A little perplexed

[Batbara]

Okay, so here's my story. I have stage 4 emphysema. For the last month or so i'm having more shortness of breath. I went to the pulmunologist today and had another lung function test and my numbers were almost the same as my last test . He gave me a prescription for prednisone ( which I'm reluctant to take). I just don't understand how I could suddenly be so much more out of breath, and my lung function hasn't changed. Has this happened to anyone, and if so, did the steroids help. Any ideas as to what could be the cause?

Thanks for any replies, and good health to all.😀

[judg69]

Barbara, if you are are much more out of breath than normal, then follow the Advice of your Pulmonologist. Prednisone will likely enable you to breathe better after after a week or so, at which time you can discuss tapering off the prednisone. Best Wishes, judg69

[Batbara in reply to judg69]

Thanks for your advice. I did order it from pharmacy, but last time I tried it I had stomach problems. May give it a whirl again.

[Bobbi6 in reply to judg69]

The weather and allergens can make breathing worse. The same thing has happened to me and yes the prednisone helps a lot. Usually only takes a couple weeks on it to feel better and then taper back off.

[hallentine47]

Hi Batbara. Like you I have severe COPD/Emphysema. I have been on predisone steroid for almost 3 years and I have been tapering off from 40 mg a day to presently 6 mg a day. During the last three years I have been admitted to Hospital twice with pneumonia and in Intensive Care for 3 weeks on one occasion. Each time this happens my steroids are put back up to 40 mg a day. I taper off as soon as possible but always very slowly. Steroids have been essential in helping me to breathe but I have days when I struggle and feel very unwell but my PF is 250 (good for me) Oxy levels 97% and I have no temperature. It makes no sense!! But just needing more rest or being tired can effect our breathing or perhaps we have been exposed to house hold cleaner or car fumes. As already advised listen to your Doctor. This is such complex illness and we are all so different. Hope you feel better soon.

[Batbara in reply to hallentine47]

Yes it is a complex illness. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason. I guess we are always looking for a quick fix, but as you mentioned it is complex and very different for everyone. Maybe I'll just wake up one morning and it will feel like it did two months ago. I imagine all of us go through these unexplainable things sometimes.

thanks for your post, and be well!

[Watfordgirl in reply to hallentine47]

Hello hallentine 47, I've been wondering how you are, and it's good to hear from you.

It's a continuing struggle, isn't it? Keep battling away and expect an email! Sue x

[hallentine47 in reply to Watfordgirl]

I am looking forward to it. T xx

[Dmactds]

I wasn't familiar with the name "prednisone" so I looked it up and under its uses, though I may've missed it, I don't see mention of emphysema:

medicinenet.com/prednisone/...

I've been taking Symbicort and Spiriva since I had my pulmonary collapse 5 years ago today and am sure they've helped me immeasurably. You don't mention any other meds you may be taking so it's tough to know how to respond.

This time of year and this kind of weather makes me rather 'cocky' about it all as I'm able to not worry about using my oxygen as much. I feel and breathe better and better, though I still get breathless walking for any distance. However, in this kind of weather, I'm able to breathe more deeply and it's all so much more pleasant than when the temps are soaring in the 90s along with the humidity. At those times, I'm laying around with my tongue hanging out, panting like an old hound dog; but, then, so are so called 'healthy' folks.

Regards,

Duncan

[Batbara]

HI Duncan

Yes, I take tudorza and Dulera. The prednisone that doc prescribed is for inflammation. I still think that are bodies get use to drugs and therefore we sometimes need a change up.

It has been very humid here. I live in Tampa, st. Pete area of Florida. I guess things can just change a little and I'm the type of person that notices everything body related. Maybe too much so! Lol!😀

[janice01]

Short course of high dose steroids are usually the answer to calming things down.

You may just have some mucus trapped in your airways so any other mucus can't get past it to clear your airways and restore best breathing for you.

Stronger huff might just do the trick...