What is COPD Emphysema
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a group of respiratory tract diseases that are characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. It is usuall...
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Fatique, What should I do?
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I am a 64 male with COPD, w/ Emphysema. A recent PFT indicated about a 55% lung function. I am 6 foot tall and weight 238, (agreed that I am over weight by 50+ lbs.) I have an arthritic hip that pains me after walking unaided over 20-30 yards. After almost any physical activity I become extremely tired and out of breath. Pursed lip breathing helps reduce the disconfort, buth the respite only lasts until the next exercise. Burning in my legs, and shoulders are also part of this problem. My hip will be aching and I must sit down until this all passes. As you can guess me doing any projects can take a long time due to the many rest breaks I must take.
The Pulm. Doc says that there is no major change from 6 months ago, yet I know that I am in more discomfort than before. Should I go back and ask for a timed walk Test and a Arterial Blood Gas test to determine if I need O2? My at -.rest Pulse Oximeter readings are consistanctly run 92-96 % Posted on 09/20/09, 01:09 pm |
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I doubt it. I have pulseoxes in the 92-96 range, too. But I also have a lot of arthritis pain. My hunch is that you should find a doctor who can address your arthritis and limb discomfort. I doubt if they are related to lack of oxygen.
It sounds like you are controlling your COPD well, and using pursed lip breathing is always a necessity for us. Is Pulmonary Rehap available in your area? Perhaps that is the question that you should be asking your doctor. They will put you on an exercise program that will help you maintain what you have with your breathing. And they will address the many questions that I'm sure you have. Just a thought. Take care! Hugs, Sue 
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Sue is right.
I know with COPD we tend to have some muscle wasting and "deconditioning" that occurs because of the disease limitations. I think possibly with your pain/ mobility restrictions this maybe increases the fatigue/ exhaustion because you already were a bit limited due to pain and now with the SOB limited even further. The good news for you is your lung functions were unchanged... that's really encouraging. A pulm rehab program has a physical and occupational therapists involved and both of these folks could also give you excellent tips on working with both your conditions. Might really be worth a shot and help you keep your lung functions at the current levels while improving your functioning ability. Hugs, Lisa
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I sleep when I am tired. Why not? I am 73, have about 30 % of lung capacity. I live on a walk up to second floor. I noticed I became a lot more winded when I was carrying groceries. I asked my self, I could stand to lose some of my pot belly anyway, so what would losing ten pounds or so hurt.
As it turned out, it helps a lot. I still am not planning to run an Iron Man but now I don't need to stop and rest as often as I walk my dog. And it is easier to climb my steps too, groceries or not. Crusty Jim
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I get so very tired for having to try so hard to breathe. If i go walking , i cant go very far because im all tired out. Just carring my cane poops me out.
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