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...

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californialynn 12/16/2016

Hi,

I have a number of autoimmune diseases and about 6 years ago had a pulmonary embolism. During that time it was discovered that I have COPD. [I quit smoking in 1985 but the effects remain.] I also have very mild asthma.

Until recently I've been pretty well maintained on Spiriva. Lately it hasn't been as effective. I don't want to use steroids because of other drugs I take. Any suggestions?

Lynn

gwapo 12/16/2016

Lynn...I am sorry to say this once excellent forum is pretty non existant since they changed the format......There are a few of us at COPD Canada and the World, which is really great....As we cannot seem to post a Direct Link here, you can copy and paste the one below or go to Google and look under COPD Forums >>COPD Canada..

http://philns.proboards.com/

gwapo 12/16/2016

OK....The Link seems to be working now so click it xxxx

californialynn 12/16/2016

Thanks....will do tomorrow.

Same happened with the RA forum on DS........new DS caused many people to flee. Sad.

californialynn 12/17/2016

Low dose naltrexone.....for COPD?????

Did you give me a wrong link?

gwapo 12/17/2016

No idea what you ended up but the Link is correct..If you copy n paste ''COPD Canada and the world'' into your browser, you can find it easily ....

californialynn 12/18/2016

Clicked on the same link as the other day and now it's working. Thanks.

Kanadian 02/10/2017

I have had fair success with Spiriva but my Dr. is always wanting me to try something to try to ease things for me because I am at end stage and do often have very bad days. This week she has me trying Duaklir Genuair which you use twice a day. I really have not noticed any real difference but the taste of the Duaklir may be the defining factor for me. It is just so vile. Good luck and easy breathing

californialynn 02/10/2017

Thanks....Will look into it. Spiriva, for me, is not as effective as it once was.

gwapo 02/10/2017

I started off when I was already severe n been intubated, before I was diagnosed with Emphysema with Lung Function at 36%.......That is when I arrived with zero knowledge about this disease to this once terrific forum in 2012 and learned.

I started off with the Original Coticosteroid inhaler combo of Seretide500/Advair and Spiriva......

In 2014 the New LAMA?LABA Inhalers came out that were steroid free....There are a few available these days.....I was on Ultibro or Ultibron in the US.......As my disease progressed and after a few bad setbacks, my Fev.1 sits around 18-16%....plus i have Retention issues.....I am on Supplement Oxygen at 1 LTM for activity only.......

I now need more steroid in my med inhalers, so rather than add another ICS inhaler, I decided to go back to my old Seretide but now prefer the Spiriva Respimat Mist Delivery System rather than the wasteful and thrush prone Powder via the Handihaler.

californialynn 02/11/2017

I'm still in the early stages of this disease. You've just given me great info. Thanks.

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