COPD: Can it be reversed?

My medical acquaintances, including GPs, say COPD cannot be beaten.

I don't necessarily disagree but am certainly working on it. The internet has a fair amount of literature claiming success. Some sites seem to require payment. However, my only method -- excluding medication -- is to put various practical measures to the test, and report on them accordingly. (I have not written for several months.) What works for me might not be applicable to others for reasons of age, gender and accompanying complications.

Listing them is a good starting point:

Age, 74;  gender, male;  complications, BHP (prostate handicap is ongoing), bilateral pulmonary emboli (recurrence of PE condition in Oct 2015. Warfarin is now a daily requiremeni.) The repeat PE episode put me in hospital a second time. As a consequence I have had to withdraw from hands-on activities with the grandchildren. Their colds during autumn/winter months are lethal. I regard it, together with unnecessary communication with people, as a prerequisite when trying to avoid chest infections.

Individual diet is a very important consideration, and everyone has their own preferences. Provided the choices are healthy and nourishing, I do not regard the subject as critical.  In my case food consumption is possibly double that of most because of energy used up each day. I have only just recovered the 6 kg lost from the October infection.

Another past factor has been a disgusting smoking habit discontinued a couple of years ago. Smoking 7 - 10 cigarettes daily for 52 years had obvious consequences. At age 17 the problem began immediately every morning on the commute up to London. South Western trains seldom had open carriage windows in the 1960s. The only counter-balance was a great deal of physical exercise early on and doing circa40 miles every week on the road thereafter. (I mention this as it might have a bearing on the recovery now. And is something for others to consider.)

My findings (below) are not going to fit the bill for everyone. After gasping/SoB for more than a year, I attempt to put a positive spin on this degenerative and depressing condition.

First, I have ceased using Spiriva 18 mg. Until recently, my exercise regimen was merely 60 - 90 minutes whenever possible during the week. I have increased the tempo to a minimum of 1 x 2 hours and 1 x 3 hours over a weekend. It is additional to all physical output during weekdays. It had become clear that 3 - 5 miles was inadequate. At least one 10-miler was required.

The bottom line is lung capacity is greatly improved, and I shall update if/when I can resume running again.

I am very aware that climatic factors in various places such as e.g. central Australia, Arizona/Colorado, Vancouver Island are difficult for several months of the year, viz. 40C and -25C. Tackling COPD outdoors in such conditions is extremely hazardous.

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