Breathing difficulties - anyone else?

Question for you all:

has anyone ever had a harder time catching their breath when their numbers are low? This is happening more and more for me, and I don't like it one bit. It is a feeling deep in my chest like there is water in there or something. It's different than the normal exhaustion and fatigue - this is less fatigue and more a weird feeling inside - sort of a crushing feeling in my chest.

It makes me wonder if there's ever been a case of someone bleeding into their lungs because of ITP. Anyone know about that?

I got hoarse on high doses of pred.

I would make sure you don't have a lung infection that could occur on even low doses of pred (and other immunosuppressive regimens??)

(sorry, don't know or remember your current treatment)

Mark

Thanks Mark - I actually haven't been on any treatment for some time now (except a dexamethisone pulse in September).

This lung things has gone on for a while though - I would imagine it isn't an infection, but of course I'm not a doctor so I guess it could be as well.... But it would have been in there for months and months.

I go through periods where I feel short of breath - like I always have to yawn, or gasp a big breath. I don't know what it is but it comes and goes. It could be just stress - I don't have physical symptoms to suggest I'm not getting enough air except the gaspiness. After a week or two of it, my chest muscles are actually sore from the gasping. There is no other pain or symptoms so I try to ignore it and it always goes away after a while.
Erica

eklien,
I have experienced some of the same. I think is is due to lack of cardio excersise. I also have spells where it feels like my heart pauses for a few seconds, gets out of rhythm and then returns to normal. It really feels wierd!!

Well I can't rule out lack of exercise because for sure I don't get enough exercise. The question would then be, why does it ever go away?
I do find that I'm able to kick it up when I need to - rushing through airports, climbing the stairs to my 4th floor hotel room. I just don't do it enough.
Erica

I also think if I lost 15-20lbs, that would help.

I definitely could work out again - I've totally stopped in the last two years.

Weight is definitely not the issue for me for the chest thing- I'm now,and always have been, pretty thin and healthy. well, healthy except for my blood sucks

Have had Bronchitis twice and wonder if that has had an affect on my overall lung function.

I have asthma as well as ITP. I've never had an attack but when I'm stressed or the weather is really muggy (I live in Hawaii) I feel a tightness and end up taking my asthma inhaled meds. I have a daily tablet I take all the time but the inhaled steroids have resulted in more bruising so only take them when I feel I need them - not often. I'd definitely ask the Dr. to do some breathing tests to see if you might have something like that. Good luck. Angie