COPD & Emphysema Support Group

I can't help you, because you are not the only one that does this. Maybe it will help to know you are not the only one! You are not alone!
Hugs,
Carol

Try to do something that takes your mind off of it. I do crosswords or staying on the net. If you get your mind engrossed in something else for a while you forget about the breathing part. I Wish you the best.I know its hard but we learn how to deal with it one day at a time.
Hugs,
Nellie

Thanks very much Carol. It does help to know I am not alone with much of this stuff..that's why this site is so great.

And..Thank you Nellie...I used to do crosswords..think I'll get back to them :)

Please Take care and thanks very much.

Valmo,
Carol and Nellie are spot on. It does help knowing that you are not alone with this disease. It is real hard not to think about it, but like Nellie says a hobby will help take your mind of things for a moment and let you catch your breath. Before you know it the breaths will come easier and then you will stop concentrating on every breath. I think that most of us here "have been here and done that."
You have found an excellent group of people here. Lots of information and support along the way too !! Another excellent form of information is the Emphysema Education Group that is here founded by the one and only Capt'n Digi and BreathEasy. If you have questions do not be afraid to ask.
Back to your question, Yes you are making sense, no you are not going crazy, well not yet. Hang around here long enough and well lets just say the chances may increase a little. Laughter is the best medicine and so I would suggest, put your feet up, grab a cup of whatever you partake in and enjoy the ride.

Best of Luck
Wes

I agree. If you can find something that makes you concentrate only on that, then you'll forget about your breathing. For me the best thing is my little Nintendo DS. It's a hand-held video game player, so I don't have to sit in front of a tv or computer. I can get all snuggly with a blanket in my easy chair. I like puzzles mostly like Brain Age or Mah Jong, but I also occasionally play Super Mario Bros or Sonic Rush. It's fun! And an hour can go by when I haven't thought about my breathing. Sometimes that feels like a miracle.

Another thing I do is play the piano. I have to focus on reading the notes, and trying to not have my finger trip over each other, so I have to put my lungs on "ignore." If you have an instrument that you play, that's a gift. Also things like painting or crafts.

Hugs, Sue

Thanks so very much Wes and Sue.

I really appreciate it. You folks are very special.

Will take your advice.

Hi Valmo, we're all in the same boat here, each of us need to find the right paddle to get us on track. you might ask your Dr about an anti Anxiety medication. also you might ask about some Pulminary rehab, they will work with you on breaathing techniques. Take care out there in the wild country OldBoyScout

Old boy scout has hit the nail on the head. If you are going to concentrate on your breathing than do it in such a way that it is productive to you. Pulmonary Rehab is the idle start. If this is unavailable try the fitness video www.gentlefitness.com. Breathing exercises are vital. Failing all else get on a treadmill and monitor your breathing as you walk in a controlled enviroment. Mine has improved at least 20 percent (my calculation not docs) and i no longer obsess about it every second of the day. I only did this because i found it so difficult to breathe. Another trick i have just learned is to blow up a balloon each day. That was darn hard work but i am persevering. Whatever steps you take it is wonderful to see you caring enough about your own health to ask questions......hugs ozzie

Thanks very much Ozzie.

Great advice...you all got me motivated :)

I really appreciate it.

hi thank god i found this site it is so helpfull i thought i was going mad to as all i think about is my breathing.the people on this site are great i have been on it 3 days now and it has helped me with a few things .its good to know iam not alone.