Looking for Tips for Shortness of Breath

By Hammer

1 min read

Massive heart attack 1 1/2 years ago, was very physically active and now with the shortness of breath it’s very frustrating not being able to do much.
Is there anything that can help with shortness of breath?

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Kimberly Broughal Member
<inline-mention username="Hammer" user-id="4244280"/> I agree with you in that it must be extremely frustrating not being able to do what you were able to before. I know other people in this community can relate to what you are going through. I have attached a link to an article about physical activity and heart failure. The forum is a great place to connect with others and know that you are not alone in this feeling the way you do. Have you spoken to your doctor about this? They may have some tips/information regarding shortness of breath along with some advice that could help the symptom. We are here for you and appreciate you sharing your experience with us. Hang in there! -Kim (<a href='https://heart-failure.net' target='_blank'>heart-failure.net</a>, moderator) 
1. OwenTGalica Member
 <inline-mention username="Kimberly Broughal" user-id="4243051"/> I have the shortness of breath. It’s very frustrating and depressing. Because this is the first time I’ve been correctly diagnosed I feel friends and family are still in the denial phase. They think I’m exaggerating or lying. So on top of not being able to breathe I have to deal with doctors and those around me always telling me to get up and do stuff, no matter how I’m breathing. The first step I figure everyone here has done - get an accurate dx. It also helps me to use 3 pillows and my cpap every night. I also was given a device that I can use to strengthen my breathing. It’s a smallish clear plastic with a tube to breathe in and an indicator tells me the level of your breathing and gives me an I opportunity to breathe and not have to be up walking around or something. I do walk also and it does help to clear breathing. But it’s impossible to get breathing improved until you start treatment for heart failure, especially getting diuretics and other meds correct. Hope this helps someone. I very much appreciate this group. 
2. John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="OwenTGalica" user-id="4496947"/> Hi. Thank you for sharing your own personal experience and for letting us know what works for you. Sorry, you have such a hard time getting the people around you to understand what it's like to be short of breath. You are not alone in this community, as there are many others in a similar boat, as I'm sure you know. Wishing you all the best. John. <a href='https://heart-failure.net' target='_blank'>heart-failure.net</a> community <a href='https://moderator-failure.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>moderator-failure.net</a> community moderator.
Kimberly Broughal Member
<a href='https://heart-failure.net/living/move-body' target='_blank'>https://heart-failure.net/living/move-body</a> Here is the link for you
John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Since this thread was started, we have a new post on our site that has tips for when you feel short of breath. I will post it here (<a href='https://heart-failure.net/living/shortness-breath-tips' target='_blank'>https://heart-failure.net/living/shortness-breath-tips</a>) for those who are interested in checking it out. Hope this helps. John. <a href='https://heart-failure.net' target='_blank'>heart-failure.net</a> community moderator.