Fruends

[Samjeff]

How do you explain to friends how severe COPD feels and effects our daily lives. When whilst sitting with no oxy on we appear quite well, I have this problem? I'm on ambulatory oxy only, was diagnosed 9 years ago any replies welcome thank you Sam

[2greys]

Direct them to this forum and read for themselves.

[Samjeff in reply to 2greys]

That's a good idea thanks sam

[Hidden]

The answer is you can't not really as healthy people have no idea and why should they anyway? Give them the straw test and ask them to breathe through it. Or google the spoons theory, that might help.

[Samjeff in reply to Hidden]

I read the spoons theory very good thankyou sam

[mrsmummy]

The BLF website offers lots of information leaflets which may help. Have a look, many of them are free (but you can make a donation if you wish to). You can download them or ask that they be posted out to you.

shop.blf.org.uk/collections...

[Samjeff in reply to mrsmummy]

I will to both thank you Sam

[Nottobad]

healthunlocked.com/quitsupp.... Show them this

[Jdbg05023]

Hi I am the same when I move my sats go down to 69.to70. but in 5mins theare back up again and I am fine ..then people look at me and think he ok..2 years in and of hospital..you do get upset ..but I think there wose out there so just plod on ..u have to learn to control it .thanks Jim..

[Samjeff in reply to Jdbg05023]

Thanks jdbg that's it if I don't move I'm fine usually yes there are people who are much worse I agree. Sam

[Dmactds]

If you had any other disease would you feel obligated to 'explain' how you feel and how it affects your life?? I wouldn't. If your 'friends' are really interested, they can read up on it on the net, in books and elsewhere; otherwise, you should really not feel obliged to 'educate' them unless you feel comfortable doing so..., which you obviously don't.

[Samjeff in reply to Dmactds]

True. Sam

[Badbessie]

My friends listen and try to understand. Unless you have a chronic condition, it does not have be Copd they can only sympathize. To show empathy and truely understand they must have the condition.

[Samjeff in reply to Badbessie]

That's right to truly understand this one is difficult for people as breathing is taken for granted not even thought about until you can't . Sam

[hallentine47]

Constantly I am told how well I look ad I always answer "it's all the steroids I'm on". If only these people could see inside me and my 23% lung capacity!! But then like most things, if we haven't got it how can we really understand.

[Samjeff in reply to hallentine47]

I do empathise because I can thanks for reply sam🌻

[jjnanna]

If they are your friends they will understand when you aren't as you were, my friends rally round when I am poorly or in hospital ..... and my family are great .... If I say I can't do something ....fine .... they do it for me if they can, no people don't realise how restricting this illness is as they haven't got it, but just tell them what your limitations are and if they are real friends they will understand xx

[dee_13]

Unfortunately, unless you suffer from COPD or emphysema, no one knows how debilitating this is unless they suffer with it too, and how depressed one gets when trying to do the smallest tasks unsuccessfully, and even going to the kitchen to make yourself a hot drink drains you oxygen levels. I have only just made my family and friends understand that they must not come to see me if they are suffering colds, flu, or even a sore throat as, although unpleasant to the sufferer, this can be disastrous to a person with chest problems. I wish I could get them to understand that them making me a cup of tea or coffee when they visit would be a luxury and appreciated so much!

[Samjeff]

It's invisible that's why and you probably keep a happy face at rest as we can , no exertion, guess we'll just have manage it as we do and chat to people in like situation. 🌻 Sam

[Abigai6 in reply to Samjeff]

Also I would like to encourage u all 2 stay positive. Believe in Jesus that he can do all things.

[Abigai6]

I have a question I will b travelling soon and I use oxygen wen walking. The hosp said dey can't allow me to take oxygen abroad and there is no potable oxygen where I'm going. Where can I get oxygen to take abroad please

[Hidden in reply to Abigai6]

Hi Abigai6 you could try any of the following private hire companies:

Pure O2 - 0800 145 5902

Omega Oxygen - 01273 308 176

The Oxygen Store - 0345 100 0084

I wouldn't be able to say how much it would cost, but each of the above should be able to advise on hiring to take oxygen abroad.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Ben

BLF Helpline

[Samjeff in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Ben