Hi Im new to the site and it seems a bit scary to post - but you all seem a friendly lot.
I have COPD and Chronic Asthma which gets me down sometimes..... just wanted to say Hi.
Hello to you All: Hi Im new to the site... - Lung Conditions C...
Hello to you All
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kimmy22
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Hi Kimmy, welcome to the site. What a lovely photo. Me and my partner Az, who I met here on the BLF, both have copd emphysema and asthma, along with a load of other things. Well done doing your first post. 
Nin Az
Loving the fact you met your partner on this site. You must understand each other's good and bad days. I sometimes feel my husband cares so much but doesn't really know what it feels like to always feel breathless.. x
Big welcome, kimmy. You will find loads of good friends here who will chat and advise you on any problems that you may have in your life. XX
Hiya Kimmy and welcome to a wonderful friendly place. I am sure you will love it here 
Hi Kimmy and welcome to the Community. Depression is a well know and extremely well documented side effect of COPD. It has recently become a increasing frequently talked about subject here. Is this what has prompted you to post?
I had marvellous support from a whole lot of members in getting over a rather dark period that ambushed me during a difficult bout of pleurisy and lung infection.
Are you from the UK, your Profile doesn't say?
Regards Rib
I guess it is one of the reasons - possibly the main reason. I have been more poorly this time for so many weeks its scarily becoming my norm. I have spells where I feel so low and so alone. I have a fantastic family - but even they get fed up with my 'moaning'. lol x
I appreciate what you are saying and that is the way it gets many COPD patients. I have had a terrible 12 month with two emergency admissions for other health issues and several lung infections. The last one as the one before was 6 weeks of different antibiotics and they too can make one feel down. So a bit like you I got into the "is there no end to these infections" and "it's not so bad when there are good spells and bad but these days it is all just bad news" plus the neverending threat of the caring Gov stopping Independent Living Fund for the 18,000 most severely disabled people in the country. I was thinking what is the point of continually fighting anymore. "There isn't going to be a life worth having anyway".
Then out of the blue I received a Personal Message from a member and it helped. I do have a wife but I don't have family. My wife has been helping to look after me for about 30 years. I am sure she could do with a rest. I have care staff too but they are just doing their jobs. Then a second PM arrived and it did make me see beyond the darkness that there are others that do care. It really bucked me up and I returned here and I wrote about it. The Community were wonderful. A lot of people replied giving me support and I have tried to keep this subject alive here because there are so many COPD patients who suffer terribly with depression and feel unable to talk about it. So I hope this helps to encourage you to find an outlet and feel that there is support here and support from people who have first hand experience of the kinds of things you go through.
Regards Rib
Your message is loud and clear. We aren't alone - there are people who will listen and do care. Thank you so much xx
I believe (it's only my belief) that we are not alone, spiritually. We have a god who guides us, protects us. This may be the reason why you stumbled upon this site.
Welcome Kimmy - don't know about the others but I am not scary!! - ooops the others will now be posting you like mad Don't be scared. I have been on less than a year, but have learned so much , shared tears and lots of laughs - it's a brill site..We all get very down at times and somehow being able to offload on here helps soooo much as friends and family find it difficult to understand completely...so be warned, I will be watching for your posts All best wishes
Hi Kimmy and welcome to the site hope you find what info you want we are just one big family on here sharing our jokes pictures and of course our ups and downs
Thank you to you all - I feel at home already. Your all right - having any condition can be a very lonely place and to know there are people out there who accept its ok to not always want to smile. xx
Welcome kimmy and nice to see you and the lovely smiling lad with you. You will find some wonderful people on here so do pop back again soon. Nice to hear from you. Take care xxxx
Hello Kimmy22 from Kimmy59 what a great name. Glad you found us, it is very scary but you'll soon get used to everything. Everyone on here are really helpful and friendly more like family, we all have our ups and downs but it's great to have people to talk to.
Kim xxxx
Hi Kimmy - don't we share a fab name? Thanks for your message. I somehow ended up on your page and noted you were waiting for counselling and had been given citalopran. Did u find them both helpful? I also hv 20mg citalopran daily - sometimes feel I need a stronger dose ! And I had CBT counselling which I found amazingly helpful. Unfortunately I'm now waiting for another round of sessions - anxiety is flaring up big style ! X
Hello again.
I never started them, I've never taken anything before and was a bit frightened. But I know it will come to it eventually because it comes over me in waves. How long have you been taking it.
Kim xxx
I had a battle of wills with my consultant - he said anxiety was causes my coughing and breathlessness spells - I said it was the breathlessness causing me to be anxious.... I agreed to see a counsellor just to prove him wrong - but boy was I the one that was wrong. Many issues of Loss were identified - loss of my normal life, loss of work, loss of identity ..... the list was endless - and I eventually agreed to try citalopran to help with the anxiety. Looking back I would say I was depressed - with how the condition was affecting my life and how I wanted to live it. Now - they would have to prize the tablets off me. I wouldn't say they make you into a different person - they just give m a lift - and I find day to day issues easier to cope with. They certainly don't take the condition away. So in a way - we were both right. But the answer of what comes first - the anxiety or the breathlessness has never really been answered. I understand your fear. I really do. But if they can help you get through the days it can't be wrong. I definitely recommend counselling though. Just having someone actually listen and not judge or try and 'fix' you is worth every minute. - just take a pocketful of tissues. I cried buckets after my first session.
Sorry - can't seem to shut up . lol x
Don't apologize I appreciate peoples experiences. I would like counselling I think I have a lot of issues they could help me with. I do feel really guilty for feeling down when I consider what I have, good marriage, own home, large family, didn't have any children but I have more than most. But I feel really isolated , I take Azithromycin three times a week and it's changed my life I don't feel ill all the time now, but it doesn't stop me getting depressed.
Kim xxx
I know exactly what you mean about feeling guilty. Think I have an o'level in guilt - and I never passed many of them either - more guilt - another story ! Lol Like you I have a fantastic family who care so much. But I feel guilty when I say - they don't 'hear' me. They see but don't understand - it's hard for me to understand why my life has taken this turn - so how can I expect them to.
But - I can definitely recommend counselling - yr gp should hv instant access to one. But even better - for me at least - is cognitive behavioural therapy. Ive just been referred again (it's 3 years) since my last therapy - and feel in need of help. Tbh it just feels better having someone to chat to online x
Kimmy ,sorry to intervene once more. The pulmonary team has a counsellor usually. In my area, whitsble, I can refer myslef to the pulmonary counsellor. The GP here is not terribly helpful, nether was teh impartial counnselling she put me on by phone. Enquire about pulmonary team and take it with the nurse about counselling.
Omg - I just noticed your husband is called bob. So is mine. Kim and Bob. We've been married 28 years ! How weird is that. My name is kim - not Kimberly .
That is weird. I've been married 27 years we were married in June. My name is Kim. What area are you from I'm in Kent and I'm 55. I think I will go back and ask my doctor to refer me for the counselling he offered. Your right it is good to talk to someone on here at least we know how each other feel. My husband is fantastic but he can breathe properly.
Kim xxx
I'm 54 and from Sunderland - North east. My bob works offshore , so I spend 3 weeks kind of on my own . He worries im becoming a recluse ! Lol. Anyway. It's bed time now. Nite nite x
Where in Kent Kim? Im north coast Whitstable.
Im a bit sleepy and was reading this exchange and wondering why kimmy was having long chat with herself. Then i saw the numbers - duh 
I often have long chats with myself - lol but yea - think I should maybes change my profile name - two kimmy's may not work!
This Kimmy lives in Sunderland on the near Newcastle. Actually to confuse you more I actually live in a village between Sunderland and South Shields. Nice to say hi. x
I'm in Gillingham. I love Whitstable I was down there in the summer. Yeah I talk to myself as well. xxx
If you're down in whitstable again, let me know if you have time and would like to meet up for a coffee. Take care
That would be very nice, Helingmic is from the same area maybe we could all meet up.
Kim xxxx
I'd love that - see below, pretty much sorted. Just have to say when
I'm reliant on my husband and as the silly season is upon us he's busy, he's a Taxi driver. But I'm sure we cant sort something out as soon as Helingmic is over his infection, I woke up yesterday not feeling brilliant myself. But we are all on here most days.
Kim xxx
O2, Glad there are many from Kent, including Whitstable. I find usually that people have now idea of Whitstable outside us! I looked for some charities, there are no representation here. Funny how we live! At least, there's a good gym at the Whitstable swimming pool! It changed my life and turned my bronchiectasis around (even though I have an infection just right now, which I caught from a district nurse visiting the gym with her patient!!!)
Have you done pulmonary rehab Mic? I find the respiratory team at the Whit and Tank amazingly good.
Thanks for reply,
Yeah, O2T. i did one at the Kent and Canterbury; the second (a couple of years later) at Herne Bay at the Pavilion, now demolished on the pier. They still do it at the gym at the Heron off Williams Street in Herne Bay. (Don't confuse it with the Heron pub near Herne Bay station. There's a big complex near the council offices, with a cinema, a swimming pool and a big gym. All modern.
After the Pulmonary Rehab, I enrolled atthe gym at the swimming pool in Whitstable. If ye pass by, I'm in Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. Cheers, Mic
I did PR at the church hall opposite the Monument pub on Church Street. Must be 3 years now and Im waiting for another which should be after christmas. I went on afterwards to the exercise class on the HB pier which i loved, exercising looking out to sea, what could be better?
Though i go to the new cinema quite often, I don't like the new state of the art gym at all, too intense, too close I'm always afraid i'll pick up something there. So i mostly do PR exercises and weights at home, plus walking the dog and a bit of biking.
Good for you with the swimming, very impressive and Im a bit envious - I always pick up bad ear infections at baths. I will make note of those afternoons and try to look you up sometime. Ive a feeling we might have met already, but could be wrong 
Sorry, at the Whitstable swimming pool, i don't swim! Ther's a lovely gym appended to it with loads of newly bought equipment. It is not as big as the Heron. I like it better.
The staff is very kind. The music is awful. But I ask to reduce the noise when I am there! I'm well known there. Becky is an instructor who lives in HB.I've known her for years. I use teh Volunteer drivers, £6.50 a go, but worth it in bad weather. I believe that if I want to maintain my health, I have to invest in it.
Lovely to hear from a neighbour, might see you at the gym then!
Sorry, my bad. You did say, i just didn't read carefully enough. The gym sounds nice, i hated Heron. So you never know, you may well see me.
Kimmy wants us all to meet up, great idea. Im still recovering from flare-up but in a few weeks will be properly back in the swing. You take care Mic
Great idea to meet. Might be after Christmas now! cheers and be better soon, Mic
Yes post-xmas will be great. Am improving but need to get fit enough that i can back pack my O2 - at present i feel weak as a kitten but over the flare-up. Stair climbing calls . . .
Wow, stairs will get you puffed out, but it's a good exercise.
Here's a video if you did get acutely out of breath. youtube.com/watch?v=wUr0YVZ...
Hope it helps.
Thanks for vid Mic - may well come in useful. I can now climb 3 flights up and down without being too puffed but my oxygen goes down to 85% so i guess i will have to use my O2. But it's progress and its easier again to carry my cylinder in my backpack which is how i do it. Off on my bike tomorrow, weather allowing.
Hope you are properly better now
I am better thanks. But I shall have my sputum tested just to be sure. Wow you are doing well, aren't you. I was told by another friend here taht oxygen level alwsy goes down during exercises. He said,the important thing is how fast you recover it.
Best wishes on your bike. I had a bike. My wife had a bike. But I gave it away when she was in hsopital and I thought I would not be able to use it anymore.
I gave you a lift to Swalecliffe once Mic and you told me about your wife. Sad you can't bike together now. We were doing PR at the church hall opposite the Monument pub. I was worried when you disappeared so its great to see you doing good here
Im down for PR after xmas and i think Helen will insist i use the O2 for it. I am a bit borderline. I desat but come back usually within one minute which i think is pretty good.
Too cold and windy to bike today, maybe that's it for the winter.
Crumbs! We are that close! I close my eyes and try to remember when you gave me a lift. I vaguely remember, but I use the colunteer drivers to go there. There too they had the singing group from teh Canterbury University research by De Haan. I stayed there for the spring and summer. But when the talented leader left to do a PhD in music, I left!
If the world is your oystrs, of course,they come from Whitstable!
Hi Kimmy. good for you to stand up to your consultant. In fact, probably the best thing I've learned here is that we have to take charge of ourselves and of our illness. We and you don'thave to accept any rubbishing from doctors or anyone else. We are not rubbish, even if we are ill. And a doctor really should h.e.l.p. you to get well. Do ask, do state and do find out what you need, don't be fobbed of! Take care of yourself. Mic
Hello Kimmy, welcome to the site. Lovely picture hope you have many happy hours on here
I have already Katie - and only joined this afternoon. Think I'm hooked !
Nice to hear you like us already, yes it can become addictive but a nice kind of addiction so it's OK to stay hooked Kimmy. Bye for now speak again soon
Hi Kimmy welcome to the site and hope you pick up slot of answers and other people's help and ideas what to and tips so again welcome
Hi Kimmy nice to meet you and welcome to the site. We are a very friendly and caring bunch here so stay with us and don't be shy about joining in will ya?
A short time ago I put a post up about feeling depressed and sad and lonely and I had so many lovely replies I was totally humbled. We all care and support each other here x
Hi Kimmy and welcome. I've suffered from depression for over 30 years. I was on on 20mg for about 8 years until it had to be upped to 40mg.
I found them an excellent anti -depressant. I had tried several before finally being given it. It changed my life for the better.
Last year I hit rock bottom after losing my partner and being diagnosed with copd, all within 6 weeks at the end of 2011. I just sank further and further down over the months until the tablets just stopped working. I was tried on 4 different ones until one was found that finally hauled me out of the dark hole I was in.
If the Citolopram isn't working for you,(You have to give it at least a month or two.) they can up your dose or there are still plenty of others to try till you hit on the right one.
I had counselling too and it helped enormously. x
Hi Kimmy and welcome from me too. This is a site with many facets, not just the ills that plague us - though you'll find lots of advice, help and sympathy; you'll also be treated to humour (some of it a bit naughty), hobbies, and some of the photography provided by "eyes" is fantastic. You'll enjoy it - I do.
Hello and welcome kimmy22. We're all in the same boat here so feel free to ask and chat as much as you want.
kimmy22 A warm welcome to our site. You can ask any questions on your condition. We are not experts, but because we experience our illness, we go through things that may interest you.
One thing that many people recommend is to be referred to a Pulmonary Nurse who can enrol you on Pulmonary Rehabilitation. A GP and a consultant can do this referral, you only have to ask them. Take good care of yourself. Mic
Hello Kimmy,nothing to worry about posting on here,we,ll look after you.Let us know any problems or worries you have and we will try and help out.Welcome,regards D.
A very warm welcome to you Kimmy22.
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