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...
For the last few years since I was diagnosed I did OK. Stairs, fast walking , exercise and the like made my breathing hard. In the last few months I've found that just walking, bending, showering and minor activity causes the problem.My husband is frustrated with me because all I want to do is sit in the recliner so I can breathe easier.( I used to be a type 'A' personality, never slowed down) I used to use my nebulizer once every few months and my inhalers would expire before even half used. Now It's almost daily. I knew this was coming but so fast? Was it because I didn't use inhalers? How fast did you progress? Do any of you find exercise helps? Thanks for any help.
PS When people in Wally world stop to ask if you're OK because you're breathing so hard it's a little scary. I was walking pushing a shopping cart.
PS When people in Wally world stop to ask if you're OK because you're breathing so hard it's a little scary. I was walking pushing a shopping cart.
We all seem to progress at different rates- some due to what "type" of COPD we have, what stage we were diagnosed and a bunch of other stuff.. some have had this for man years with a slow progression, some not so long and with a faster progression..
Just my take on it.. for myself only.. I "did" this to myself ( unlike many here) and like many of life choices- have to deal with it. It does bite and I have days where I get so angry or frustrated or just dang tired of working so hard to breath but I will NOT let this disease ruin whatever time I have on this earth. Life is too short for anyone, much less folks with illness. Mine is at least giving me time to prioritize what I value in my life, some of life's events don't give many folks that option- so in the long run I consider myself lucky... even on the bad days.
And yes.. it was embarrassing at first when checkers and folks would look at me gasping and ask if I was ok.. but instead I'm now looking at it as how nice to see folks still care enough about others to even notice, much less ask...so I always thank them for their kindness .. once I catch my breath..lol
Maybe I'm addicted to rose colored glasses but I am me.. not my disease and I just do the best I can, as I can , for as long as I can.
As was suggested, get back to following what your dr. ordered; and start from there. It's possible your inhaler(s) are no longer as effective because your condition has changed - primary care and/or pulmonary dr may be required to evaluate your current state. And then you adjust accordingly. You CAN feel better than you do today!