I'm really not that bad, but...

[MoyB]

Compared with many folks on here, I'm really not too bad but I'm not tickety boo either! I have asthma, COPD and Bronchiectasis.

I start the day with great promise - full of ideas of what to do - people to see, places to go. Then I do my physio and have a little rest before having my shower, after which I have another little rest. Half the day is gone already!

I start to do things and run out of energy very quickly. The easiest thing for me is just to sit in the car with my husband driving and enjoy the scenery - that doesn't puff me out! But I want to do more - my head thinks I can.

I completed a course of Pulmonary Rehab in August but, in September, I had a bunion operation. I am only just back to walking normally and find I need to build myself up again to get to where I left off. I'm finding it difficult to motivate myself, though, as walking causes me to cough and I'm a lot slower than my husband which is frustrating for him.

I am wondering if I will ever regain the peak flow levels of three months ago or if this is it now. Still, at least my head wants me to get out there and do things so that's a good thing, isn't it?

Forgive my self-indulgent moan. I do appreciate I'm still better off than many - just feeling a bit breathless and low today. Probably another infection on the way!

[Hidden]

Sounds like your fatigued if you was a table ya leg would fall of SOUNDS like you need energy food.

Is good you can clear chest when walking guess that's why you cough a lot I find road humps clear mine when I drive over them.

Am lazy or is it like you I have no energy.

Most suffer same as you find it easer to sit than motivate try move them self SO don't think your alone there.

Cf website do good food menu thing those diseased with gut lung issues can eat.

All the best with your motivating ... guess I best try motivate myself

[Pam1952]

Hi MoyB. You need to stop beating yourself up. Things have got in the way and set you back a bit, you're allowed to feel fed up! You've obviously got the will to do it, just try and be a bit easier on yourself. Good luck and take care. 😊😊😊

[Helen6]

Hi MoyB,

I empathise with you as my experience is similar to yours. I have to write off most mornings as it's usually lunch time before I feel well enough to do anything. Like you, I want to do things but tiredness means I can't sustain anything for long. Currently, I am trying to go for a walk every day and have taken up painting as a hobby. What works for me is to set myself goals. I bought myself a pedometer and I have a chart on my fridge on which I record my daily and weekly steps - hoping this will help with blood pressure, weight loss and general well-being. Perhaps you could persuade your husband to walk at your pace. Also, like you, I feel it's wrong to complain when other people on this site have it so much harder than me but I suppose it's hard for all of us to know that we will never experience that 'wellness' feeling again.

Hope you feel a little more positive soon. We all have down times - it's normal.

Best Wishes,

Helen

[rubyred777]

Hi MoyB, I don't recall what stage copd you are. Helen6 gave you a excellent reply, with good goals to work on. It's all about taking baby steps and slowly increasing what you do. The less you do, the less you'll be able to do. Good luck to you.... Ruby🌹

[MoyB in reply to rubyred777]

I agree with what you say about the less you do the less you will be able to do. Unfortunately, I'm feeling a little bit stuck at the mo but all these comments and good advice are giving me the boost I need. Thank you!

[sassy59]

Hi MoyB, it's ok to have off days as that seems to be part and parcel of lung disease. It's good to be able to do what you can when you can but every day is different.

Sending hugs and good wishes to you. Take care xxx 😚

[Watfordgirl]

Hope you're not getting another infection - it's time you had a bit of a break. It will take time to get back to where you were. Be patient but persistent - as Ruby says, small steps.

When I'm lying in bed, half asleep, I have so much energy and could take on the world. Lots of plans, things to do. One foot in my slipper and it's all gone! Still, I have a lot of fun thinking about it.

Sue x

[MoyB in reply to Watfordgirl]

Ah, Watfordgirl, you put it in a nutshell! That's me to a 'T'!

[Watfordgirl in reply to MoyB]

You can borrow my other slipper! Make sure you keep your 'to do' list as short as possible then you can succeed instead of failing. You can always add to it. x

[MoyB in reply to Watfordgirl]

Great advice! xx

[sheila1kerry in reply to Watfordgirl]

What good advice. I might write that out and post it on my fridge. Words of wisdom💐

[sheila1kerry in reply to Watfordgirl]

Hi sue, like you i enjoy thinking about all the things i want to do, not quite so enjoyable are thoughts about things i need to do. Actually doing any of it is a very different story. Like so many with copd i find it easier to do nothing in case it sets me off or i lose my breath, i think it is the fear that holds me back ( and a lot of laziness). Thanks for making me smile though. Good luck and wish you well.

[Watfordgirl in reply to sheila1kerry]

It's such a difficult condition to live with, isn't it? I do get so tired - literally - of struggling to do things. And that makes me really skilled at making excuses. It does help to know I'm not the only one!

Good luck to you too and wish you well. x

[sheila1kerry in reply to Watfordgirl]

Sorry, i started to reply then someone turned up to see me.Yes I have copd and i get tired really easily. Some days i just want to keep sleeping, some days i do keep sleeping. The mind is strong but the body is weak.Have you been to pulmonary rehab yet? I started but fell ill with a chest infection the first week . I may try again though as everyone i speak to swears by it. Wishing you well and thanks for responding. XXX

[Watfordgirl in reply to sheila1kerry]

It's nice to have visitors, but that's tiring too! Yes, I went to PR two years ago. It definitely does help but I get a lot of chest infections and then it's really hard to exercise. I've been offered a second course but I'm putting it off at the moment.

Can l ask if this tiredness has been coming on for a while? And do you have headaches when you wake up? Just thinking . .

Don't be too hard on yourself. At least your mind is strong. Hope you feel a bit better soon. xxx

[MoyB]

What a great lot of people you are! I feel much better today and most of that is down to your support! Am just off to do my 'short' (very) to do list! And I do have both of my own slippers on, so that's a bonus! Haha!

[Watfordgirl in reply to MoyB]

Hooray! x

[scotjan52]

Hi everyone this is my first post have been on the site for a while and just plucked up courage to reply I too have Copd and recently diagnosed with bronchiectas feel just like you moyb the site has helped me so good to have folk whi understand

[Watfordgirl in reply to scotjan52]

Hello, scotjan. It's nice to meet you, and hope to see lots of you. Sue

[MoyB]

Now, today has been a very different day! I woke up with a chest that was working better than yesterday and I have had a great day.

I got through the physio and showering quicker and got started on some sewing that's been put off for ages. Facetimed my son and family and ended up going over there this afternoon to help entertain the granddaughters while Mum and Dad got on with some jobs that needed doing. Little grandson slept through most of it! Came home and got a chicken casserole prepared and just waiting for it to finish cooking.

See what you people have helped me achieve? I would never have got on with as much today if I hadn't had that little moan and groan and got so much energy back from all of you. Thank you all!