Exercise is key - I believe

[phil777]

Hi, I have just joined the system. I was diagnosed with severe emphysema in 2012. I was an active but exhausted walker and occasional swimmer. I am 68 and have 35% lung capacity. I have tried to keep walking, have adapted my routes to flatter courses of perhaps 1 to 2.5 miles and I stop on hills if pushed. This morning, I swam (stop start and slowly) 700 metres and I feel very happy with that. Five years is the usual life expectancy, I am told but I have been able to maintain my 35% lung capacity, I believe through moderate but committed exercise. It is difficult to motivate myself sometimes but I believe that exercise is the key and I want to live as long as I can. I am fortunate that I do not carry excessive weight but I think that is just reasonably good fortune from my parents genes! Hoping this helps.

[Hidden]

Hi Phil great to meet you. You are doing exactly the right things so congratulations. I hope you live forever

[mrsmummy]

Hi Phil and welcome to the forum. Whoever told you that the life expectancy was 5 years obviously read very old books! Many on here have been diagnosed for much longer. I believe you are right that exercise is the key. Keep it up.

[2greys]

Hi Phil, you are right and we have many things in common. I have kept pushing myself this year and have managed to conquer the hills where I live and can now walk 5 miles. I also still work full-time. I also have severe Emphysema and 67 this year.

Keep it up, you won't regret it. The more you do, the more you can do. I have proved it for myself.

[Badbessie]

We are all different and the question on life expectancy is really how long is a bit of string. Exercise is in many ways the key. Use or lose it as some would say. I feel I am 100% fitter now than when I was diagnosed. I set exercise goals as a way of motivation. We all have bad days so take each day as it comes.

[Hidden]

Totally agree with you I'm fitter than I ever have been addicted to the gym for 2 hours a day and walk everywhere ...my car used to be used continually even to go to the shop now I just start it up now and again to keep it ticking over and everyone's individual to life exercise and copd but well done you for being active xxxx

[tracyball1]

Hi Phil I couldn't agree more, I sometimes really struggle but push myself to go and feel loads better for it, I walk for or five times with my dog not huge walks, usually about half hour each time, I go hills but take me time, I believe exercise really helps x

[philmike55]

Hi Phil, It seems we have a lot in common. I was diagnosed with Emphysema in 2012 and told I would have to be on 2 Liters of Oxygen 24/7 for rest of my life. . I also have been exercising 4 days a week at Gym . My last PFT I was at about 35% . I really dread exercise, but I know it's important so I push myself and do it. My concern is I have to use Oxygen but none of your other repliers mentions being on Oxygen. I am not overweight either. I am 68 _ 158Lbs and 5' 8". If there is anyone on here that knows how to not have to rely on Oxygen with 35% lung function please share.

[phil777 in reply to philmike55]

Hi PhilMike 55. It's Phil. I am not taking oxygen and am trying to avoid taking that path at the moment. I am taking daily vitamin supplements - A C D and E. These vitamins are said to be beneficial for lung performance and they do boost the immune system. I try to eat healthily and have cut down on alcohol consumption as I know this is detrimental to my breathing problems. I actually experience more breathlessness the day after a couple of glasses of wine! Hoping this is helpful - it seems to work for me but of course, we are all different and what suits one, might not benefit others. Good luck!!

[philmike55 in reply to phil777]

HI Phil, Thanks for your reply. I guess I will try the vitamin supplements. I guess I am just trying to figure why some people have to use Oxygen and others don't , with typically similar FEV's . If I sit in a chair and do nothing my SP02 is about 90% without using Oxygen. If i get up and walk into another room my SP02 quickly drops to mid 80's , so no walking for me without oxygen.

Thanks Again