My 71 year old husband was diagnosed with moderate to severe microvascular disease of the brain 3 years ago. 2 years ago he had a c-3/4 fusion to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, and 6 months later T 10/11 laminectomy to relieve pressure on the spinal cord in that area. He walks with complete assistance, and is confused much of the time. Almost every afternoon beginning around 3:00 he begins complaining he can t breathe. His pulse ox reads 97-98 before breathing treatment. His lungs are clear and he has not had a respiratory infection or pneumonia in more than 3 years. Could the feeling of not being able to breathe be part of his confusion? Or could it be more related to autonomic neuropathy? Thank you.

Summarized question: Is breathing difficulty related to autonomic neuropathy?