Like a cold

Hi everyone haven't posted for a while, but have been avidly reading. I was diagnosed last year after I had an embolism, very scary, I have had three bad exacerbations which all started with cold like symptoms you know the sort blowing your nose for England, feeling more tired than usual, I'm confused about wether this is an excerbation starting and I should start taking the rescue pack the nurse gave me (steroids and antibiotics or is this a cold and that brings on the exacerbation. Still not quite clear on when to start them. On Wednesday I had the worst bout of breathlessness so far, I really could not get my breath I don't know wether it was the humidity that started it weather far to hot I felt like a heap of soggy rags. it's my first summer with COPD so not sure of anything really am waiting for PR but there is a long waiting list as always so have been trying to find any breathing excercises and anything else I can to try and help myself . You people have been my life line, so I am being cheeky and wondering if anyone can help.

Thanks so much for all the information on here you are all so helpful.

Shannie 04 or (Christina) whichever you prefer I don't mind.🐧⛄️🙂

[Hidden]

Sniff the roses blow out the candle...take a breath in up your nose slowly and breath out long and slow through pursed lips .I do this as often as I can through the day it's good for strength but also relaxes you. I use it on exercise to help pace whatever I'm doing ...try you tube for a few also my first summer xxxxx

[laines]

If you are not sure do not hesitate in calling your doctors and ask to speak to the nurse or somebody who can help. Exacerbation just means your symptoms are worse but I have always been advised that the antibiotics and steroids are to be used if there are signs of infection. Has you phlegm changed colour? Are you coughing a lot more than usual? If you are struggling to breathe take your rescue inhaler. 2 puffs using a spacer. The last thing you want is to be taking the antibiotics unnecessarily so to be safe give your docs a ring x

[y_not]

Hi Shannie,

Like you I never knew when to start the emergency meds. I even did a PR course and was still no wiser; they never mentioned it! Only during the second PR course did they sort it out (and it varies per person).

First you need to work out YOUR "normal" - how you are on an average day when you feel as good as normal. Next work out what changes when an exacerbation begins (in my case a change in the colour of phlegm, increased coughing, increased sweating) - at this point you get them out of the cupboard ready. Again, in my case, I can't complete a sentence without gasping for breath - that's it; the moment has arrived to get on the drugs.

I begin the course and rest for a couple of days (I reached this point yesterday morning and between 11:00 yesterday and noon today I slept for 17 hours!!). Then time to review; are they working, am I starting to feel better - if "yes" then use the repeat prescription service to organise replacements - if "no" then time to make a GP appointment. I don't waste the GP's appointment service if the drugs have worked, where's the point, I leave the appointment for someone in more need than me?

Hopefully, from the above you can work out the triggers for you and decide what stage you are at and take/leave the drugs as necessary.

Keep warm & keep well

[Hidden]

Thank you all so much I think I need to pay more attention to what my body is saying/doing.Had really breathless day Monday, no cough just the block on the chest more tired than usual, but the air was oppressive, I put the excess sweating down to that, but I should have listened to what I was being told by my body but us mums always know best cough cough !! Thank you for tip on smelling the roses and blowing out the candle, tho I must sayI did think there's someone out there as daft as me, (no offence) until I read on and as usual all was revealed. Took on board what the majority of people were saying and when the coughing up stuff YUK turned then started my rescue pack so Mondy I shall be asking for a repeat.

Thanks to everyone who replied and all that read it and "happy Anniversary" to all the first year people and may we always stay in touch for each other

Luv Shannie04

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Lol no offence taken ...im as daft as a brush I hope you feel better soon and the weather's much cooler now take care xxxx