Breathing issue last night

[dkcarl62]

I've done some searches to see if this has been discussed prior, and couldn't find anything discussed like what I experienced. I don't know if it could be called a diaphragm spasm or not?

During the night, whenever I change position in bed, I get leg spasms. Sometimes cramps follow, most times not. The spasms don't start until I engage my muscles to move. In other words, I can wake up and lie there and be fine until I start to change position.

Last night I woke up (and felt fine), but when I started to roll on my side, I suddenly couldn't draw in any air. It felt like my diaphragm couldn't expand to take it a breath. I lay there gasping about three times before I could finally breath normally again. There was no pain. I was fine for the rest of the night.

So was that a diaphragm spasm? Is it something I should notify my neuro about immediately? Is there anything that treats/prevents them? Anything I should know or do? I was a rather terrifying experience. I hope someone can reassure me that I won't die from this if it happens again.

Deb

 

[Diane H]

If this is a spasm due to spasticity (a sudden stiffening of a group of muscles that prevents voluntary movement) and not a cramp (a very painful contraction of a muscle) Baclofen should help. If it is a cramp, quinine is terrific if you can get the doctor to prescribe it. Drinking tonic water also supplies quinine but you need to drink quite a bit. There are muscle relaxants that may work without major side effects but you will probably have to try different ones to see what works best.

 

[dkcarl62]

Thanks for your reply, Diane. It was not a cramp and I do take Baclofen, but maybe I need in increase dosage? Will discuss with my neuro.

Deb

 

[Tractor Boy]

Hi Deb!

I was having similar issues. They added tinZANidine to my Baclofen regimen and I haven't had that issue since. Best, TB

 

[dkcarl62]

Thanks, TB! Next neuro in July. Will discuss then.

Deb

 

[Green Queen]

Wow Deb, frightening. I can't help with tips and advice, thankfully that hasn't happened to me. At one stage they did think I had heart trouble but I was assured by my dad's cardio (dad has triple bypass at 59) at my appointment that my heart was fine.
I really hope this doesn't happen again to you Deb, and the medication change idea might help.
God bless, Janelle x

 

[Tractor Boy]

Deb, I meant I was having excessive cramping at night and the tin ZANidine helped for that only, not the breathing thing. However, I've also had episodes where I couldn't catch my breath. It happens when I aspirate while taking my meds with water. The water (or pill) seems to block my windpipe not allowing me to inhale. I saw the swallow specialist at UofM and she has me putting thickener in my water...it helps a lot.

However, my worst experience was after brushing my teeth last week. A little toothpaste/water mixture seemed to bridge itself across my windpipe and I couldn't inhale. It was afraid to try to cough thus depleting myself of any remaining air in my lungs. Thought I was gonna die right there...very scary! Something finally broke loose and allowed me to breathe.

What you described makes me think (unprofessional opinion) that you may have dislodged some phlegm and it bridged your windpipe, similar to my encounters. My respiratory therapist has ordered a "cough assist" gizmo for me.

Does this make any sense? I hope so! TBJ

 

[dkcarl62]

Yes, that makes sense, TB. I don't have issues swallowing (yet?), but I was using the dry mouth treatments, XyliMelts, and while they work very well, I'm thinking that it caused that windpipe bridging you described. Yes, very scary. Or it could be phlegm or allergy related mucus. Did I mention how very, VERY scary it was? All of us here reading this understand.

Deb

 

[Green Queen]

Deb I've just remembered a tip from this forum. I'm a bit useless with the finer details but I read that pineapple juice helps with phlegm. I've started taking the juice with my medication at night time. Only just started, so can't really tell you yet if it's made a difference, but may help you too...
God bless, Janelle x

 

[MaxEidswick]

>What you described makes me think (unprofessional opinion) that you may have dislodged some phlegm and it bridged your windpipe, similar to my encounters.

happens to me every morning!

 

[dkcarl62]

Thanks for the tip, Janelle! That sucks, Max!

 

[texastracy]

I use suction to clear mine.

 

[Green Queen]

Hi Deb.
Hoping your breathing issues are under control?
God bless, Janelle x

 

[dkcarl62]

No further incidents to report, Janelle, thanks for checking on me!

Deb