I've had pouchitis off and on for the past year and I think, after the last round of meds, it's gone for now. Something I've started to experience with or without it is trouble getting deep breaths. Has anyone experienced something similar? It doesn't feel like a lung condition, but it feels like something down in the gut... like a really full stomach and maybe like it's pushing against parts, pushing against other parts. I've always been able to tap into those deep breaths in the past and something is off since the appearance of pouchitis earlier this year.
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This is something you really should speak to your Doctor about, and determine whether some diagnostic testing might be appropriate. I have had pouchitis for 18 years and taken many treatments for it but never had any trouble breathing or taking deep breaths. It may or may not be related. The only time I ever had trouble breathing in my life was playing sports and getting hit and having the wind knocked out of me.
Unless you have a respiratory disorder, the only thing I can think of is that you have developed a hiatal hernia over time. This is really common and has nothing to do with pouchitis and/or your j-pouch. I agree that you need to talk to your doctor about this, as it is not normal.
Jan
Jan
CT, thank you for your reply... yes, I will be speaking with him about it. And Jan, you guessed it, I do have a hiatal hernia. The discomfort is typically a bit higher up, like, right at the breast bone, but this is lower... like something is putting pressure on my stomach. Reminds me of when our son was little and would sit on my tummy, etc. I wonder if the hernia can move itself downward? I am very uncomfortable wearing a bra or any type of top that is snug in the chest or stomach... all clothing is super loose right now. Even the button on my jeans can get uncomfortable and make me have to unbutton to get a deep breath. Thanks so much for your input!
Your hiatal hernia may be expanding (up higher in your chest), putting more downward pressure on your diaphragm.
Other things to think about is an inflamed gallbladder, but I'd expect more upper GI symptoms.
I get a similar symptom when I have rib inflammation, but I have known inflammatory arthritis.
This is "out there," but there is also the possibility of pleural effusion, which could cause that symptom. Lots of causes for it, but a simple chest x-ray could rule it out or in.
Again, only investigation would solve the mystery. But, Isincerely doubt there is any relation to your pouch.
Jan
Other things to think about is an inflamed gallbladder, but I'd expect more upper GI symptoms.
I get a similar symptom when I have rib inflammation, but I have known inflammatory arthritis.
This is "out there," but there is also the possibility of pleural effusion, which could cause that symptom. Lots of causes for it, but a simple chest x-ray could rule it out or in.
Again, only investigation would solve the mystery. But, Isincerely doubt there is any relation to your pouch.
Jan