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Worsening symptoms and activity

Posted , 7 users are following.

maryterese
maryterese

I last wrote discussing feeling great. I now feel much worse and I expected a gradual worsening. It seems to have come on overnight as far as energy level and not being able to do as much without tiring out.

I have been staying with my parents helping out -out of state. I felt great when I got here approx 3 wks ago. This is making my caretaker duties very difficult and no one knows I have COPD. When not helping, I am pretty sedentary because I have no energy. Would walking help? Activity even if forced? I don't go back for two weeks and am trying to do something to improve my symptoms. I am also very down and discouraged that this came on so quickly.

Thank you very much for your help.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Nanny1086
    Nanny1086 maryterese

    Posted

    Things can happen very quickly ,,,,as you have found out ,,,all I can suggest us make sure your taking all your medication properly ,you may need to use your ventalin inhaler more often ,get plenty of rest ,,,but also go for a walk if you feel up to it ,exersise is good but don't over do it ,listen to your body .
    • maryterese
      maryterese Nanny1086

      Posted

      Thank you. I do not have ventalin. I am going to go to urgent care since I am out of state. That is making everything much worse. I don't have any doctor here. I think some of this could be from stress of taking care of elderly parents. I am not sure, it has been so quick.
    • jude65855
      jude65855 maryterese

      Posted

      Ventolin won't be the answer unless your COPD is asthma related.  Why don't you have medication for your COPD?   Stress can effect breathing rates but it's morel ikely you've been pushing yourself too hard and not using any medication.

      COPD prevents your lungs getting the oxygen you need for the rest oif your body to function:  "soldiering on" with low oxygen puts a strain on your whole system, especially your heart - please get yourself to rehab and learn how to manage your condition before you do yourself some permanent damage!

    • maryterese
      maryterese jude65855

      Posted

      I do have Breo inhaler and rescue inhaler. I use them daily. I cannot tell if I am pushing myself or it is combined with stress and regular fatigue. I know that inactivity (no exercise) is bad so that is why I ask. This is all new to me and I have no regular doctor here!! I am learning the hard way. Thank you for your comments.
    • ladyjack51
      ladyjack51 maryterese

      Posted

      Hi maryterese,

      Do you have a pulse oximeter? If you use that you can check to see if you are getting oxygen to the rest of your organs and body...it measures the oxygen carried by by your blood to the rest of your body. If you have been shallow breathing to compensate for pushing on...this can make you really tired...if your pulse ox is 88 or below. T j is little device can tell you alot and if it's your COPD or breathing related. Did they use one at the urgent care clinic? Did u go? Let me know..... ladyjack51

    • maryterese
      maryterese ladyjack51

      Posted

      I do have one. My pulse ox was between 94-98 at the clinic. It really fluctuates. I think 94 is low but I know it can go much lower. I appreciate your reply!!
  • jude65855
    jude65855 maryterese

    Posted

    COPD does that:  can you work out what's changed to lower your energy levesl?  Maybe doing too much?   I can assure you that forced activity is one of the very worst things you can do:  it achieves nothing and you will take longer to recover.  You need to learn as I did to STOP when you feel discomfort and rest until you can resume whatever you are doing.

    Doing too much could be the sole reason,but have a think about whether or not you're exposed to any pollutants you don't usually experience, or a downward change in diet or breathing exercises etc.

    Why are you keeping it a secret for goodness sake?   How do you manage to use your puffers without anyone knowing and why?  I don't get it, sorry

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