For me, it made a world of difference when I was put on oxygen 24/7. I resisted at first and hated it. But soon learned I could do so much more than I could before.

If you have oxygen maybe you need to use it more.

I just know from how I feel when I need it most. And all the time
when exercising hard....or working hard.

Birdcat

My husband is on oxygen 24/7. I just wondered what you do to relax or what gives you comfort? Has anyone tried massage? Is there an essential oil you use? Is there a place you like to go that you find relaxing ect??? That kind of thing....thanks

To me, the most relaxing thing on earth (before I had COPD and now that I have it) is to sit on the beach and
watch the ocean.
And I plan on doing that soon on vacation.

Maybe you should try massage and see if that works for you. I have a friend who looks forward to it and benefits greatly. We're all
different in our preferences.

Hope someone else has more ideas for you.

Birdcat
p.s. the reason I mentioned the oxygen to you is because I find
that relaxing. It's not something I have to do 24-7 though. The
first time I put oxygen on here at home I felt so relaxed I fell
asleep for several hours.

I go out driving every day at least for an hour it makes me forget about my breathing because I am so focused on the road and other cars.

I sit down at the computer and do a albuterol nebulizer treatment while I play a game of chess, solitaire, or do a jigsaw puzzle.

i love my netflix :)
a nice drive, with someone else doing the driving, so i can enjoy just looking & talking their ears off :)
i also enjoy doing word search puzzles (in big print!)
a meal that someone else cooks & cleans up.
wow, a massage sounds wonderful! give him one val!!! ;)

hmmmmm,
i enjoy just going out in my yard & "piddling" around doing things at "my speed"; sometimes its just nice to be home & getting things done

Val, what a great question. I need comfort from others. I live alone with my little dog Einstein, but I wish so much that others who come around would comfort me in all the ways they can think of. What I mean is, talk kind to me, offer to help around the apt., sit near me and pat my hand or arm or whatever. I could use a massage, since my back is tied up in knots. I could use a foot massage and hand massage. I would love to be read to. I know this all sounds like a spoiled baby, but I cry sometimes wishing someone could hold me. It's all so very scary to me. I ask Jesus to put his arms around me and comfort me......I need others to get it, my condition is a death sentence....and I don't know how to deal with that.

Chelle- You are an amazing person! I admire your courage. I have found much comfort on this site and I am sure you will too. We are not alone and everyone here is facing the same issues. The tips and advice to feel better have helped me and my husband immenseley!! Death sentence?? We all have to face death in one way or another. We can draw strength from prayer and leaning on each other for support. that is my opinion.....

I think everyone, copd or not, needs a hug, a backpat or a handpat and some kindness and understanding whether they realise it or not. I remember one specific instance, it was just an awful and frusterating day and a stranger, a very nice old gal who most likely saw the stress in my face asked me if I was OK and to my surprise I felt very close to bursting into tears though fortunately I didn't. I didn't realise how awful I felt until someone showed me a little basic human kindness and sympathy. So, no I don't think it's being spoiled to want comfort and understanding from friends or even strangers for that matter. I will often try to chat with, joke to, or otherwise cheer up a stranger who looks distressed. When my mom was on her last 3 month stay in the hospital I often found myself comforting people in the ward my mom was in. Both patients and visiting family members. It just kind of comes natural to me.

We all need the touch of human kindness from time to time. For me, because of the pain in my thoracic region, I prefer to have someone take my hand & hold it.
Just yesterday hubby gave me a biggish hug & it hurt me, so he got upset because he feels I didn't want his affection. Unfortunately, I cannot just ignore pain because he wants to hug me. I need to let him know this may not be a good idea any more. I would much prefer he held my hand.

I can still do things for me and I am still very independant.I like to do nothing and I am very good at it,made into the fine art.
Walking outside brings me comfort and calm.
Since I got Emphysema I made silent prayer that when I stop being ME please let me go .
That is my comfort.
Hugs to all of you.

I like to go to Itunes and listen to commedy stations while I look around on the web at various forums.