In August 2011 I had gallbladder surgery with complications that caused me to return(3 days later) to ER to be readmitted. Fluids were removed from my stomach(dark old blood) and lungs (yellowish) also blood count was low. I was diagnosted with COPD Stage II in 2009, it had been well controlled with meds, diet and exercise. Needless to say I was diagnosted with pneumonia and stayed 4 more days in hospital then moved to rehab for 2 1/2 more weeks. All this time I have been on 24/7 oxygen and doesn't look as if I'm ever going to get off of it. Almost all my meds have stopped working (spiriva, symbicort, advair, etc.) the only meds that have any effect is my xopenex inhaler - even the xopenex solution for my nebulizer causes breathing problems sometimes. Even the oxygen(2 ltrs) is not working as well. If I am setting down I breath very well with or without the oxygen but if I start moving around I must have the oxygen and then I'm still short of breath. I have been looking into some other alternatives - prickly pear fruit juice, hydrogen peroxide and purified water, NAC,eucalyptus oil,MSM and, DMSO, vitamins A,C,D,E, Green tea and ma huang. Have you had any experience or heard anything about any of these vitamins, fruits or herbs for helping to improve or illeviate any of the symptoms of COPD. Also am considering using one of those small breathing machines (Expand-A-Lung , Ultrabreathe, etc.) to build up lung power. Later next month I have an appointment with my Pulmonary Dr. but so far his advice is not working very so I would like to hear from others in the medical community if there are any other alternatives for this disease (I am 59 years old and plan to be here a very long time, I've got things to do and people to see :-) .Any advise is appreciated, Thanks