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 have severe 4th stage emphysema. I used to be able to do some chores or move about for 2 or three minutes at a time. But about 10 days age, and now I can only get out of my chair for 40 or 50 seconds. I live in Michigan and every day it's something different. Too hot, too humid, too windy, too cold, a front coming through, or it's pollen, hay, cottonwood trees, grass mowing, etc, or it's stress. Nothing seems to be in my favor. The truth is, my lungs cannot filter the elements anymore. I have 32% of lung capacity. And can;t get out of my chair for more than a few seconds......Am I nearing my death date? I really don't know. My Dr. is so vague with me.....and still tells me to keep pushing myself.....I can't push anything, especially myself. Somebody help me figure this out!
Only God know the length of our lives. I too have end stage emphysema. I've asked Him innumerable times and all I get back is not yet. So obviously if we haven't passed on, then He's got more work for us.
A couple of questions. Are you on home oxygen? Is your doctor a pulmonologist?
Hugs,
Dennis
But I could not even loosen one wheel nut before I was totally spent and abandoned the whole idea...Its times like these I too feel life is just not worth the effort....but I have to keep reminding myself that no matter how disillusioned I feel that this is the only life I have...
Hope things brighten up for you a little even though I fully understand what you feel....Hugs Peter
Severe 25% Some days I can barely get around others i am able to do things i thought I could not do. ( I then pay the next day though) Just keep taking that one more step.
Hugs and prayers,
Tom
are you on prednisone and possibly an antibiotic? If not, the pred will enable you to breathe easier and the antibiotics will defend or diffuse any infections. If you are on these meds then you might be having an exacerbation. I would definitely seek a second opinion. I'm at severe stage with at 23% and I wish I had yours at 32%!
It really sounds like you're having a bad exacerbation. I had the same symptoms in September 2013 which included a bad dose of pneumonia as well. Go to ER if you have to, but you need to get to a hospital. Good luck
God speed...
Your Doc is there to help you, ask him for help but some questions he does not have the answer for.
Everyone here cares so much for each other, and for you. Perhaps if you see counselor, even a church pastor, it will give you someone to talk with that might have answers that will help you.
Quit dwelling on the END...when it comes, it will come. Only God knows that date. Dwell on the beginning, because this is a beginning of a new lifestyle for you, and you can do it. You may be slow, weak, but even walking a foot a day then adding to t, will help you. If you are not on oxygen, you need to be, and if you are, it may have to be adjusted.
I hope you help thins get better for you. There are many folks that want to help, but you have to put on your big girl panties, and get out there.
Love you like a sister, ny friend
BJ
an exacerbation really puts me in the dirt and I feel the same way, cant do anything for awhile.
I hope you get to felling better , hugs
I only want to correct ONE thing I said in my comment to you. It is a mis spelling. I had commented that I am not in Corpus Christi visiting with my daughter...It should read I am NOW in corpus visiting with my daughter. I will be here for two weeks.
I hope you get to the doctor and get a good check up and tell him about how you feel and your sob, and ask about the oxygen situation.
Please start being pro active, and Dennis has some good questions too. We can walk you thru this, but we can not do it for you.I think you might be still in denial, but you have a lot of good years left most likely if you get the correct doctor, therapy, meds, and help. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
BJ
Always loving thoughts sent your way . . .
it help me when i get cool air me my lungs from standing in front of my air con distortion, see how you feel doing that at times, summer is hard on all of us, dont give up.....please....hugs..
This summer has been hard on us, very hot,windy, now a cold front with extreme winds, and who knows what else.
I think you could walk more with prednisone and better antibiotics, someone said that. There are many here at end stage and have been for years, You have to look at this as a new beginning, It has all been said, now you have to believe that we care about you and want to help you sweetie. Panicking will only make you worse,
It's time to make some changes, please stay positive,
Hugs.......
Any movement you can manage is better than nothing