Can't breath

[jefmcg]

I think that's what it could be and thanks everyone for your input. Am making apt later today.

Let us know how you get on.

My thought would be (assuming the doctor doesn't want to send you off for cardio tests immediately) that you should get some Salbutamol/Ventolin and use it before the next ride. If the symptoms abate, then it's time to launch an asthma management program with your GP. If they don't, then back to the GP for further, more invasive investigation.

My mild asthma is kicked into touch by a few doses of ventolin. Other people need daily inhaled steroids. More serious cases need ... I don't know. Hopefully you don't find out either.

good luck!

 

[jefmcg]

He could provide more detail, like I suggested.

And what could he say that would make you confident to tell him he didn't have a problem? Please give an example that would make you completely confidant to tell a stranger who "feels like he can't breath(e)" to not talk to a doctor.

 

[Citius]

What exactly is your problem with this thread? GPs would much rather see people who turn out to have nothing much wrong with them than people who are dying because they didn't want to waste the doctor's time. I don't think you are a doctor are you?

Nobody said he shouldn't go to the doc ffs...

 

[Citius]

And what could he say that would make you confident to tell him he didn't have a problem? Please give an example that would make you completely confidant to tell a stranger who "feels like he can't breath(e)" to not talk to a doctor.

I would ask him the questions I mentioned earlier

 

[jefmcg]

I would ask him the questions I mentioned earlier

which questions? From your deleted post? I can't see any questions in your remaining posts, and I missed the deleted one.

Can you give an example of one of your questions, and a hypothetical answer that would make you confidant to tell him not to see a doctor?

 

[Citius]

No, my post on p2 which you clearly haven't read.

 

[jefmcg]

Nobody said he shouldn't go to the doc ffs...

I don't think we speak the same language.
To me, saying "I feel like I can't breathe" is describing "shortness of breath". Not to you apparently.

To me saying "visiting the docs could be a waste of everyone's time" means "don't go to the doctor [under these circumstances]". Not to you, again, apparently.

I'm sorry, but I'm only fluent in colloquial english. Sorry to assume you were too.

 

[jefmcg]

No, my post on p2 which you clearly haven't read.

ok, found it

"A snapshot of symptoms like the OP has given is meaningless without some context or reference to how hard he had been riding, how long he had been riding, how long he has been riding for in general, his state of general health, weight, habits (like smoking) and whether he has any pre-existing conditions or pre-disposition to symptoms like those described."

what answers would mean he shouldn't see a doctor? eg "I feel like I can't breathe every time I ride up hill, but I have only been riding for 3 weeks" then he shouldn't double check with a physician, who can take his pulse and listen to his heart?

 

[Citius]

3rd post page 2

 

[Citius]

In which case, shut the forum down, cos the answer is always going to be 'go to the doc's...

 

[jefmcg]

In which case, shut the forum down, cos the answer is always going to be 'go to the doc's...

Yes, for a symptom as serious as "I feel tight chested and it's like I can't breath".

 

[Brian Stacks]

I feel that people may be taking this far too serious. To fill u all in a bit. I have been riding for a year between 30 to 50 miles every week. I don't smoke and I'm not over weight. Still love riding just wanted advice.

 

[jefmcg]

For what it's worth I agree with Citius, in that I don't understand what this forum is really for. The sensible advice is always going to be to go and talk to a qualified doctor who knows what they're talking about.

Hmm, interesting point.

If someone has symptoms that could represent a life changing/ending diagnosis, or a well understood disease, take that to a doctor, and rule out the obvious. The NHS is brilliant for that.

For someone with a niggle, that probably won't kill them, the NHS is not so good. People's experience might be really helpful. Also, for the above once the NHS has come back with "you seem healthy".

I'm particularly in favour of steering men towards formal medical care, because men seem to be reluctant to use it. I have a friend, who had a nagging cough, and was referred to a chest specialist. He didn't get around to seeing the specialist for a year, and when he did, the benign growth (that the GP suspected) was now the size of an orange impinging on his spinal cord so closely, that after cracking open his chest, they sewed him up again without removing it. Radiotherapy reduce it, and he's fine now, but had to adopt kids.

So we are doing good here, sending a poster to the GP. If that's all this forum does, that seems plenty. Most posting here don't see to need that referral.

 

[jefmcg]

I feel that people may be taking this far too serious. To fill u all in a bit. I have been riding for a year between 30 to 50 miles every week. I don't smoke and I'm not over weight. Still love riding just wanted advice.

Yup, I think you are fine. I bet you have mild asthma like me, and you will have sorted it out in a few days.

(mine came back around 30, after being quiet for 20 years. it's never been life threatening.)

 

[slowmotion]

I feel that people may be taking this far too serious. To fill u all in a bit. I have been riding for a year between 30 to 50 miles every week. I don't smoke and I'm not over weight. Still love riding just wanted advice.

I was riding about 90 a week, I wasn't overweight, but I was an ex-smoker. I dodged the GP for years. Daft really. Have you made that appointment? It's probably nothing at all, BTW, but what have you possibly got to lose?