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Moderate COPD

Posted , 6 users are following.

maryterese
maryterese

Hi, I have been here before.  I am feeling very down because I have gone from mild to moderate on a chest xray and my energy level has decreased.  Breathing not too bad at all but lungs are heavy and I have not done anything too strenuous.  I have a few questions:

Can you stay at moderate for a while if yiu have good ling function?  My FEV1 is still normal.   Not sure yet about the rest.   

With the exercise and medication (I take Advair) can you stay at this level for a while? 

Right before the chest xray and new symptoms, I felt fine and had arranged a blind date.  Now my self-esteem has gone way down and I am very nervous about telling someone (not right away if things seem good, but soon).   I am ready to cancel.  I am looking for some general encouragement regardless of canceling the date.

I am only 57.   I am afraid I only have a few years. Am so discouraged.  Any words of wisdom would be a godsend.   Thank you!

 

0 likes, 25 replies

25 Replies

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  • sandy58386
    sandy58386 maryterese

    Posted

    Maryterese:  

    I am relatively new to this site; therefore, I don't personally know of anyone that travels with COPD; HOWEVER,

    • maryterese
      maryterese sandy58386

      Posted

      I am not on oxygen. My oxygen is good.  I understand about the planes and it is great you have a motor home!

      I do not feel ready to give up some travel!! Surely some people do who are not on oxygen?  I am feeling I want to do some more while I can. I am divorced so no companion, but I am thinking about it a lot because I do love it.   Surely a few days walking around London or locally here in the states?

      Anyone?  Thank you Sandy!!!

  • sandy58386
    sandy58386 maryterese

    Posted

    (sorry, hit the wrong button) when I traveled prior to my diagnosis, I did see a LOT of people on planes with oxygen tanks.  We travel via motorhome and we simply load my concentrator in the motorhome and we go!!!!   smile  I'm just not letting this disease stand in my way of LIVING!!!!!
  • sandy58386
    sandy58386 maryterese

    Posted

    Good for you Maryterese!  (re traveling).  I am only on oxy during the night.  I understand that there are millions of people that have COPD that aren't even aware of it.  I guess we are the lucky ones that KNOW we have it and are treating it! Low oxygen was my main concern, but just using it during the night works great.
    • maryterese
      maryterese

      Posted

      Thank you, I am going to try as hard as i can before I may need oxygen.  Yes, thank goodness I am not in the dark about having it.   Thanks again!
  • graham41806
    graham41806 maryterese

    Posted

    I was diagnosed 13 years ago when i had just turned 50.this was investigated after 3 bouts of pneumonia..The copd nurse said my lungs were aged 90 ..biggrin

    Since then after suffering heart problems ie Hocm and having a defib unit wired in.the consultant now says i am moderate copd.with 5i% 13 years ago it was 49%so things appear to be at least stable.I take seretide and spirivia and i find using a cpap machine at night helps,,as for holidays i say take any enjoyment you can,life is short for everyone not just us..smile

    • maryterese
      maryterese graham41806

      Posted

      Thanks, graham,

      Are you able to get around OK being stable all that time?  Do you use CPAP because of insomnia?  I am having insomnia but my oxygen levels are good.  Could be stress for sure.  After having a Herat procedure I am surprised you are still stable.  Good for you.

  • maryterese
    maryterese

    Posted

    Hi again,

    I think I am getting insomnia from albuterol.  I hardly needed it before so this is new. I am going to try and cut it down.  Can anyone share experiences with this?  What helps?

    Thanks.

  • graham41806
    graham41806 maryterese

    Posted

    hi again..i was given the cpap for sleep apnia, this helps me to sleep better.

    i once forgot to take it away on hols and found sleeping very diff.

    Dont get me wrong i still find it hard to get around, and can only walk 50 mtrs at most without having to rest.In fact if there are no parking spots near to where i am going i will drive to another venue,rather than advertising my illness.

    That said i am happy that i havent deteriorated more..

    Have you tried anything to help you relax at bedtime?I have used relaxation tapes,diferent pillows etc..all help a little.

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