GERD and Heartburn

I kinda have a long story but feel it's appropriate to explain my situation. I'm only 23 years old and after a breathing test, the doctors first told me they didn't see anything wrong and then re-diagnosed me with mild COPD. Which isn't cool, considering I'm only 23.

In March 2009, I got sick. I was misdiagnosed several times before finally they said I had a bad gallbladder. Well I didn't have surgery until July 24, 2009. In that time I lost 100 pounds due to my inability to eat anything but 2 cups of white rice a day and as much water as I could manage to drink.

After surgery, I began getting my life back to normal. I accepted a good job and began smoking again. I had briefly smoked off and on for 6 months prior to getting sick. this time I smoked from about October until the first of January. That's when this all began. I couldn't breathe for nearly a full 5 seconds or so. Which doesn't seem like long unless you can't breathe, then it's forever.

I quit smoking immediately and saw a doctor which is when all the diagnosing happened as I stated above. After not being satisfied with that diagnoses. I went to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Because it almost always feels like it's coming from my throat and not my chest. I don't cough, I rarely wheeze, it's always just a feeling of not getting enough air, or like my airwaves are blocked. The specialist said I have laryngospasms, I think is what he said. He put my on Nexium for GERD and while it's been a little better, I still have extreme difficulty swallowing sometimes and several times during the day have trouble breathing.

I don't know what's wrong with me, and I'm terrified that at only 23 years old I feel like I have the breathing capabilities of a lifelong smoker. I just started a great job, I am expecting my first child in October, and I really just want to enjoy life. But I can't anymore, not since this has taken over my life.

If someone has any insight before I go to the doctor again for this, I'd appreciate it.