COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Hi, long time lurker, finally joined. I'm 50 years old and have had COPD about 6 years. Had my first PFT last August for clearance for surgery. My FEV1 was 0.96 pre and 1.12 post bronchodilator, putting me at stage III. My DLCO was also only 10.5.
I've quit smoking on and off over the years but have never been able to stick with it, partly due to the fact I could never get my hubby to quit too. Finally talked him into quitting in September and we quit for about a week. Then my son committed suicide and we started smoking again. At this point I don't ever see myself quitting, even though I know I need to desperately.
I was already suffering from depression and since September it has gotten much worse. Having a hard time dealing with it all. The more upset I get, the harder it is to breathe. I sometimes wonder if it is even worth it anymore.
I saw my pulmonologist on Monday with an exacerbation and am now on prednisone again, the third time in five months. I was due to start back to work today after being off since my son died. I work at a hospital and the employee parking lot is large, plus there is a long set of stairs leading up to the employee entrance. I find it extremely difficult to use the stairs, especially in the cold weather (live in Michigan). I asked my pulmo if I could get a disability plaque so I could park elsewhere and not have to take the stairs. He said I didn't need it, I was only 50 and nowhere near qualifying for one. I asked him if he could just write a note for HR so I could at least avoid the stairs for the next couple of weeks while I get over this latest exacerbation and he again said I didn't need it.
I'm wondering if I should try and find a new pulmo or if my COPD really isn't that bad. Having a hard time trusting my judgement anymore. I get very SOB with any exertion at all but am not on oxygen. How do you know when it is time to go on oxygen? My pulse oximetry is usually about 96% when taken in the doctor's office, but all I am doing is sitting there.
So very sorry for the long rambling post. It is 2:30 in the morning and I guess I got carried away. I don't sleep well most nights and it is even worse on the prednisone.
I've quit smoking on and off over the years but have never been able to stick with it, partly due to the fact I could never get my hubby to quit too. Finally talked him into quitting in September and we quit for about a week. Then my son committed suicide and we started smoking again. At this point I don't ever see myself quitting, even though I know I need to desperately.
I was already suffering from depression and since September it has gotten much worse. Having a hard time dealing with it all. The more upset I get, the harder it is to breathe. I sometimes wonder if it is even worth it anymore.
I saw my pulmonologist on Monday with an exacerbation and am now on prednisone again, the third time in five months. I was due to start back to work today after being off since my son died. I work at a hospital and the employee parking lot is large, plus there is a long set of stairs leading up to the employee entrance. I find it extremely difficult to use the stairs, especially in the cold weather (live in Michigan). I asked my pulmo if I could get a disability plaque so I could park elsewhere and not have to take the stairs. He said I didn't need it, I was only 50 and nowhere near qualifying for one. I asked him if he could just write a note for HR so I could at least avoid the stairs for the next couple of weeks while I get over this latest exacerbation and he again said I didn't need it.
I'm wondering if I should try and find a new pulmo or if my COPD really isn't that bad. Having a hard time trusting my judgement anymore. I get very SOB with any exertion at all but am not on oxygen. How do you know when it is time to go on oxygen? My pulse oximetry is usually about 96% when taken in the doctor's office, but all I am doing is sitting there.
So very sorry for the long rambling post. It is 2:30 in the morning and I guess I got carried away. I don't sleep well most nights and it is even worse on the prednisone.
Linda
There is on doubt I am using smoking as a crutch right now.
Thanks again for the support folks.
A glider really does sound soothing.
DLCO is an important number! and yours is very low.
did your dr do a 6 minute walk test?
normal pulse ox can be over 90% at rest, but a walk to the kitchen drops mine in the low 80's so that isn't a good test.
or a HRCT to see what your lungs look like inside?
i am not a dr but i would get a 2nd opinion & the proper tests done.
also, if anyone else in your family has had emphysema a alpha-1- antitripsin (sp) might be in order.
i am so sorry for the hardships you have endured.
my prayers are with you
((((HUGS)))
BJ
Hugs,
Dennis
it sure seems like you need another opinion.
if you are on your 3rd exacerbation in 5 months & are only given prednisone, maybe you aren't killing the infection & need an antibiotic?
and instead of just a placard have you had 6 minute walk test to see if you need supplemental 02? (which if you need 02 you will get the placard)
also, have you had a sleep study to see if you need 02 at night?
i'm not a dr, but it sure seems like you might want to get a 2nd opinion.
i am so sorry you are having to deal with so much at this time but please make sure to take care of your health ((((HUGS)))))