Copd

[maradie]

How do you cope?

[rudmandjnanny]

not easy you take one day at a time. stay active.keep moving.i had to slow down.hope this help you some.

[Ergendl]

All that Rudmandjnanny said, plus eat healthily, including plenty of fruit and veg; and avoid people who have colds and flu. Ask your doctor for a flu jab and a pneumonia jab. Use the meds prescribed as recommended, and if they don't work, go back to your doctor and ask for them to be changed.

[Hidden in reply to Ergendl]

Spot on! Once you do all this you can look forward to getting on with your life. I have moderate copd and it's a nuisance sometimes but nothing I am going to tear my hair out for. Do what you can and what you can't don't fret over - try another solution! Nice little challenges are good for you.

Jennifer

[katieoxo60]

After the initial diagnosis and all the tests you learn ways of managing and most of all you have to accept disability and the main way to do that is take each obstacle as it comes including daily living and flare ups. The next important thing is take care of yourself, i.e exercise within your limits, eat healthy, and don't let others undermine your confidence. Steering clear of infections is a hard one, so better to build up your immunity instead. My biggest obstacle still is managing little things that others take for granted and allowing more time so you can rest or do some today and some tomorrow. Adaptations are a marvelous way to maintain independence within your own limits. Best Wishes Maradie

[Hidden]

We have no viable option other than to cope. I think it best to thoroughly research all options available to help us to cope. My COPD is severe, bordering on very severe and my research is enabling me to manage my breathing problems in a way I think is the best option available to me.

I want to learn all I can about COPD and research is the key. The alternative is to listen to my doctor tell me there is no cure for COPD...that I will continue to get worse and that COPD is terminal. I can accept that and do nothing but sit and dwell on it so it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy - or I can investigate alternative options.

We can slow the progression of COPD and we can relieve the symptoms, it's up to us to find out how, and to take action.

[samie1999 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Brondana, my father has severe cold and we have searched for years looking for alternative methods of coping and clinical studdies etc. Was wondering if you have seen or heard of any trials, medications etc apart from the usual inhalers, would be good to find new info! Oh and we are in Scotland ( Inverness) many thanks!

[samie1999 in reply to Hidden]

Sorry Brondana my last nights post was meant to read severe COPD not severe cold! Thanks Sam

[Pentreath Volunteer]

Am sure others will recommend a pulmonary rehabilitation course. You will meet other people with lung conditions and be supported by a multi-disciplinary team of people. You will learn a lot from both groups of people.

[Hidden]

Best way I think for you to do sit down think what you use to do before like did I run pick up heavy stuff write it all down heavy bags cleaning cooking ect worst thing for you is to much steam so if you cook open a window or put a fan on that is first . What stage are you if mild your life will not change much for you like a lot of people on here with copd will tell you so just take it as you go as each day is not the same nor each week you can be up one week and down a nother week or day you just got to take more care now of your body as a lot now live a long and happy life with. Copd take David 12

[rubyred777]

Welcome to the site, Mar adieu

You've been given some excellent advice. I am moderate copd. So far, my life hasn't changed very much. I am still working and able to do most things. I do get a flu jab, and am very careful about washing my hands. Think we could give you better advice, if you tell us more about yourself. We will try to help you out, with any questions you may have.

Rubyxx 😊 😊

[bayleyray-uk]

Plan your day as much as possible so that big tasks are not bunched together spread them out over the week. If you have stairs try to keep going up and down them with multiple tasks though out the day (my downfall).

So now food shopping and putting away is a big job and then I rest. Hubby and family finds it a bit frustrating but at least I'm not flaking out anymore.

Pacing yourself is the only way to do it.

Cheers

Sue

[Scud]

It is very hard at first but it is manageable, the best place to start is pulmanory rehab which your doctor can arrange for you, you mix with people in the same situation and learn a lot from it. I'm now on oxygen 24/7 but still enjoying life I go on holiday when I can,I go shopping, and get out and about?

Hope this helps you but don't despair it only makes things worse you will adapt in time. Also this forum helps a lot too

[Dave2436]

Take one day at a time make sure you have antibiotic and steroid at home if you smoke stop it helps a lot I find that keep working also helps I am 70 now keeps you fit

All the best

[Dave2436]

Ment to say keep working dus not work for everyone

[doublecee]

First you must realise that COPD does not rule the roost. You are the boss and you must live with it on your terms. Decide from the outset that you won't be bossed around by your problem. there is loads of advice on this site so you will find many options to try out.You must just look on the optimistic side of life.

I have had EMPHYSEMA since 1989. at least that's when it was first investigated and diagnosed. On reflection I'm certain it really began some 15 years earlier but never really came to the fore at that time.

You must decide how to live with your problem and with the help of your medical team you should be able to do all that you used to do, but to a lesser scale. Just don't give in.

Good Luck.

Cyril.

[Abbo1621]

I am level 3 1 being mild 4 severe I take vitamins c for well being and immune system vitamin e is thought to help protect against pollution damage and study's show improved lung function after taking vitamin d I take these and calcium also I us a tread mill for walking when wether is bad but try to exercise out side when possibly I would suggest you talk to you doc or practice nurse for advice regarding vitamins but drinking water and movement will assist in loosening you mucus. Life does go on have read an article regarding an individual who is a level 4 has run a marathon this is not for all but shows you can still have a life although at a different pace all the best

[maradie]

Thanks god bless

[Sloangirl]

its important to remain positive and accept the fact you can't do as much as you used to do. Two years ago I spent 3 weeks in the hospital -- I was sent home with an oxygen tank and a walker. It was rough, and I had to fight my way back. My saving grace was pulmonary rehabilitation. The respiratory therapists were wonderful and offered invaluable information about COPD. During these last 2 years I've fought the urge to give up. I keep moving. I changed pulmonologists. I do everything he tells me to do, and he's made me better with different medications. I take 500 mg of azithromycin 3 times a week, along with spiriva respimat and inhaled Symbicort (through a nebulizer twice a day). The meds help. I have had to become a little selfish and take care of myself. I no longer smoke. I manage cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping--and I go to the store at least 3 times a week to walk. I'll admit at first I was overwhelmed and very angry. I was always a very active person, and have always pushed myself. But now....I've accepted my limitations I have no other choice. I have severe COPD, and am on 3 liters of oxygen 24/7. I've learned to cope, and do things I truly enjoy, crochet, read, etc., and I haven't had a flare up in over a year. You learn to live with it. I honestly think your attitude affects the outcome. Oh, I still swear at the oxygen hose and I still get really tired very easily. I have learned my limitations, accepted them, and live within them. I'm doing fine! So will you!!

[maradie in reply to Sloangirl]

Thanks God bless