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Activity level

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maryterese
maryterese

I am writing again to ask about activity levels of some of you. Do you find you can go about many of your daily activities? Much less? I am scared of what I am facing.😒. I went to the gym today and did fine although I had to drag myself there. I notice that every late afternoon I get very tired and when possible I take a nap.

I am very sad 🌐 that I may never travel again. Even if not on oxygen. I would appreciate any thoughts and and ideas/examples. I know it depends on what stage you are at. But even at mikd I don't know that I could travel easily.

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  • Seahorse
    Seahorse maryterese

    Posted

    I agree with that last comment. When I am stressed or worried, I feel much worse. But when I am busy and forget my troubles I feel better. I think there is a lot to be said about Mind Over Matter, honestly I do. My partner suffers from poor health but he works hard and gets out in the garden and says he feels better than when he sits down even though it can be a struggle at times. I urge you to exercise each day and I really do think it will get easier. Try to relax, it is very important. Also remember medical science improves all the time so before long there may be more ways to help us all.
    • maryterese
      maryterese Seahorse

      Posted

      Thank you. I agree.,I am still new so have not been as strongest I should be., I think keeping busy and exercising is great., also who knows about medical advances, that is true.
    • brenda62546
      brenda62546 Nanny1086

      Posted

      Seahorse, yes, I also agree with you! I am the same, when stressed, I feel worse, but when I am busy, it helps me forget all my troubles, and therefore I feel much better! (smiles)
  • kayc123
    kayc123 maryterese

    Posted

    Hi, I've just been dx with mild/mod copd fev 78%. Really, really trying to put mind over matter. On 2 different preventer inhalers + ventolin. Exercising and trying positive attitude isn't quite doing it for me . However I've been told I can fly, just as well as I have a holiday to Rhodes booked lol.Going to probably overuse my ventolin ,beconase before and during flight smile I'm 59 & had no other tests for my breathlessness apart from chest x-ray (have had breast cancer) and spirometer. Been on blood pressure meds(4 tablets a day)  for 25 years. Trying to keep active as you are Maryterese, however it's a struggle I agree. I have 2 camping trips planned as well and I am going to do them! We are only mild/mod so why can't we breathe? Take care and easy breathing x
    • maryterese
      maryterese kayc123

      Posted

      Hi

      I hope you have good trips. I do not understand about the not breathing at this stage either. I am going to try mind over matter but it is hard!!

    • kayc123
      kayc123 maryterese

      Posted

      Sorry Maryterese, I waffled there and did not really answer your question lol. I usually do 2 x 15 sessions per day on my exercise bike and manage it quite well. Walking is not really a problem since I have my 2 preventer inhalers now, just slower. My breathlessness usually occurs on an evening when I'm at rest .Everything I have read says to try to halt the progress of COPD we must A: Stop smoking (did this 12 years ago) and B: exercise as much as possible
  • jude65855
    jude65855 maryterese

    Posted

    COPD is notoriously variable and I've certainly found that to be true:  some days I'm really tired and other days my energy levels are better, certainly not what they used to be.

    Whether or not you can travel would depend on your lung capacity:  as far as I know oxygen is only provided when the condition becomes severe.

    I've found it essential to focus on what I CAN do and not let myself get depressed about what I can't do;  there's absolutely no point in agonising about what can't be changed.    

    I still garden, but instead of all day I do it in 1/2 hour bursts with rests in between.  I can still stack firewood (taking a break from exactly that right now) but again I can't do it for as long as I used to.

    Some days I have an afternoon nap, other days I don't need it.  I set the alarm for 1 or 1/2 hrs so I don't muck up my night time sleep pattern too much.

    Some activities I used to do easily are now quite difficult some days:  bringing in a full washing basket, for instance, so I try & remember to do it in two trips instead of one.   Some days I'm exhausted after having a shower and getting dressed and other days it's fine.

    This condition has certainly taught me to be flexible, and as I've said before on this forum, I learned in rehab not to try and "soldier on" and when to assess my breathing and energy levels and just stop and rest or it takes longer to recover.

    Good luck and try not to get too down about things you can't change.  I don't see why mild COPD would stop you travelling unless you're planning on mountain climbing, hiking or parachuting.

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