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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Gingercookie
Gingercookie

I was Diagnosed with COPD in June 2018 with only 39% lung function.  Thanks to a new doctor and pulmonary rehab I am doing better than I could every imagine.  I go to rehab 2 times a week and am enrolled in a fitness class 2 days a week.  Yesterday I was able to do 20 minutes nonstop on the elliptical.  I've been on Weight Watchers and although it has been slow I have lost 20 lbs.  I've been able to travel some and am planning a trip to NYC this summer.  I love NY and have a lot of friends there.  I thought I would never be able to make that trip again.  Very proud of the progress and the dedication I've put into my health and so happy with the results. 


It is hard sometimes to keep it up but I do it!  I find I am wiped out after exercise and don't have much energy left to do anything else.  My pulmonary nurse who is a fantastic coach and motivator wants me to do a little more in addition tothe 4 days a week I am enrolled in exercise classes.  Sometimes, although I know the difference in my health is major, I feel like all I do is go to exercise and don't have much left over for other things.  


Sometimes I wonder if I am just lazy or am I really that wiped out from all the exercise.  I live alone so I'm not accountable to anyone else when I am at home.  


Does anyone have any insight or similar experience?  

flowerwmn
flowerwmn
Hi Ginger, Do you use rescue inhalers? They help when needed for SOB (shortness of breath). I have to congratulate you on a 20 lb weight loss.. WW is great. I went a few years ago. I lost 10. and was happy with that. You are doing a lot of exercise. I went to Curves for seven years. Three times a week was enough for me.
I maintain with an inhaler every 12 hours and an oxygen every other night while sleeping. Occasionally I have a spell with chest pain and SOB. That's when I see my pulmonary Doctor. She prescribes prednisone and an antibiotic for seven days . That usually takes care of it. Best of Luck.
Gingercookie
Gingercookie
thanks for the reply I do use a rescue inhaler before all exercise sessions. So far I'm not on oxygen. The exercise has made a huge difference in the quality of my life so I'm going to keep at it

Thanks Flower
jazzkeys
jazzkeys
I also feel wiped out after exercise. With COPD exercise is what saves us. It is hard , I also live alone, some of my friends don't invite me to come out anymore, I think it is because I don't have the stamina I used to have. I can't dance long anymore or sing, 3 songs pretty much wipes me out now. I used to be a singer but the inhalers give me a scratchy throat and I lose my voice from time to time. My doc told me the inhalers are the cause. I have had COPD for about 8 years now.
jazzkeys
jazzkeys
I do use 2 inhalers, Spiriva and Advair diskus 500mcg twice a day,spiriva once a day. I only use ventolin,rescue, about 3 times a year, when its extremely cold or hot, or when i over exert myself. I also get SOB and have to take prednisone and antibiotics for 7 days. I was always underweight and prednisone made me lose weight so I looked awful, but the last time I took prednisone I gained weight so now I look healthy. I don't come here often anymore but check in once in a while. Good luck Flower and Ginger.
Gingercookie
Gingercookie
thanks jazz. take care
flowerwmn
flowerwmn
BTW I was diagnosed in 1994. That's 24 years and I'm still here to talk about it. I immediately stopped smoking and dedicated myself to healthier living and good COPD maintenance. Love and Hugs.
Gingercookie
Gingercookie
that's wonderful!
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