Young but old

[Anners2017]

Hey folks. Hope everyone is going ok with thIs weather. I'm 43 and have asthma, COPD fev 43%, Alpha one antryipsin deficiency (MZ) and bronchial wall thickening with small airways disease. I'm struggling to do the same things as my friends these days and I'm finding it hard to adapt. Loved dancing and can't really do that anymore plus lots of other things, like who'd have thought I wouldn't be able to carry a bag of shopping at 43 without struggling to breathe. I'm wondering whether to get myself a walking stick for longer walking, I just don't want to give in yet but it's getting the better of me. Any advice welcome 😀

[Hidden]

Why don't invest in one those push along trollies with the seat that you can rest on if you need to ...and you have a basket on the front for your bags shopping etc also if you lean on it to walk you relax your shoulders and surrounding muscles which help with breathing xxx

[Anners2017 in reply to Hidden]

It's a good idea and I know it's sounds bad but I don't like how people would view me, maybe it's an age thing, maybe it's stupidity or maybe it's just sheer embarrassment of how people perceive me. I don't know 🤷‍♀️ I'm lucky because I have a car but just moving bags from trolley to car and car to house is an issue.

[Hidden in reply to Anners2017]

Hi that's exactly what I said and when I was younger I would never even wheel my mums trolley coz of the age thing. Now I have gotten a lot older and with mild copd I find it very hard to carry shopping (I don't have a car) and invested in a shopping trolley last year.

Now I don't bother what people think of me.

[stone-UK]

Hi

Any walking aid will lessen the impact of breathlessness when walking, I would also consider a tri-walker or rollator. What ever helps to give you confidence use it.

[Anners2017 in reply to stone-UK]

Do you really think a walking stick will help that much ? I'm willing to give it a try if there is proven evidence it will help me in some way

[stone-UK in reply to Anners2017]

Hi

It's all about confidence. One problem with COPD is stress.

The fear of falling, not finding a suitable place to rest when SOB.

With a walking aid you have that confidence.

It's not how people view you it's how you feel about yourself.

I have a walking stick, rollator and scooter plus oxygen, and I use what suits me with the task I wish to perform.

[Anners2017 in reply to stone-UK]

Can I ask at what stage or Fev of your COPD were you put on oxygen ?

[stone-UK in reply to Anners2017]

Hi

Stage 4, 24%

[Anners2017 in reply to stone-UK]

Thankyou. Is that a base line figure the NHS use or is it dependent on person. I'm just trying to get an idea for my own future, if you know or don't mind saying of course

[stone-UK in reply to Anners2017]

Hi

It's dependant on the person not everybody requires or would benefit from oxygen therapy long term 16 hour per day or like me on Ambulitory oxygen therapy for exercise and walking about.

[Anners2017 in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you 😊

[Anners2017 in reply to stone-UK]

Thinking about it...when I go shopping leaning on the trolley helps so maybe a stick is my first option for now

[stone-UK in reply to Anners2017]

Hi

If you do decide check the adjustments for correct height.

Top of walking stick should be level with wrist joint.

[2greys]

Yes a walking stick does help, definitely, I have used one for the last few months to get walking any distance and to strengthen my legs. A cheap option to try and not a massive loss at around £10/12 if it doesn't work out for you. Given the image aspect you could always get an arm crutch, no one will know the difference then thinking you have sprained your ankle or such.

[Anners2017 in reply to 2greys]

Thank you. Maybe time to bite the bullet and get one then 👍🏻

[Badbessie]

Hi perhaps a walking stick may be a retrograde movement. I was wondering if you were on the list for pulmonary rehabilitation? Which is both exercise related and also education about coping in some ways with this horrible condition. You may find it helpful as they can give advice on aids etc that could suit you. As your GP referred or talked to you about this option?

[Anners2017 in reply to Badbessie]

Hi. Got diagnosed when I was 40 and referred to rehab. Had some issues; firstly I was studying at the time for my bachelors degree and couldn't attend the sessions offered, secondly COPD etc isn't my only long term chronic illness; fibro, arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea plus some more minor ongoing issues no doubt all interlinked. I'm seeing my consultant again in August and they may put me back on CPAP now I've had sinus issues fixed and I'm being referred for weight loss surgery so am hoping these things can help in some way.

[Badbessie in reply to Anners2017]

Luckily I only have the fibromyalgia and arthritis. Do not know how I would cope with CPAP. I hope things go well for you in your future procedures.

[Anners2017 in reply to Badbessie]

Thank you. Fingers crossed. Might try the walking stick though in the meantime. Ps just finishing a masters and embarking on a teaching qualification next 😀👍🏻

[clematis5932 in reply to Anners2017]

I have the same problem with lifting into and out of car heavy bags. I now have my groceries delivered. If I feel able I can still go to the supermarket for fresh items. During the winter months I have it all delivered. By opting for deliveries Mon Tues or Wed I only pay three pound fifty a month for as many deliveries as I need. You gain on time saved which you can use for your studies. x

[Anners2017 in reply to clematis5932]

Good suggestion and maybe the way forward...just OCD when it comes to dates on products so like to pick my own 🙄

[clematis5932 in reply to Anners2017]

I am as well but have found no problems so far. if anything is picked which has a shorter than liked date on it you have the choice to send it back with the driver. if you order anything not in stock then a similar product will be sent always of a better quality or size than ordered but you do not have to pay anymore. Again the choice of sending it back if you want. Another idea for you is to just use the delivery for bottles, tins, and dry goods say every two or three weeks and still do your own fresh shop as you want. I wouldn't go back to doing it myself now. x

[Anners2017 in reply to clematis5932]

Now that's a very good idea 😀

[Judith41]

Hallo Anners.

My diagnosis is IPF, we have hills all around us so I find a walker very helpful. Being fairly active still I managed to find a 'Let's Go Out' rollator. It has larger wheels at the front which help it to ride over low curbs, grass and slightly rough ground. The advertisement on line shows it being used on damp sand - though I haven't had a chance to try that yet! It has a shopping bag in front of the seat. I have a walking stick but the freedom of not carrying stick and bag everytime is great. Love having hands free when I am not on the move.

There was one other deciding factor for me - it has a much younger slightly sporty look.

If you do decide to have a look at one do shop around. I managed to pay a third less than some of the asking prices.

Best wishes. Judith

[Hidden]

Hi I know several people with very fancy walking sticks. Or you can embellish your one. You will end up with such a jazzy one that others will be jealous

[peege]

Don't I know that feeling, pride!

Here are some ideas that I use:

* Use ventolin b4 activities to prevent airways closing

*breathing techniques IE pursed lip breathing - YouTube

* invest in a nice backpack. I've a posh French 1, it folds, it's cool not sporty

* wear an 'across the body' handbag. I've only these in different sizes.

* always distribute weight of shopping in to two bags, one each side.

* keep to a healthy weight so I'm carrying less of myself around!

Go to a sports shop for walking poles - or check out on Amazon - there are two types. Nordic poles & another type - you can get telescopic ones to stash away.

Re dancing, I'd try one dance, sit the next one out.

PR style exercises will help keep your muscles strong & your stamina up.

GOOD LUCK x

PS I bought my daughter the same backpack as mine, she uses it all the time she's 40, super fit, pretty cool & with two little ones.

[andy01]

im a dj and i have copd so dontlet it get you down party on dood i do lol

[corriena]

Its totaly embarasing humiliating and i wont be seen dead with a walking stick ect i think we have nearly all thought like that at some stage or still do for some. But if it enables us to do more with less stress its got to be a good thing even if its only thear just incase or for the realy bad days. I bought a collapsible walking stick. I dont use it regularly but it has been a god send on more than one ocasion. And as i can lean on my stick to let my breathing settel a bit i become less distressd and more confident i can cope without making a total spectical of myself. I think its an investment in your self . Go for it

[Caspiana]

Hello. 😃

We are the same age and my FEV is about 30. For so long I thought getting a disability badge and being on oxygen was "giving in". The truth is there is a time to persevere and a time to let go. Our strength really lies in knowing when and which course to take. Since we are in the "youngish" category I think we feel self conscious of what people think. Truth is you get over it and then it becomes somewhat normal. 😅

I'm glad you're here by the way. Welcome.💜 Hoping to hear more from you soon.

Best wishes to you.

Cas xx 🍀🌹🍀

[M_HOLOHAN]

why dont you get a rollator with a seat. This will let you sit down when you want to and also under the seat is a place to pit your shopping. look for one on Amazon