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...
I just got back from a 4 day visit to Mayo due to extremely high liver enzymes of unknown origin that my family dr. thought might be a hepatopulmonary process.
The good news is that my enzymes have come down a lot and are now only 2x what they are supposed to be. The gastro dr., who didn't spend a whole lot of time with me, said since they are coming down he suspects it was drug induced. I don't take any over the counter stuff at all so he is blaming some of my herbal and amino acid supplements. I took NAC for my breathing and I also took Cordyceps, an Asian supplement that is supposed to help with energy and to slow the progression of COPD.
I also met with a staff pulmonologist who was one of the kindest doctors I've ever been to. He was honest that my COPD is severe and in spite of everything positive I've done I'm down to a 31 from 37 %. He said it may or may not be due to the fact that I hadn't taken my spiriva before the tests. My lungs are hyperinflated plus I have kyphscoliosis that hinders the breathing. He didn't mince words--said next step would be lung volume reduction. One positive thing is my husband went with me and I think he finally understands I have a serious chronic disease that isn't going to get better and I really need his support.
Thanks for listening!
Moe
The good news is that my enzymes have come down a lot and are now only 2x what they are supposed to be. The gastro dr., who didn't spend a whole lot of time with me, said since they are coming down he suspects it was drug induced. I don't take any over the counter stuff at all so he is blaming some of my herbal and amino acid supplements. I took NAC for my breathing and I also took Cordyceps, an Asian supplement that is supposed to help with energy and to slow the progression of COPD.
I also met with a staff pulmonologist who was one of the kindest doctors I've ever been to. He was honest that my COPD is severe and in spite of everything positive I've done I'm down to a 31 from 37 %. He said it may or may not be due to the fact that I hadn't taken my spiriva before the tests. My lungs are hyperinflated plus I have kyphscoliosis that hinders the breathing. He didn't mince words--said next step would be lung volume reduction. One positive thing is my husband went with me and I think he finally understands I have a serious chronic disease that isn't going to get better and I really need his support.
Thanks for listening!
Moe
My gastro doctor doesn't seem to favor suppliments either. He did offer Align as a probiotic but at the time it was RX and very expensive.
Your biggest ally is your husband because it makes our difficulties easier to explain if they are already cognizant of the different aspects of COPD. I find that less words are needed in the way of explanation to my husband, he just seems to get it.
Moe, Are you going to persue the LVR route? That would be my choice but am not sure if I am elgible any longer but I haven't given completely up on the idea.
You sound as tho you are very proactive in your care and that is to your credit. Wishing you the best of all things.
Anna,
That is one of the requirements to qualify and staying in shape, even if there is not looming surgery, is the key to our making good days.
Unfortunatley, in a town of over 1 million that I live in, there are no outpatient pulmonary rehabs. Sad but true, and those in charge of Medicare, Medicaid and the private insurance groups just do not get the idea of saving money (millions) by keeping more people out of the hospitals by way of rehabilitation is not a really a viable choice.
Maybe our brains are better oxygenated as we totally get it, don't we? Good breathing to all............