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...
I am in my fifties and was diagnosed with severe COPD/Emphysema 3 yrs ago. The pulmonologist told me my breathing is stable and I'm at 37%. I haven't smoked for 3 years, take Spiriva and am on oxygen at night. I am very and do yoga and recumbant biking or walking almost daily. I've gotten stronger physically in the last year. I also have IBS, GERD iincluding a hiatel hernia with esophogeal spasms and Scoliosis, anxiety and depression.
I do get short of breath of course sometimes but that goes with the disease. Anyway, last night I had walked up some steps and was cooking supper and I got sob and couldn't get my diaghram to cooperate. If I got a breath in it felt like I couldn't get anything out. I do pursed lip breathing all the time. My IBS has been acting up and I've been bloated so I though maybe because I had gas my diaghram wouldn't work right to let me get a breathe out. My pulse said my oxygen level was up in the 90's. I struggled off and on all night with my oxygen on. It's a little better this morning but not great. I go to the pulmo on Tues. He's usually doesn't talk a lot.
I was just really scared. Could this be a sign of an exacerbation? Maybe it's my stomach stuff? Any feedback would be welcome. Thanks.
I do get short of breath of course sometimes but that goes with the disease. Anyway, last night I had walked up some steps and was cooking supper and I got sob and couldn't get my diaghram to cooperate. If I got a breath in it felt like I couldn't get anything out. I do pursed lip breathing all the time. My IBS has been acting up and I've been bloated so I though maybe because I had gas my diaghram wouldn't work right to let me get a breathe out. My pulse said my oxygen level was up in the 90's. I struggled off and on all night with my oxygen on. It's a little better this morning but not great. I go to the pulmo on Tues. He's usually doesn't talk a lot.
I was just really scared. Could this be a sign of an exacerbation? Maybe it's my stomach stuff? Any feedback would be welcome. Thanks.
It sounds as though you have two or three problems going on and any digestive problem can cause havoc with the pulmonary system.
I would definitely see the doctor about this.
You mentioned you were bloated. Do you by any chance have edema along with that? I do at times (have edema and bloating) and it causes me to be extremely short of breath. When I take Lasix and bring the water retention under control, my breathing improves dramatically.
Good you are talking to your doc about it. Hope you feel much better soon!~
Certainly as the last two comments have suggested, a case of see your doc asap.
I also have GERD, and I'm wondering if it could possible be an esophageal spasm that you are experiencing. I watch my diet, raise the head of my bed, and take 2 Nexium daily (before breakfast and supper), but sometimes, for whatever reason, I'll get these. I don't know if they feel the same in everyone, because, to me it feels like a heart attack. I can even have pain going up my jaw, and develop a cold sweat. But I can also see how this could cause your diaphragm to feel uncontrollable. If it happens again, try taking a sip or two of very cold water. It was just a little thing that I discovered quite by accident. I didn't even think I could swallow while in the midst of the spasm, but I managed it, and lo and behold, the spasm let up immediately! I tried a few more sips, and they felt really good. So if your doctor is puzzled, you might mention spasms to him.
Good luck, and I hope this helps a bit.
Hugs, Sue
Hugs,
Joni
P.S. Your pic is so nice!!!!
Hugs, Sue