Bad day.

Thank you all for your lovely comments, I just needed a virtual hug.

I have no intention of starting smoking again, I feel like I have never smoked now and it was for around 10 years when I did.

I stopped in October though and as I was starting to feel better I expected to go from strength to strength so was surprised to go back a bit. I didn't feel as bad yesterday though so I'll see how things go.

Crafting Yes, I know about inhalers as my son was an asthmatic as a baby and child and my brother and dad before that so I've been dealing with inhalers all my life in one form or another. The ventolin does it's job, I just didn't want to take on another medication, that's all. I'm on plenty as it is.

It is true Spring is coming and quickly too, bulbs already up and snowdrops dancing in the winter sun. My sweet peas which I ordered online have come and I will eagerly await sowing these next month. My fence will be done by then too so it will all start to come together for my new garden and then I can transfer my plants from the old house into this one, they are in containers now but are going in the ground here. I got some fence paint samples too in cerise and bright yellow so going to try those out but the neighbours might not like them.

I am normally upbeat and optimistic but I just had a down day, we all get them from time to time. I think when you deal with pain every day and then something else knocks you sideways too it can be hard to deal with. Just having a "feel sorry for me" day, I'll be ok now. But thanks again for your support, it really does help to set me straight again.

rubylady the ventolin is what they call a reliever which is supposed to open up the airways and help your breathing to be easier. Use it as advised and it may help. It it doesn't , try going back to the GP as there are other things you can try. If you were asthmatic for example there are other inhalers which are called preventers which are longer lasting action and help reduce the symptoms of breathlessness. Maybe you need some steroids to get you over this but please do try and get some more help. Losing weight may help too. My DH has lost 3 stone and his breathing has improved. As you say, not so easy to diet if you don't feel that good.

Hope you feel better soon

I think we are all getting a bit wobbly one way or another Ginny - hope that the pain in your leg improves soon.

Hope you soon feel better. Don't give upon the not smoking.

I had a bit of a moment earlier. Walking the dogs and a sudden pain went up my leg and is still hurting 2 hrs. later. Just feeling a bit down having had several different problems over the last 3 years. My new knees are wonderful , not a twinge from them but other things are stopping me from making the most of them. Still Spring is coming and there could be worse things wrong with me.

Don't give up on the quitting smoking - I expect you were doing it for a long time, so it will take a while for the body to adjust. Just make sure you get your chest cleared by the doc every now and again if it is not improving.

Spring is round the corner!

Rubylady I am sorry to hear you are feeling so poorly, especially when having made the wise decision to quit smoking, you deserve to feel better.
It takes time of course, but I wonder what your doctor has said when you last saw him/her?
Have you had a blood test recently? It might be worth checking that for anaemia and of course blood sugar. But it also occurs to me that some of the symptoms you describe could be this nasty flu virus that so many people have had this winter.
Good luck!

rubylady, have you considered going to yoga classes? You just do what you can and nobody pushes you to do something you are not comfortable with. It is also a good way of learning relaxation which may help you sleep. The breathing exercises could help your lungs. Our local Age UK runs classes for the over 50s.
I am over 60 and therefore get daytime use of a local sports club for just over £20 a month. I do yoga, swimming and aqua aerobics. I haven't used the gym yet but am thinking about it.

I understand you've had it with the doctors, ruby. When it comes to breathing, though, it's wise to call and check in again. I hope you feel better tomorrow.

It is not uncommon to become wheezy after giving up smoking. I think all the guk that has accumulated in one's lungs loosens and causes a "smoker's cough" even though you may not actually have had one when you were smoking. It doesn't last too long but it's tiresome while it's around.