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...
Good morning friends,
On my last visit to the doctor on July 25th,he prescribed a third inhaler because of my breathing problems,I now take spireva in the morning and I use salbutomol/ventolin as a rescue inhaler when I need to.I now have a new puffer friend called symbicort which I take twice a day twelve hours apart.He also wants me to go to pulmonary rehab when they can fit me in,I'm now awaiting notice of my first appointment.I guess what I'm asking for is advice please,I've never been before and it would be nice to know something of what is required by me,and what I can expect from the people administering whatever it is they do there.As my COPD/Emphysema has obviosly progressed it is the next logical step in trying to give me back a little quality of life,or at least slow down the effects of this illness we all suffer from.It seems very strange to say,but I get exhausted simply by trying to breathe at times,I can't get my head around that sometimes,but it is what it is.Thank you for all your loving support,my day is better simply by knowing all you fine friends I now call my family,have a blessed day,
Warmest Hugs,
Scott xx
On my last visit to the doctor on July 25th,he prescribed a third inhaler because of my breathing problems,I now take spireva in the morning and I use salbutomol/ventolin as a rescue inhaler when I need to.I now have a new puffer friend called symbicort which I take twice a day twelve hours apart.He also wants me to go to pulmonary rehab when they can fit me in,I'm now awaiting notice of my first appointment.I guess what I'm asking for is advice please,I've never been before and it would be nice to know something of what is required by me,and what I can expect from the people administering whatever it is they do there.As my COPD/Emphysema has obviosly progressed it is the next logical step in trying to give me back a little quality of life,or at least slow down the effects of this illness we all suffer from.It seems very strange to say,but I get exhausted simply by trying to breathe at times,I can't get my head around that sometimes,but it is what it is.Thank you for all your loving support,my day is better simply by knowing all you fine friends I now call my family,have a blessed day,
Warmest Hugs,
Scott xx
Good that you are scheduled for rehab! If we are not active, muscles and organs atrophy. That is a one way street. Rehab is not really all that tough. It is something that you should do 110% and try to develop exercises that you can do at home long range.
Having resisted rehab at the start and finally given in and followed Doc's advice, I found that the quality of life and ability to function improved dramatically! They will teach you as much as you are willing to learn about living with this "illness".
I'll second what bill said. Been through rehab twice. The key is to continue to exercise. Once we lose that ability for daily exercise, our quality of life goes down quickly...
Hugs,
Dennis
Good luck to us.
Hugs,
Scott xx
I agree with all the advice given. I have been thru rehab, and plan on going again. They will take into account all your medical problems, and work with what you can do. After a while you will be amazed at the progress you made.
Brenda
when i came on this board & heard about pulmonary rehab (it was dennis or bill talking about it); i wished i had that opportunity where i live.
after my surgery, in april, i found it is rather amazing how long it takes to build up a muscle, but they sure atrophy fast!
since i don't have it available i have taken "heed" and try to keep as active as possible, and since i have physical therapy i take advantage to use their machines twice a week & practice my breathing that dennis put a youtube link on how to do :)
i hope you enjoy it and if you learn any interesting things; please share :)
YMCA complete with full workout gym, indoor track, huge hot tub and swimming pool. I bought a pulse ox for my finger so I could monitor my o2 levels and heart rate as I worked out. Just a though if finances in any way interfere. - Western PA Ruthie wishing you well whichever way you decide to go but it really is good for you. I'm back at the gym now after a bad spell when out hot, humid weather got here and laid me low. My o2 levels go down rapidly in that weather. Gym is air conditioned and comfy.
Once again a huge thanks to everyone,I do feel a little easier in my mind about the upcoming rehab sessions.Of course,I could read about them on Google or whatever,but nothing beats listening to people who have gone through it,people like my family on here.My involuntary weight loss continues to be of some concern,and the atrophy of the muscles in my body continues to be of similar concern as it is both markedly visible and severely limiting in what I can do physically,so hopefully these sessions will help me build back some of the muscle I have lost in time.Financially the sessions are not a worry to me as I live in the UK and we have our national health service which we pay part of our salary into from the moment we begin working,as I worked for forty three years,I guess I'm entitled to some of that back now that I'm in need.I will keep you posted on how things go,have a blessed day,I love you all,
Hugs,
Scott xx