More information please. What size tank..when you say water is ok... give specifics. Sand, gravel, plants live or silk. Filtration. Temperature, tank mates, stocking numbers.

Any other symptoms? Flashing, flicking, rapid respiration?

Sounds like bacterial distirburing swim bladder. How do you feed, what, how often. Goldfish need plant matter. Salt is extremely helpful... Epsom for laxative purposes.

Please give more information. Best Sherry

Good link on swim bladder. (many more with a search)

If you have some (I had tons left over) castor oil (which now comes odorless) with a bit of pea is a great laxative. Medicinal as well. Just a touch and must make sure water stays clean. SLM

xxxhttp://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Swimbladder-Disease-in-Goldfish

Hi Sherry,
Thanks for all the info, but actually I was up all night did a lot of research. It seems as though they were having trouble breathing. Something in the water was not allowing the water to retain oxygen. That is why they were swimming sideways at the top trying to get oxygen in the gills, but now after 4 water changes that night, and removing the tank top, keeping the temperature cool and leaving our fan on the whole time in that room, they are okay. I am really happy I didn't give up! They are swimming happy now :)