Melmyers1107 - like rainday107 wrote, I have absolutely zero medical qualifications. Cutting out smoking might help physically, but know how hard this can be psychologically to quit if it helps with anxiety, etc. I wonder if it might be panic attacks? I have them, and when they first manifested, I truly felt that I was having a heart attack, chest compressed so hard I could not breathe, extreme panic. After being rushed to the ER several times, the doctor finally figured out what was going on. They still scare me, but I'm able to deal as I have more experience now.

Seeing a doctor really might be a better option - If you don't mind my asking, do you have specific reservations about seeing one, or perhaps its a cost issue (which I can understand). Adding pain pills to the mix might just aggravate the situation....

It's been a bit since you posted - have you had any success in identifying/dealing with this? Hope you will post update, if you feel like it.

Take care