The End.

I have COPD.  It is getting harder and harder to breathe, but this is happening slowly.  If I'm going to die because of this, how will it happen.

[teko]

That is not a question that one can answer really. Multitudes of things can happen. You could simply go to take a breath and it not be there.(That is what doc told me would happen if I didnt quit smoking), or usually if you have lung issues it leads to heart issues as well, so it could be the heart that gets us. Each situation is different per our own circumstances, lifestyles, etc. Im sure that doesnt help much does it? Sorry

[Resilient_Mimi]

I know that COPD can be frustrating, but hang in there... Todays medicine can help you live a long productive life.  I would see a pulmonologist and get the newest meds and oxygen if needed. This will make you feel alot better and will make breathing easier for you.  No one can say when our time of death will be or how, only the LORD knows that, and I want to leave that up to him!! Even your regular MD can have test ran that can see what type of progression the disease is having on you and what to do to ease your breathing needs.  Don't hang it up quite yet, Im sure you have many years to come, good luck!! May GOD bless

[Gerry79]

Thank you for your replies.  If I sit in a chair my breathing is OK.  My oxygen level is 90%  which my doc says is OK for my condition.     If I move about it drops to about 80%       I'm told I should should stay on oxygen 15 hours a day for life.  However, when I am short of breath and take the oxygen it makes no difference to speed up getting back to 'normal' 80% to 90% takes about 4 or 5 minutes with or without oxygen  

[that_hippie_chick]

"about 4 or 5 minutes with or without oxygen" I'd say is your recovery time for now.  What you don't know is that with the oxygen your body doesn't have to work as hard to achieve this. You use almost 10 times more energy to just breathe than healthy people.  I was diagnosed with COPD over 15 years ago.  I've been on O2 24/7 for the last 4 years.  It's annoying, inconvenient, depressing, etc. but you learn to deal with it. I learned a lot from EFFORTS ( http://www.emphysema.net/bindex.asp) and lots of internet time just surfing for information.  Never hesitate to ask questions! With my luck I'll probably get tangled in my oxygen tubing and break my neck.

[Gerry79]

What a wonderful outlook.  You sound like a real jolly person.  Have you ever tried 24 hours without oxygen,  (your fix),  over the last four years?   Have you ever taken steroids?

If so, how did you feel?  Please keep in touch.  You sound like my kind of people.

[Gerry79]

Many thanks to all who took the time and trouble to write to me.  I hope more will pick up on it and give advice or suggestions.  It took me ages to write my first few words, because I thought they sounded so naf.  Now I'm glad I did.  Gerry.

[that_hippie_chick]

I actually have had a 24 hr. period without O2 but that was a couple of years ago and all the conditions have to be right, ie. cool temperatures, very low humidity, steady barometer, no stress.  In OK that seldom happens.  Generally when I've had a bronchial infection or pneumonia my doctor follows it up with a "prednisone burst"/ a week of prednisone to get my breathing back close to where it was before I got sick.  I'm using a Symbicort inhaler now that contains a steriod. It's working really good but the skin on my arms has thinned and I sometimes have splotches that are blood under the skin.  If it helps me breathe I could care less!  I also take an antidressant and an anti-anxiety med that not only helps me but the people in my house. I do have a healthy sense of humor though, always have had.  You have to be able to find the funny thngs in life because no matter how you feel it makes you feel better to smile. Okay,that was my one profound philosophical thought for the day, lol.

[Gerry79]

Hello again.  Your comments are noted.  Very deep.  The more I read from other CPOD sufferers the more I feel I'm not as bad as I  could be!  I am luckily stress free.  I have a very good wife who makes sure that I don't do anything that is going to make matters any worse.  Sometimes I forget and move too quickly, or pick something up suddenly from the floor.  She always attempts to stop me doing this.  My most uncomfortable times are getting undressed for bed, and getting dressed in the mormings.  Sorry. I'm starting to be boring.  Are you male or female hippie.  Tell me a little about yourself.  God Bless for now.
keep in touch!  Gerry.

[hava]

This prananyam will bring your breathing back to normal gradually. Do it twice a day, with your eyes closed. Note down what you notice over weeks and months and this will help others, and your wife will be pleased with you.
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after one minute.
Anulom Vilom pranayam –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril  
then -keeping the left nostril closed  deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 15 to 30  minutes twice a day.
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.
May 30 ,2011