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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gwapo 08/26/2013

Hi Gang.
Just need to run this past you. The last 4 days I have been constantly SOB. It started one morning when I woke up with the usual aches n pains but now I was struggling to breathe. I did a lot of PLB to slow it down.

I had a intermittent dry cough n runny nose so I did the Azithromycin n Prednisone thing. My oxygen sats have dropped to 91% so after over 1 year I tried my supplemental O2 which did shoot it up to 97 immediately.

The SOB is not what im used to. It leaves me gasping for air with the slightest activity. I did not want to rush off to the Doc or Pulmo, as I really don't have much confidence in either so I thought id ask here.

I read somewhere that stress etc can be a big trigger.....yes im currently pretty overwhelmed in that area plus the chronic pain everyday coud be doing a work over lol.

Any words of wisdom....hugs Peter

jarca 08/27/2013

hi qwapo!
i am so sorry you are in so much pain. i can definitely relate to that.
have you had any changes in your medications?
i had to work with my dr for my pain because i noticed some pain meds and muscle relaxers would drop my 02 stats...just a thought there.
otherwise, the SOB i have found the same as Caitsmom said & both my pulm & PCP said the same as hers.
my 02 can drop & i don't get SOB; i just feel like if i don't sit down i'm going to pass out, my legs get weak feeling like they are going to give out etc.
SOB i don't get that much other than if i over exert myself any more...the last time i was SOB the dr listened & my right lung wasn't moving any air! it had just stopped working (rather scary to hear someone say)....luckily 2 rounds of antibiotics (i can't take prednisone or steroid; allergic) it started working again---OH YEAH, and i felt worn out & lazy when i had the lung shut down...really lazy!
you know; since i joined this board, every time i have had the people tell me to go to the dr, i have ended up needing to be on antibiotics!
i have never been hospitalized for this disease (methinks around here they don't like medicare much at our hospital) so i don't know if you need hospital or not, BUT i will add my concern & advice that i think you should be seen by a dr.
i will add you in my prayers ((((HUGS))))

gwapo 08/27/2013

Hi all my friends....gotta bite the bullet n go in a few minutes..my SOB is constant n no amount of PLB or Oxy can calm it down enough so im in panic mode which takes a lot to put me there...ive been intubated for almost 3 weeks before by ignoring how I felt....cannot risk it again....

If anything happens my wife will contact you here....LOVE ALL OF YOU>>>>>Peter..

nodrogmot 08/27/2013

Peter,
Been there and know what you are going through. In fact I am short of breath most days. My O2 level sitting at 95 down from 97. Doc thinks I need Pulmonary Rehab. and if that does not work will need a Nebulizer. GO to the ER or the Doc. IT might also be an infection.
.

deleted_user 08/27/2013

Smart move Peter. Let us know how things work out. If you don't have a nebulizer, get one! They have saved my life in addition to the O2. Take care. Blessings and Health to all.

ChrissieUK 08/28/2013

Hi Gwapo,
Keep in touch and let us know how things go. Prayers and thoughts are with you x x x

deegran 08/28/2013

Peter, sending lots of caring thoughts. Good luck with this. Let us know when you can.

SimplyDani, I'm on your team. I sometimes get so sick of all the "can'ts" I wish I could throw up and make them go away. Guess that sounds kinda gross. Still trying to find a happy balance. One day at a time, sometimes 30 minutes at a time. Tired of being scared . . .

bjrapp2020 08/28/2013

Peter my friend,
I hope and pray you got to the doctor are being treated and soon will be ok. I love you my Aussie brother, and I will be waiting for a reply soon that all is ok......You and your wife and family will be in my thoughts every day and prayers every night. Take care my friend, do what you need to do.
Hugs
Brenda

gwapo 08/30/2013

Hi! this is Peter's wife, he told me to post in here to let you all know about his situation, he was recovering slowly, but his doctor told him to stay in the hospital for a week, so I think we will be home by Monday. He will write you when he's home. thanks to all of you. love lots,.Beth

deleted_user 08/31/2013

Thanks for the update Beth. Peter, you an your family are in my prayers. Looking forward to seeing Peter back on line. Health and blessings.

deegran 08/31/2013

Thanks Beth. It's good to know Peter's recovering, sorry that it's slowly.

bjrapp2020 08/31/2013

Thank you Beth for the update. Please tell Peter to take good care of himself and follow doctors orders. I am so glad to hear he is getting better. We will be here for him when he feels like stopping by. Prayers for you both
Brenda

ChrissieUK 08/31/2013

Thank you Beth for letting us know, please send all our love and best wishes. Take care x x x

Boo1962 08/31/2013

Thank you so much Beth!

I'm glad Peter is being taken care of, so he gets better and comes home on Monday.

You're a sweetie for posting this. Tell Peter we send our love, and I'm thinking and praying for a speedy recovery, and home soon!

Hugs,

Boo

debib399 08/31/2013

Thank you Beth for the update. I'm glad Peter did go to the hospital. I hope he is recovering well. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Please keep us updated. We are all family here........
Love and Hugs

joany 08/31/2013

Glad to hear Peter's getting the help he needs. He often sounds reluctant to call for help. "This too will pass" - after you do everything you can which includes calling. You both take care - see you soon.

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