungs, skin and heart. That be me.

There are LOTS of reasons for shortness of breath...

HOWEVER, if it can be SERIOUS....

Go see the doctor....your PCP....he/she will be able to put a finger on the problem....

Hope it is nonserious....

This problem once sent me to the ER too! I was driving my kids to Kid's Day Out and got so short of breath I started to have tunnel vision. I went to the nurse's office at the big church where my kids went to KDO, and she had to call my husband. When I got to the ER, they couldn't find anything wrong with my lungs, heart, or oxygen saturation, so they decided it was an anxiety attack. Patted me on the head and sent me home with tranqs. I looked at my husband and said, "Did I seem anxious to you?" He said no, I seemed very calm. I've been afraid to mention it to docs ever since for fear of getting the same reaction.

I too have had this and am experiencing it right now. I actually press my back against the wall to get a deep breath. Have been to the ER twice in the past thinking the worst and they ran all the tests mentioned above and found nothing. I am going to make an appointment tomorrow morning for this. Glad you brought it up Kelly as I was wondering if others experienced it as well. Funny thing is this time around when I lie down in bed I feel relief. In the past I had to prop myself up. Such a strange disease!

Joyce

Yup, I'm having problems with breathing, also.

My neuro has referred me to a pulmonologist.

I'm having problems breathing. Kind of asthma like problems, although asmtha for me has always been limited to the "cold induced" or "heat induced" variety.

I'm having a lot of gasping and coughing. Almost like sometimes I forget to breath. And waking up a lot at night.

DH swears it's not a snoring problem, and anyway, snoring wouldn't account for the problems I have during the day. Hopefully the pulmonologist will get to the bottom of it.

I hope it's not the hug. I would hate to hear that I just have to live with it.