COPD

[CureTheBlues]

I have been on Oxygen for over a year now and have been sleeping in my recliner for about 4 years now.  I cannot get anything done that requires me to lay down and unfortunately every test I need requires me to do that.  When I lay down I feel like something is completely closing my airway at the area of my diaphragm.  My doctor keeps saying he's going to talk to another doctor friend of his about my problem, but never does.  I've searched and searched the INTERNET for some kind of answer to my problem and I am now convinced I'm the only one with problem.  Please let me know if there is anyone else out there with the problem or knows of anyone with problem.  I want to lay my head on a pillow again before I die.

[ReneeLuna]

Hello CureTheBlues don't feel bad about yourself its common to feel sickness, depression and cough in COPD don't lose hope. As Dr kokhi Mathur said positive thinking is the most important thing. Follow the proper instruction of your doctor.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hey--please don't think like that--consult a counselor/therapist--this may help with your anxiety and depression like issues and may help you find solutions to your problems. A positive mind conquers many obstacles! Just seek help to remain positive, find things you like to do and you will start seeing the improvement!

[CureTheBlues]

Thank you for your reply Dr. Mathur.  I do currently have all the things you mentioned.  My doctor can't test me with an Echo because I can't lay flat for any amount of a minute.  We've tried and I can't do it.  I'm at the point where I don't want to know because my anxiety/panic will take over because how can I be fixed through surgery, for anything, if I can't lay flat.  I think about suicide a lot, but I can't do it because of my religious beliefs, but that doesn't stop me from thinking about it all the time.  It's no surprise that I think like a depressed person...I am a depressed person...who wouldn't be when all you do is barely exist every day.  I'm on oxygen and have CHF and can't walk from my recliner to the bathroom without being out of breath, even with oxygen.  I just take up space on this earth and I'm not good for anything and I can't do anything, and sometimes I just want to die....

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. The feeling of something constricting your chest while lying down could be due to inadequately managed COPD. Other possibilities are that you suffer from a bad gastric reflux or sleep apnea or severe anemia or some sort of panic disorder. Another reason for your problem could be a heart condition like a prolapsed valve. A complete set of investigations will be required for this which may include EKG and ECHO.
A comprehensive investigation is required keeping all the points in mind. Please consult your doctor regarding this. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.