I have no mucus yet am told I have stage 4 COPD, oxygen level good at 96/97, so I do not understand why my breathing is so bad, very shallow

[emmo]

[stone-UK]

Hi

COPD is a umbrella term.

I have.COPD emphysema stage four 24% lung function and do not have a problem with mucus.

People with COPD chronic bronchitis produce lots of mucus.

My sats at rest are 93/94%.

Have you stopped smoking?

[emmo in reply to stone-UK]

Thanks stone, I gave up smoking some years ago, bit late obviously to do a lot of good!

[Hidden]

Hi emmo oxygen doesn't help with your breathing. All it does is support your organs when your oxygen level drops below a certain level. At stage 4 your breathing will be bad but there might be something you can do to improve it. Do you have a respiratory team around you? Have you asked one of them? Or your specialist? There might be something they can suggest which would help. Take care. xx

[emmo in reply to Hidden]

No respiratory team, no specialist either, just Doc who's answer is to take more steroids, thanks for your reply. take care

[Toci in reply to emmo]

That is exactly what my GP did before I insisted on a referral. I ended up with osteoporoses because of all the steroids. Explain to him that, although you appreciate his care, you would still like a referral to the respiratory team. And, if you have not had PR, ask about that as well, it helps with the fitness but you also learn such a lot that is really helpful. Good luck. x

[emmo in reply to Toci]

Yeas have just been told I have start of osteoporosis, take more pills is the answer!

I have made an appointment with Doc - three weeks time and am compiling list of all the things I want and need to say, I realise that my attitude which is usually fairly positive had gone really downhill but all the help and advice here has helped over a very bad patch. I did go to PR two years ago and try to keep up the exercises but find it very difficult to motivate myself at the moment. I MUST BE MORE POSITIVE

Thanks for everyone's help and support over the last week, it has really helped.

I also realise reading other's posts that at 76 I am lucky in many ways.

Take care,

Emmo

[Colours23 in reply to emmo]

There is an ongoing exercise programme that is being looked at now,as they realize it has to be ongoing to achieve long term support,check as things are changing, fill in as many surveys as possible to report the fact that we need ongoing support,as people do not have a respirortary team,they don't know if we don't complain about being left to ourselves.

[Security1_ in reply to emmo]

Their are excersises for your lungs call the COP! Foundation and they will send you books on eating excersises and lots of things at at 1 800 COPD. And the flutter value needs precribtion get at a medical supply store $40.00. Nustep at YMCA. COPD foundation will show you how to breathe and lots of goodies then you will have better air days!

[Toci]

Without mucous and with good oxygenation you still have stage 4 COPD, which means your lungs are quite damaged, which causes laboured breathing. This can be eased with the use of the right inhaler and I would suggest you have a word with your doc, or ring the BLF helpline for advice.

[emmo in reply to Toci]

Thanks Toci, will try BLF for advice, although rang the 111 number yesterday who said start more steroids. Take care

[Puffthemagicdragon in reply to emmo]

You should ask your doc to get referred to a pulmonary consultant and get proper tests done so you will get the right medicines. I too am Stage 4 . No mucus. My way of life greatly improved once my consultant ran the tests and prescribed the correct medicine. Also ask about pulmonary rehab.

[emmo in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

Yes I know Puff, somehow I have to be firm with my perfectly nice and charming doctor. Even my idea of stage 4 is guesswork as I was low stage three two years ago when I came out of hospital and I know I have gone downhill since then, when I ask for the figures I get a number of 'options' and, " numbers aren't everything" attitude. I just get so frustrated.

[Colours23]

That's exactly how I am ,with asthma aswell where I'm always wheezy and seize up ,allergy.what about when you are on the move ? Is that very difficult? I can't walk far,sooooooo out of breath,almost to an attack 80-85 oxygen ,I have to sit. Sitting still I am so unaffected ,my oxygen like you can be 94s.

[emmo in reply to Colours23]

Exactly, but this has only come on the last six months or so - before that managed pretty well. Take care Colours23

[Hidden]

Maybe ask doc to see physiotherapist ... think you can self refer. Helped me with tips on lung exercises to strengthen lungs. And other good advice here ... keep trying until you find the inhaler best for you. X

[peege]

Hi Emmo, I was told at PR that I can always refer myself back to them. Do you still have their details?

Hope that you get results from your GP. Whilst he/she is charming, you're only 76. You could be around for another 10, 15, 20 years so you really deserve a referral for the best treatment for you and for the quality of life you deserve too.

Best wishes to you. Peeg

[emmo in reply to peege]

Thanks Peeg, the system here is to go through our GP each time, when I did so was told they are so full I could not have a 2nd session at PR. I love your 'only' 76, thanks. I am determined this time to keep plugging away and get some sort of referral/further treatment.

Take care,

Emmo