Shortness of breath after stopping smoking

Very true...I find when I am busy I don't even think about it...as soon as I have some idol time i am focused 100% on my breathing....

I have not cheated once since July 12, 2012, my first day of freedom. I would not take a chance as I would be right back to my one pack per day in no time. My throat would be burning, my head throbbing, and I would smell. No thank you. All I have been saying after all that, is that I thought I would be feeling like a million bucks! In the past few months, I have developed a wheezing and chest congestion, but with walking, I do feel better! One of my daughters is a doctor and every time I see her, when she gives me a hug, I think she does it just to check if she can smell smoke! HaHa! We are all be better, not smoking, than if we were!

They way your first post sounded was like you have been suffering the whole time. The wheezing and congestion could be from a lingering cold this has been a rough cold season. since your daughter is a doctor what does she say about all this? I would take those symptoms any day over the SOB and anxiety most of us have been having...Keith

I have not been suffering physically for 18 months, probably more mentally, as there hasn't been one day that I have not thought of smoking. I do have shortness of breath if I move! I have turned into a couch slug this winter, but I do not have anxiety, and I am lucky for that. Although my daughter is a doctor, I do not discuss my health issues with her! I love her dearly, but she doesn't need to be in my back pocket, and as much as I knew she always hated my smoking, she never said much. I am hoping for spring so I can get out and get moving! My original post was that I was wondering why after not smoking, why would I get shortness of breath and chest congestion the last couple of months. I think I may go to the doctor, but at least I will be able to say I haven't smoked in 18 months!

One thing I must say about developing SOB just 3 weeks after I quit is that it made it very easy to not want another cigarette because of how horrible I feel!... I have been so focused on my SOB that having a cigarette would be the last thing on my mind....

Also, I may be a lot older than you and smoked a lot longer also. It isn't easy doing this, but you must feel better, and also feel better about yourself. You have taken a big step taking control of your health and your life. As a previous poster had said, the more we get up and move, the better mentally and physically we will feel. I am all for that!

+1 no doubt

I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to downplay your quit. Your post was a little vague on all your symptoms. It sounds like you are having a tough time like the rest of us. I am 45 and have been smoking for 28 years. I know it will take time mentally to heal. I think about smoking daily because everywhere I turn I see someone lighting up or see them for sale at a store and they then come into mind. It does not bother me at this point anymore as I am more angry that I ever started in the first place. I wish you all the luck I know this is tough road but we will succeed. Keith

Looks to me like I wasted A year of my life by quiting, seems like everyone is dieing in their 60s and 70s I turn 70 this year not a very long life to look forward too. but at least I will die clean.Thanks Ralph

I don't know about that my father in law is 76 and quit smoking when he was 70 and he feels great travels all over and he does not think of dieing anytime soon. Get out enjoy life and be happy you did a great thing by quitting.

Hi Richard. Have you gotten any heart palpitations? I haven't had shortness of breath, but I quit smoking cigarettes 2 weeks today. I was occasionally smoking the electronic cigarette (Blu), which I stopped 3 days ago. So, I have been totally nicotine free for 3 days, and free from the other poisons for 14 days. For the past 2 weeks, I have been experiencing heart palpitations daily, especially when I am sitting on my couch (relaxed). I went to the ER, and everything was fine with my blood pressure and pulse. The EKG showed that I was having palpitations, and I was told everyone gets them, it's just some that people don't feel them and some do - and to contact a cardiologist if I am still concerned. I am 40 years old, and have smoked for 23 years. Besides having thick phlegm in my chest, I have not experienced any side effects (no coughing). Just palpitations and feeling like my heart is not beating properly every time I am relaxed.

Yea I hear you , but 70 is pretty close to 76 but thats o k we all grow old and thats life, this summer I m going away for 4 months I hope you people will be o k , It seems if I m not here to post nobody posts so you people start posting so this board don t die, it will if you don t post my ws o b has been pretty bad latley it seems as if it gets pretty then all hell breaks lose. But its a hell of a lot better than it was A few months ago, I wish you people the best. Thanks Ralph.

I'll still be around

I'm still around and check daily. I'm trying something new for my anxiety called Ignatia Amara seems to work well. It's homeopathic. Keith

I will still be here also. I think we all should be to offer encouragement to others because we can all stay tobacco free. I don't ever want to pick up another cigarette!