A big thank you.

[carolcolley]

After being given a better prognosis for my breathing problems, I have decided that I should be grateful for this reprieve. So I have ordered an exercise bike. Since being on this sight I have seen the humor, the strength and the kindness of people who are struggling themselves and still find time top Care and support others. I was humbled by it and I consider myself a lucky lady bring given a second chance and also for speaking and having messages from so many nice people. So On behalf of newbies on here, thanks so much.

[pergola1]

You are very welcome, Carol. I have belonged to this site since 2012, and know newbies have a lot to offer. Newbies have their own problems, too xx

[pollyjj]

It is great to have newbies it is what keep the site going, there are lot of friends to be made on here so glad you enjoy it.

polly xx

[Hidden]

What wonderful news for you Carol,& great to hear you are going to keep yourself fit!

Hope you will still stay around,love Wendells xxx

[carolcolley in reply to Hidden]

Yes I will. It's not all done and dusted for me but I have seen for myself what lovely people are on this site. When kotc passed,I was saddened as he was the first person to message me. I didn't know how I'll he was And On him as in fancy on here I see a generosity of spirit which is seldom seen.

[Toci]

You have a lovely outlook Carol. I'm pleased you joined the site.

[carolcolley in reply to Toci]

Thank you tocci. It'd very kind of you to say. I am suffering from anxiety and depression which is awful and making my breathing a lot worse but I still feel luckier than most when I read some of the posts on here. Regards Carol

[Hidden]

There are so many nice people who take time sharing strength wisdom kindness humour making this the community that it is friendly and supportive for everyone.As a newbie I am thankful for finding this site.

Ali

[carolcolley]

Hi twice shy, anxiety is a terrible thing. Just keeps asking four help. I didnt just get it, I had to keep going back and in the end my gp referred me to the hospital. My consultant. Then told me that my breathing is wrose because of anxiety but is hopeful that the tablets will help. Just keep pestering!

[Hidden in reply to carolcolley]

carolcolley,can I ask what tablets they give you,,my breathing is ok but sometime its not ,its not bad just out of breath at times ,I know its not the copd,xxx

[carolcolley in reply to Hidden]

The consultant ha as given me some antidepressants. He thinks that I have anxiety and depression l because I have been under a lot of stress for a lot of years. It's very early days with these tablets so I can't say of they are working but I heave to believe in the consultant. Message me direct so I can be open and maybe be more helpful. Regards Carol

[Mimi4ever in reply to carolcolley]

More therapy than tablets with good support CBT a work in progress for me not alone talking unwinds the stress.

[butter-fly]

Welcome Carol and delighted you got good news. It's hard to keep in good spirits when you have depression but you seem to be climbing up the ladder! Like Tocci said you have a lovely outlook and yes as you've seen we do care about each other. Happy cylcling. Sara

[out-for-lunch]

I very nearly bought an exercise bike from a bloke who had lost a leg. I had assumed that's why he wanted to sell it, but no, to my surprise he'd bought an electric pushbike. I had a go on it & that was it, I didn't buy his exercise bike, I went out & bought a proper electric bicycle. Brilliant machine .... it gets me out & about in fresh air meeting real people. I have a huge fixed grin every time I go out on it.

It'll go 18-miles, more if it's on the flat along tow-paths etc. It sails up really steep hills. You can select to either pedal normally, to gently pedal (pedal assist) or to not pedal at all ..... great for when you get a bit tired.

& don't think it's not for you, I must be young & fit ..... but I'm not, I'm 62, have an FEV1 of 27.7% & awaiting lung transplant. I can't walk more than 10-mtrs on the flat without stopping but can & frequently do ride my bike for hours .... & I live in the Welsh hills.

After doing a lot of homework I eventually bought one of these - the Mk3 36 volt version. A superb bike - brilliant value for money & excellent back-up support from Coventry.

folding-bikes.net/asbikes2/...

[Hidden in reply to out-for-lunch]

That sounds great out for lunch, thanks for sharing this info. Is it easy enough to handle, lift over a step for instance? Will check the link in a mo to see if I can spot the weight and recharge info. So glad you are enjoying it

[out-for-lunch in reply to Hidden]

I manage it OK .... up steps, into the boot of the car etc. We actually take it away in the camper & my wife, whose quite small & getting frail, manages to get it up onto the rear bike rack.

Recharging is easy, similar to a phone etc .... just plug into the mains for a couple of hours until the light goes green. We have a little inverter that plugs into the cig lighter in the car & converts 12-volt to 240-volt ... & we use that to charge the battery whilst we drive along when we're away.in the camper.

[Hidden in reply to out-for-lunch]

sounds just the job

[Hidden]

Well done Carole, keep up the good work exercising and with the positive outlook

[sukee52]

It is a great site, and as you say Carol, it is certainly very humbling to see how other people struggle, but yet share such good advice with those of us who are lucky enough to still be able to live fairly full lives despite some breathing problems. I have had COPD for over 45 years and yet I have learnt so much on here. So thanks to all.