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...
My husband has been going to the same medical practice (Family Physicians) for quite a few years. Originally he saw the Dr. who started the practice but as that Dr. got busier it was easier to get in to see one of the other Drs. in the practice. That Dr. would scold him about his weight and side effects of prednisone then give him a prescription. By last fall he was taking the 10 day prednisone regimen every 4 to 6 weeks. His oxygen intake was 3 1/2 to 4 lpm. and he could barely walk from the bedroom to the living room (maybe 20 to 25 feet) without stopping.
Not sure how but last fall when he called (yet again) for another dose of prednisone it came to the attention of his original Dr. who said no and made him come in for a checkup. At the appt. he pretty much read him the riot act. As a result in late December and early January hubby had his first physical in 4 or 5 years (diagnosed with early stage diabetes), went for new breathing tests, had a stress test, saw a cardiologist (diagnosed with A-Fib), and saw his pulmonologist (after 2 or 3 yr. absence).
Bottom line - since January he has lost 31 pounds - slowly by cutting back on fast foods, sodium, and late night snacks. He can now get along quite well on 2 to 2 1/2 lpm (3 if he exerts himself) and he can walk to the living room faster and without stopping. He still needs to exercise but his mood is better and he's moving around more than he was. Best of all he has not needed (or wanted) prednisone since that last dose in early December.
He goes back to both his Family Dr. and Pulmo Dr. next month and I have a feeling I won't have any problem getting him to make the appointments.
I'm always asking all of you for help and advice so I wanted to share some good news for a change.
Not sure how but last fall when he called (yet again) for another dose of prednisone it came to the attention of his original Dr. who said no and made him come in for a checkup. At the appt. he pretty much read him the riot act. As a result in late December and early January hubby had his first physical in 4 or 5 years (diagnosed with early stage diabetes), went for new breathing tests, had a stress test, saw a cardiologist (diagnosed with A-Fib), and saw his pulmonologist (after 2 or 3 yr. absence).
Bottom line - since January he has lost 31 pounds - slowly by cutting back on fast foods, sodium, and late night snacks. He can now get along quite well on 2 to 2 1/2 lpm (3 if he exerts himself) and he can walk to the living room faster and without stopping. He still needs to exercise but his mood is better and he's moving around more than he was. Best of all he has not needed (or wanted) prednisone since that last dose in early December.
He goes back to both his Family Dr. and Pulmo Dr. next month and I have a feeling I won't have any problem getting him to make the appointments.
I'm always asking all of you for help and advice so I wanted to share some good news for a change.
however he's doing it, he must be doing it right!
a whole liter less of 02! WOW! that is fantastic :)
((((HUGS)))))
trojan, why cut the meat & dairy? i thought we needed more protien with COPD? and carbs are the bad group for us?---am i doing it wrong again ;) ?
I see Jarca also had a question for Trojan Thunder regarding meat and dairy. This is I believe for those who need to maintain and or gain weight. Lots of us fall into this category.