snowdrop

[snow4drop]

hi im new here i was diagnosed eight mths ago with copd /asthma even though im moderate im finding it hard to do some things for myself ive not been out for 3mths now as i live in a 3storey block of flats and just 3 flights of stairs puts me off going out i feel isolated im on inhalers for my condition sorry for the long post i also have a very painful back i was wondering if it had anything to do with the condition

[stone-UK]

Hi

First step is to apply for a ground floor property on health grounds.

Have you been referred to pulmonary rehabilitation. One hour exercise plus one hour education.

To help with climbing stairs, use the breathing technique, “ blow and go”

Stop to inhaler,climb one or two steps on the exhale. Stop to inhale continue to climb on the exhale.

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome,I live in sheltered accommodation and and although we have lift I have to walk along full length of corridor to get and sometimesthat can be testing but I must try harder to get out and about bit more as when I'm alone and bored eat and eat especially now on big load of steroids (excuse after excuse)? It's not a good cycle I've gotten myself so if I may say try and get out if only to the door,hope this helps a bit because you will probably hear from some of the other people on here we are definitely not alone.Regards Ger

[Hidden]

Hello 🌸

What a lovely family picture 😊

A little one to cheer you up !!

Not being out of the house for 3 months is a long time.

If you could get a ground floor or at least a flat with a lift that would help as @stone-uk mentioned.

I think you need a good chat with your GP and see what he can do about that back pain. Sounds like you need physiotherapy and care help. I mean if you cough a lot it may have to do with your condition but it could be being in and sitting down as exercising is important..I recently found out I had fractured a back vertebrae because of osteoporosis. If I hadn’t had a chest xray for a lung infection I wouldn’t have known so it is important to have a good checkup.

I would phone the BLF helpline to see how to go about getting help and answers.

Regarding the stairs, and getting out of the house, you need help with those first steps..Do you have a friendly neighbour or family nearby?

Because it can be scary by oneself..a friendly arm goes a long way.

Try Age Uk as well, they have volunteers.

So you need to choose an easier cooler day, have a cup of tea or coffee two sugars 😊, take your reliever 15mn before going out and keep it in your pocket, wear good comfortable shoes. And go down nice and easy, rest on landings, pace your breathing, inhale gently and exhale with pursed lip like blowing a candle. You can take more reliever if you need to.

Don’t go very far, first time round, like your corner shop, stop on benches on the way, maybe have a rest, and a sandwich and a drink out so you are well rested before you go back up.

Once you have done it and are back home, you will be tired, so drink a lot of fluids and put your feet up but you will feel so much better for having been out and about. Give it a couple of days before you attempt it again because you are going to discover muscles you had forgotten you had! Still all for the best!

You

Take care and let us know how you are getting on xx

Fran

[katieoxo60]

hi there, welcome to the site that is a lovely picture. You will need to try and get rehoused in more suitable accomodation which is not easy when you are ill. Your back is probably a different matter to your COPD/Asthma so should be investigated but to do that you need to go out to GP ect. Being stuck in can make you feel down too. Do you mix with your neighbours? Anyway good luck with trying to get abetter flat with no stairs.

[snow4drop]

thank you all for your comments i will see if i can get appointment will gp and go from there