Fifty eight years later, after lots of industrial exposures from chimney sweeping, painting cars, welding, machining and plastics molding (PVC/plastisols). ad on 35 years of smoking a pack a day...no wonder I'm "here".
After a pneumococcal pneumonia event, I went from a strong 55 year old (3 years free of cigarettes) to 31% lung capacity (FEV1). The pulmonary boys had me at a 3rd stage bronchitis bordering on 4. Conventional medicine had me taking prednizone so that my lungs would accept inhalants. By week three of prednizone my forearms stopped healing from even small cuts/scratches and my weight started dropping and sores would mysteriously appear out of nowhere. I quit the prednizone and the conventional medicine direction, excepting testosterone implantation pellets to bring my ultra low testosterone back into range. That worked. I've use herbal teas for bronchial/lung/red blood cell needs/healing and began O2 about 3 months ago for sleeping. Before using O2 during sleep, my rem sleep cycles would bring my O2 down to a low of 63%, while my mid-day O2 would be 84-88% saturation. My average O2 is 91 to 93 during mid-day and my sleep O2 is 95-96. I lack much endurance and can easily run my O2 into the 80's, but nearly three years later I have more than twice the FEV1 performance and easily three times the physical stamina from my worst initial results. Low O2 at sleep had my body scavenging O2 and trying to recharge during the day, making physical work (and even breathing) difficult due to exhaustion. Fatigue was constant.
My business (machining/welding/plastic molding) is back on its feet financially thanks to the sleep O2. The herbal teas helped in many circumstances and have stayed to the cleanest food I can obtain mainly to avoid processed foods/soy and pesticides. We bought two milk cows for our dairy needs, and raised chickens on certified GMO/Soy/Corn free chicken feed for our eggs and poultry and generally became hobby farmers. Hard physical work every morning became my exercise program.
Recently got caught between a cow and a steel rail and damaged a rib or two. Now four weeks later, still painful with some improvement. Was painful to breath with a dull clicking sound initially on all breaths in/out , which was my biggest worry, but now it is more of a nagging pain especially when lifting more than 30 kilos. The clicking sound has mostly stopped and I can only hear it when laying down and not all the time/every day. It is getting better and breathing is not painful.
Mainly interested in dealing with emphysema.
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bobwells
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Hi Bob I have emphasima I am 75 from New Zealand and mostly live in Thailand. The heat and R/H gets to me here. I was on The deadly Prendison for some time. My muscles shrunk, I use to heal very fast but with these pills very slow and sores came on my back and forehead. Bad sleeping, cramps, swollen legs and feet legs very tired and blood sugar problems diabetics. I was big and strong. Had bad bronchitis 4-5 times each year since the pills. Has phumonia 5 times in 3 years.
Have now gone on the reduction phase from 2x3 times a day over the last 6 days and now on 2x2 times a day for 6 days then 1x2 times. I will then go on 1 per day then Finnish. I am realy starting to feel better after 8 days reducing them.
We will never be cured from the emphasima but can control it. I am still smoking but cut right down. I started smoking at 13 so been on them for 60+ yrs. I will stop but very difficult.
I have received many replies to my initial post, so now I'm trying to catch up on these.
Of the many things I've been doing over the past three years to create some relief in breathing, all of them have four things in common. First, create as little work for my body in healing. This would include avoiding toxins (food, air pollution/fumes, synthetic scents, clean water with no chemicals and anything which would cause my body to expend energy to filter out toxic junk. Then there was the cleaning out of decades of stored toxins. With my industrial exposure comes a lot of heavy metals, so that is a main concern. Theory here was to free up the constant burden my body had to "normally" sustain. The third goal was to support repair by using herbal teas (mainly) that have been used for bronchial repairs over thousands of years...the really old school stuff. And fourth, access the cleanest possible foods (No fast foods/no processed foods/grow your own foods...we even started our own farm). Admittedly, a lot of hit and miss experiments, but always concentrating on "do I feel better" as the measure. I should note that in the background, I was using modern blood tests to monitor the physiological results just to be fair. Getting away from Prednizone quickly is one of those things I feel was good in most cases, though it appears I taxed my adrenal function by flat out stopping, instead of tapering off.
Your statement "cured" rings true in the sense that our bodies are always in battle with some kind of malady. Keeping it in check being my point here, as "cure" is really the ability to keep it in check. Emphysema, not unlike cancers is just another thing to deal with. I agree that there is no cure, however, I also firmly stand on the "minimize pollution" aspect to allow the body to point energy toward keeping the damage control efforts in full force! How each of us does this is up to us. Not having a medical background, I embarked on a wide variety of experiments. Some great, some disappointing. On the subject of smoking, I had quit years before my only severe pneumonia event. Ironically, one of my earlier experiments was to try to smoke Mullien. An herb used in food, teas, and smoked, by native Indians in North America for lung issues. A long history of uses, but trying to smoke it was not pleasant at all. in fact, my particular case was that anything taken into my lungs was likely to shut me down in bronchial terms. As a tea...fantastic. This led me to learn about many herbs (in a horticultural sense) that would produce good result. Many were right in my area, so "fresh" herbs was now on my menu. Giving up smoking wasn't part of my repair, but I can say that even a 2nd hand intake of any tobacco/electric smoking fumes, pot/cannabis can be difficult. My work includes most every pollution I must avoid, so after about three initial months of not being able to work much, I began a campaign to clean my shop air with surgical level air filtration, powered respirator hoods for all exposures, including welding, plastics and painting. I put similar filtration on outside air coming into the shop (and at home), and soon created cleaner air in my shop...than the outside air (Reno, Nevada USA).
This year we have had record heat for three months. I live at 4,500 feet elevation so were just a little short on oxygen (2-3%). Those two factors pressed me hard this year, so cooling became important. I use evaporation coolers instead of air conditioning since our air is very dry and the added (R/H) moisture is better for my lungs. I understand how heat is a burden, too. We are cooling now...what a welcome relief!
I am fortunate to have avoided being sick with any cold/flu/etc. in the past three years. I am always on alert for any signs of breathing. I'm my own canary in the coal mine, so to speak. I guess I'm just lucky this way.
As we are each our own "lab rat" in all of this, my intrest is in reading fellow "lab rat" experiences. My improvements seem to be similar to some others, but we're each the result of so many combinations of factors that I really don't expect any of us to match up closely. I hope to convey some possible avenues that might help, but I know how much time and effort it takes just to make a little improvement.
The only rule of thumb I feel is universal is to do everything realistically possible to reduce body pollution, and nutritionally sustain the body, to enhance its ability to repair. Lastly, if you're going to really make an effort, you've got to go "both feet in it" and fight like a dog at every turn. At 17 years younger, this has been difficult for me, so I highly respect how much effort it must be for you. The aging thing doesn't make any of this easier.
Good luck to you, too! I appreciate your interest!
Good Morning Bob ! I find your story very interesting, it's always so encouraging to hear of someone who took another path then the usual one. What is the connection between testosterone and lung problems or did you take them just to improve your health ? Which herbal teas do you use ? Sorry for all the questions but if you've got your Fev 1 up to 62%, then believe me, we will all be curious.
As for the dreaded Prednisilone, I hate it and only take it when absolutely necessary. I had a lot of it in hospital last April and while the IV antibiotics I was getting cured a very nasty infection, it tooke weeks to get rid of the body weakness, wobbly legs etc. At the moment I have a chest infection which means I can't get the flu jab, so I agreed to take a quick 8,7,6, 5, 4, 3 2, 1 course to try and help things along. After two days I've stopped wheezing but on day 3 ( today) the weakness and jitters will set in. Some people have to take very high doses over a long time and they seem to be able to tolerate them and that is great because otherwise their lives would be a misery. But many others have all the problems you described and more.
How is your 02 during the day, given the heavy work you do ? If it stays over 90, then that really is excellent.
Keep away from the cows and steel gates and hope your pain recedes soon.
Pardon the delay, we're in the midst of moving to a new house.
The connection is the low O2 into the low 60's during REM sleep. I refused oxygen as every time I would check my O2 through the night, I'd see 84-88. Though a little low, I avoided O2 in the ideals it would cause my body to make less of an effort to get breathe. My daytime O2 slowly dropped from 92 avg. mid-day reads, to mid-80's towards the end of the day, after 2.5 years. Finally I opted for a sleep study and the news of just how low I was getting answered some questions I had. Why my toes and fingers would ache when I awakened, and why the numbing of my feet was progressing. My FEV was well up, but obviously my lungs (or red cells) were not processing the gas exchange very well. Ultimately, my intuition was that my O2 starvation during the night wasn't something I could "catch" with a meter, as I would rapidly go into an unconscious phase and could not awaken to see the lows. That, over the course of a couple of years had caused much of my glands to starve of O2 and during the day my body was trying to recharge AND do the daily work at the same time. Burning the candle at both ends, so to speak. This had my blood work indicating adrenal shut down and I'm told that this, along with O2 starvation to any given gland was not allowing normal repairs of my tissues of any kind. Quitting Prednisone all at once, even though I had only taken it for three weeks, apparently was a bad idea and considered the first bad thing to happen to my adrenals, making testosterone cessation a likely result. I dropped nearly 20 pounds over the last 3 months before using O2 during sleep.
My gain in lung capacity was likely due to the fact that our little hobby farm included cows/calves and that my gal of 14 years is OCD about raking/shoveling cow poop. So I would scoop up "the heavies" every morning giving me a constant state of heavy breathing/exhaustion for about 30 minutes. Great cardio! It forced me to breath very deep and not let up. My O2 would run down into the high 70's and I breath it back up. I got very good at this exercise. I have a machining/welding shop and I could only afford so much time to poop scoop. My production was way off and medical costs were increasing. Time was money, but I was slowly falling off a pace that could make money. The carrot was that I had plenty of work, so I could make a good living if I kept up the efforts. Breathing deep, and using herbs nightly (Mullien, Nettle Leaf, , Angelica root,Astralagus root, Coltsfoot leaf, miner's tea/squaw tea)...this list goes on and on...to find respiratory relief, mainly. That was a two and a half year study in itself. A lot of good results and I continue with it. I also used a nebulizer with either H2O2 at 2%, Lugol's Iodine at 3% to check bacteria, and Glutithione to keep pushing out the plastics and heavy metals exposures.
My current daily O2 runs about 94 avg. until later in the afternoon when I get tired and will slowly increment down to around 86 if I keep pushing it. When I get home and relax, it'll go back up to between 89-91. I can breath it up into the 95 range, but that is tiring in itself. I live at 4,500' elevation, and at sea level I gain about 2% O2. I should state that constantly pushing, even during exhaustion, seems to have merit. Pardon my stupidity of refusing O2 for a couple of years, but I still put in between 9 and 10 hours (usually 7 days a week) at the shop. I feel that easing up would be an invitation to early failure, so I keep pushing. I'm now gearing up to take O2 in a back pack and do hikes to further exercise and hopefully strengthen my muscles and lungs even further. Without O2 supplement, hiking quickly puts me into fatigue. My tolerance to warm weather is low, so here comes Winter. Let the next experiment begin!
The cows have been relocated to another farm, so now we go milk there once a week and I stay away from the rails! The ribs are almost healed!
Your reply was worth waiting for Bob and reflects many of my concerns also. Especially your journey with 02. I totally empathise with your aversion to using it unless you absolutely had to and made the discovery of night 02 starvation.
My situation re. O2 is that in September 2014, my levels dropped to 78 on the 6-minute walk test. There and then, without further ado, it was decided I should have ambulatory oxygen. This came like a sledgehammer to me and I wasn't cooperative. I said I wanted to go home ( after 3 weeks in hospital) buy an oxymeter and see for myself how my levels were over a few weeks. This was not a popular decision with the consultant, a man who expects patients to obey, and I caught a lot of flack for it. At home, through October, my breathlessness got very severe again and I was re-admitted for IV antibiotics in mid/ November. I was told in no uncertain terms that this was a direct result of refusing oxygen and until I stood up to him one day, this consultant was most unpleasant. My O2 never dropped to the 70s again but was frequently mid- low 80s. After 10 days the 6-minute walk test was repeated and this time the O2 dropped to 89 and came back up to 90 in the last minute. So, joy of joys, I was told I didn't need it after all.
But truth is, my position is very borderline and when I have infections, the 02 levels drop a lot. In March of this year I told the consultant that I was averaging 85 walking and this time his response was 'it will come up again when the infection's gone. Big change from the person who was beating me over the head with it 18 months previously. He has not made a straight admission that they were wrong but refers frequently to the fact that puttinge on O2 in 2014 would have been the wrong decision. Like you, I feel that while you can manage to get the 02 into yourself without assistance, that to start it via a concentator would just set up a dependency. My consultant now holds this position strongly and commends me for my resistance.
I don't have the same tolerance for heavy exercise that you do but sometimes I know damn well when I'm out and about that my levels are low. Like you I try to breathe them up but I only mobilise very gently for fear of dropping down to 70s.
For the last two months I've been wondering about night-time and if enough 02 gets in when my breathing relaxes. I've also begun to think that 8 hours of 02 while I'm sleeping would be very good for my organs. At this point, after two years, I have finally got over the fear of and resistance to using 02 at home, so if it happens now, I'm kind of ready.
Delighted to hear that your 02 is helping the starvation and that you are now prepared to use it out and about as well.
You fought the good fight and sometimes we have to learn that it's time to give in. I wish you health, strength and an abundance of 02 flowing through you body. Your story meant a lot to me, thanks for sharing it.
I'm inclined to say that the overnight O2 is a huge advantage when it comes to daytime activity. By allowing a re-saturation each night, I don't starve my mobility muscles of O2 as much. Crashing is always a potential and like you, it is a matter of paying attention. I often will push very hard for a short moment and note the immediate down turn. Using O2 at night makes the down turn slower, so I get a little extra "exercise time".
The unconventional route leaves one to pay very close attention and not be lazy, if we're going to make any progress from this path. Mobile O2 to further push my limits seems appropriate. I feel that not physically pushing oneself will allow death to set in much more quickly. I'm only 58 and I feel much better than I did a couple of years ago. Much of this is mentally staying on the improvement side, if not just by attitude. That, I feel, is a big part of the physical improvements. Less stress.
Let's do well with our situation and keep discovering the positives of being smarter than the addiction provoking medical convention. What's even more important is to remember that our air is becoming more polluted (and the water, foods, etc.) everyday so our fight isn't going to get easier. We need to be responsible for our conditions and not place blame elsewhere. The planet isn't going to get cleaned up, so let's face the facts. Can you imagine the lung issues to come a hundred years from now in this polluted world? And, nutrition is our biggest asset in this fight to keep our bodies going...and yet conventional wisdom is rapidly removing nutrition from our foods. Anyone who has room for growing a garden and doesn't, is in effectively making it harder on their body to repair & cope.
Seems like vigilance pays off Bob and not letting others ( no matter how well qualified) make all the decisions for us. Like you I'll continue to strive and hopefully it will pay off for both of us.
I have done so many things to work my lungs back up it is hard to say what has had the biggest effect. Herbal teas, I'm not sure, but there were many times early on in this that relief was obvious. Now I have over 50 herbs to work with as I go along. Strenuous exercise ...as much as you can stand! A dozen times or more a day, I exhale and squeeze out every last bit...and hopefully also squeeze out some deep trapped gasses. Every last wheeze and crackle! It is a gut crunch for your lungs....breathe out as much as possible. Every day, do this. I seemed to have made my best gains when I also nebulized liquid glutathione (compounded for IV strength), along with inhaling sea salt dust using a container called a Salitair. I reached a point where I couldn't gain anymore volume prior to subsequently using overnight O2. From my first spirometry tests (FEV1 was 31%) to almost two years later I had doubled my FEV1 reads. I bought a simple electronic handheld unit to monitor my progress. For well under $200, the unit pretty much showed the same reads from my first pulmonary trial.
During all of this, first thing in the morning was to go out and shovel cow poop. I know, you envy me. It is heavy and with up to four animals at any given time, there is plenty. It is early morning exercise in the cool part of the day. Sometimes in Winter we get down to -10F and this allows harder breathing without overheating. I don't tolerate heat well, so this was my first half hour of cardio/lung exercise. The toughest part of my day. I would stop for a moment when I knew I was going down into the 70's and breathe back up to at least 90, and go right back to work. Push yourself...nothing else will do it for you.
I would check my O2 with a finger oximeter often during the work day and make a game of breathing back up to about 95 (which was a lot of work in my first year) throughout the day. Now I can breathe up to around 97, but it fades quickly to low 90's, and after a 10 hour work day an 88+ seems average.
I don't confuse FEV1 with actual gas exchange. Franky, I feel that much of my emphysema damage has big open spaces (130mm), so the air might get in & out...it just isn't accomplishing anything. Efficiency seems to be a better measure. I had early anxiety issues but learned to quit that in trade for learning how to breathe the O2 back up.
The phrase "let your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food" I consider most important. Do everything you can to obtain toxin free clean food. We even bought cows to have our raw dairy source...and found the best toxin free alfalfa for them. We fed only GOM/Soy/Corn free feeds to our chickens, and even raised "super worms" on our home grown vegetables (with a little of our grass fed beef) to help them through the winters. Clean nutritious foods. My body has been remarkable and though I have no way to prove that food is a big part of it, I'll stay away from the processed and questionable foods.
I wish I could make a hard fact statement how I've regained FEV1 ability...but I'm without the hard fact. Exercise, persistence and extra effort seems to work well for me. I should mention that I've had a couple of responders that indicated significant capacity gains. I might be back with a common thread on the subject.
Thank you for asking and your support at any rate!
Thank you for your very comprehensive posts and reply. It is wonderful to see how you have made such a difference. I have very low testosterone, but was told by the endocrinologist that taking supplemental testosterone is not recommended (?).
Anyway, thank you so much for all of the invaluable information and good luck in your new home and with your ongoing health improvement.
I concur with several reasons for not using supplemental testosterone when it is either topical, injected and or oral. Using my same principle ideal of avoiding something that would make my body not try harder to repair, I understand your point about testosterone, but wish to elaborate my practical related experience of T.
My doctor (who has had life long asthma/lung problems) who finds my perspective on the whole lung subject "interesting", has explained where conventional medical wisdom fails. Topical cremes applications have a couple of problems, one being oxidization, and conversion to useless forms of testosterone as protective functions/ enzymes in the epidermal layers do their job of annihilation of intruders/detoxification. Injections cause a roller coaster issue of high spike and constant lowering and last for short periods of one to two weeks. Oral consumption mostly dies in flames at the stomach. When he and I went over the (inserted) pellets topic, the point was a long (3-6 month) low (brought my 170 lb. body barely into range) and constant (no roller coaster effect) and, also included a light dose pellet to counter estrogen levels. I battle his wisdom often, so once he explained HOW/WHY the dosing was destined for failure, I accepted the pellet idea. I can testify several claims he made. My muscle mass was once again increasing after the first 3 months at a low and steady rate, as did my endurance. The blood work showed my T levels back in range, albeit just above "low". Improving cortizol levels/adrenals where I was previously at .01/trace levels. I have little to argue with what I observed. I am now with a second set of pellets, since I dropped out of range after 5 months. Painful as the butt cheek procedure is for about a month after healing, I see no ill effects and continue this long slow, but steady regaining of stamina and strength. As a final example of muscle mass/condition, prior to my pneumonia/lung issue, I could handle a 119 pound product I've built for 20+ years. At the onset through 6 months, forget it. Now, though not "comfortable" I can carry one of these 10 feet without a sense of exhaustion, and my O2 usually drops 5 points and quickly recovers in about 30 seconds. Since my ability to afford medical/insurance costs is directly proportional to my physical capacity in my shop, I vote for the pellets. By the way, I had the (expensive) topical stuff...no effect pro/con. I tried the injection (painful) and no good effect. I did not try the pills. Pellets are not cheap, so I also had to justify that cost (about $1,800 per procedure or $10 per day).
You've got to be a lab rat once in awhile just to get the proof. I had also tried herbal routes for the first year to effectively "move" my T up...no luck.
Thanks for your time (and tolerating my long reply)!
Wow - you certainly do your research, which is great. I can see no way I could get the Testosterone pellets here in the UK. Thank you once again for your in-depth reply. I hope you carry on improving - you're certainly putting in the work.
You can't obtain T in the UK? I thought the USA was bad as I had to obtain quinine outside the country. It's crazy...I think the tonic water makers have lobbyists keeping quinine out of the states. I'll message you from every few months with a simple update. And, about raw milk, I'm going to say that when I've run my O2 waaaay down, a cold glass of (35% cream!) raw milk does me wonders. You might also consider fresh/raw goat milk.
Sorry for the misunderstanding - if I went privately I'm sure I could get the T pellets - I meant they wouldn't supply the treatment on the NHS (state-run health service). Good tip re goat's milk - thank you.
I was diagnosed 8 years ago, I went completely dairy free, (I occasionally have a small piece of cheese) occasional meat and loads of vegetables, chickpeas and white beans. THese have been the big part of my diet. I live in the Pyrenees and can now do a lot of quite extreme walks. I honestly think that it's my food that's helped me, I'm on 2x puffers in the morning and that lasts me until the next morning. I know they say fresh non pasteurised milk is not mucus forming but for anyone with Emphysema I wonder if it's a good thing? I'd appreciate your thoughts on it.
My diet in the last 6 years went from the typical americanized fare to virually clean/no pesticide/no GMO and no Soy. I eat quantities of vegetables, meats and dairy. My gal also juices (which I failed to mention in earlier replies) every other day about 10 pounds of fresh vegetables for the two of us, and keifer every other day (made using raw milk).
I remember I would avoid pasteurized ("street milk") when I would get a cold or become ill with some bug. Mucus was an issue, but only when I was being sick. Raw milk, and I want to emphasize from our cows (as we know what they ate and how we handle our dairy foods...before it gets to our table), not store bought raw milk, doesn't seem to cause an inflammatory response. So, your idea might be correct. I'm not certain as honestly, I haven't found a store bought raw milk that taste right. Maybe I'm just bias. I enjoy real (25-35 cream content) whole milk.
I agree that food is probably THE most important thing for our bodies. Limiting exposures to toxins being almost as important, if not equal. All over the world, diets of CLEAN foods that run from all protein, to all fruit/vegetables and in between have allowed both tribal & nomad to live long healthy lives. Our modernized processed/chemically treated foods have not produced such results. The proof is all around us. My body is a product of modern foods. I have some false teeth and bad lungs. In the last six years, I survived pnumococcal pneumonia, am recovering better than many of my lung buddies, and have had zero dental issues and not so much as a cold. I can't say if food is the answer, but food is the biggest single change I have made...and that I ended smoking just before I became a foodie of sorts.
I like your "extreme walk" description! And exercise is right up there with clean food, in my opinion!
What altitude are you typically at? I feel that higher altitudes stress the lungs in a good way and force the body to be more efficient about gas exchange. I also think our (thinner) air is a little cleaner than most lower metropolitan areas, and also that wood smoke isn't nearly as bad for breathing as is the exhaust of any petroleum powered/coal fired engine.
Thanks for your question and I hope it made sense. Honestly, there are so many aspects to consider, it seems difficult to ferret through the causes and effects for me.
Hello, I don't come onto this group very often.As a respiratory Nurse, I tend to ask others opinions.In theory I know the answers !!! .To be newly diagnosed with any form of c.o.p.d( an Umbrella term) is frightening, which can lead to feeling in Low mood, I'm always reluctant to use the term depression.I believe that a very healthy diet, the appropriate fluids, sleep and tailored exercise balanced with the medication regime for your Individual requirements are essential.As to is feeling emotionally supported.The progress of respiratory related conditions can be slowed down.Know what is your (Best/ Normal).Recognise when your not feeling your usual, could be tightness, coughing more, s.o.b above how you normally are.A change in colour or volume of sputum, more tired.All possible symptoms of an exacerbation, which need reviewing and treated appropriately.Do take all your medications as prescribed.Share your thoughts on here, lots of emotional and practical support.Anxiety effects our breathing too.Follow your exercise / breathing techniques, they do help.Good luck, 😆 .
Good morning Bob. Love that you have taken your health into your own hands seems to be helping. I was diagnosed with emphazema in May of this year (I am 55). I am at mild to moderate. I knew I need to quit smoking immediately so got on the patches but they did not help so I am now on Chantix which I have to pay for myself($385.00 a month). I am on a Cpap machine for sleep apnea which pulminoligist said would help. I have only had it a month and still trying to get used to it. I live in a 3 story townhouse so climbing stairs is a must. Other than that I am not getting much exercise even thou I bought a "Simply Fit Board" as soon as I was diagnosed. But the arthritis in my back only allows me to barely use it. I also would like to know what tea you are drinking. I live in the city so cows are not an option.
You can search "herbal tea lungs" to get started. Many I tried had little/no effect, but some had very comforting results. Mulien is a good one, as is Astralagus and coltsfoot leaf. Peppermint leaf is more by itself that when combined, but I use it more for comfort. Elcampane root with coltsfoot leaf is a good remedy from "a bad day". Stay with that for a couple of days. My list is very long and you'll need to figure out what works for you. It has taken me almost two years to figure out the herb stuff, and I can see it will be years to fine tune it.
Mulien, used by American natives has long been used in many methods for lung/breathing issues. I like the tea at about a half cup compressed volume to two cups water. Two to four times a day, and after 3-4 days, skip it for a week then try more. Colts foot leaf and red clover is a good mix for heavy chest feelings. Combine equally in one half cup (compressed) measured to three cups water. Elcampane root by itself, or mixed with either coltfoot leaf or Nettle leaf in previous measures is a good one. Nettle leaf is something I use often but not for many days in a row. I like to change up often as I can notice subtle positives more easily.
When making teas adjust for potency/quality/taste. I like a medium strong taste, but I'm also a maple sugar fan (one teaspoon please) and sometimes fresh cow's cream. There is enjoyment, as well as remedy, to be had here. By the way, the purpose of the maple sugar is that it is certified (organic) clean and isn't chemically processed at all...and it has a wonderful flavor!
There's plenty of herbal tea information out there. Herbie's Herbs (Canadian) is a favorite reference of mine. They have some difficult to find herbs, but there are many good suppliers world wide. Fresh and CLEAN...I know the term "organic" is over used, but I stay in that direction. Besides, in the herbal world, it is sometimes the same price...and there is "wild craft", which I also use plenty of. Many herbs have little spice taste, but can be used in your cooking as a way to ingest it.
I used the herbs mentioned in the first paragraph for many months, during the time I was not seeing any doctors, and I was doing better little by little. I feel the time you take to care and comfort yourself is also really important. Herbal teas can be both physically and mentally an advantage. A cup of fresh ground coffee in the morning (with maple sugar and cream, thank you), and no more than one cup in the morning...for the flavor...not the caffine! If you want to amp it up, try Ephedra. It grows out here wild in the high desert areas. Also known as Mormon, Squaw and Miner's tea. Tastes great and beats coffee as a pick me up. If you want to sleep, try Evening Primrose (grows like a weed out in our yard). Sometimes hard to find. I pick the flowers after two days wilted which invigorates the plant to make a lot of new flowers. Also good for PMS issues as well....very calming. Use no more than ten flowers in a cup of tea or you'll be sleepy the next morning.
Boil your water, remove it from heat and add your herb. Give it 5 to 15 minutes to steep. Ephedra cuttings should retained for 5 more pots of tea, adding a little more each reheat to keep the taste.
Thousands of years of use world wide....without a long list of side effects!
Hi Bob. I am 63 this year and have had emphysema for 2.5 years. I was told then that it was mild, I was then told 1 year later that it was severe, went for spirometry test last week and blew 89.5 fev1. So, now I am mild again.😁 My success is I quit the fags, started going to gym and eat a healthy diet.I don't let this disease rule me (most important). I get on with my life and keep the beast locked up. Great reading your story.
I noticed your use of H2O2. I've nebulized it for the last 6 months at 2% strength at first, then 3% for the past 4 months. I use it in place of toothpastes, as well. A great chemical free mouthwash....and as our chlorine replacement to wash the clothes, unless you like chlorine gas! I feel the H2O2 has further supported my immune system by checking the bad bacteria and clearing it from my lungs. I'm not certain I feel any added oxygen effect due to the extra oxygen molecule, but there are no bad effects I can find. Here in the US I source it at 35% strength, and dilute it 11 to 1 with distilled water to make the 3%. Lungs in this area get 10 to 20% humidity as an average...so the moisture is welcomed within, as well.
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FEV1 v O2 sats. Can anyone help?
Spirometryresults
Mild emphysema 
