Greetings from a newbie!

[Funkybiker]

Hello all, new to this forum although I was diagnosed with COPD etc; more than 10 years ago. I am now at stage 4 with Fev1 of 21% and Fev of 16%. Struggle walking due to breathlessness and have to use walking sticks to help me, and to lean on when I need to rest, about 15-20 feet when bad. I'm looking forward to getting tips and advice from this site. Many thanks to you all.

[Spacecat1]

Welcome Funkybiker. I have copd same as you 10 years. Struggle to walk. But I do try and make a determined effort been told it's good for your lungs. So hubby has bought me a treadmill he's just set it up. Had a go yesterday it was hard. But not going to give in my consultant wants me walking a bit more before he will consider me for an operation next year. Hubby making sure I don't over do it they say a bit at a time. Listen to your family take all the help you need. I didn't tell family about having copd felt embarrassed but hubby persuades me to tell my mum. ( Not an easy person to get on with when it comes to medical thingd) hubby had to put his foot down visitors when you come out of hospital you just want to sleep. Hope you are able to walk a little more day by day your lungs do start to get a little stronger. Have you had to give up work.remember close family can be there for you.

[Funkybiker in reply to Spacecat1]

Hi lizziric, and thank you for the welcome. Yes I've had to give up work, not just because of COPD, I also have heart disease, spinal stenosis and psoriatic arthritis. I've been told my lung disease includes emphysema, bronchiectasis and recently discovered I've got pleuritic thickening (caused by being exposed to asbestos). But, I try not to let it all get me down, although sometimes I do get angry and wonder why me! Quite often get frustrated at not being able to do the things I used to, but again, I try not to let it bother me too much. My sister also has COPD and her husband bought her a treadmill, which she used for a while and I think that helped her, so, keep on with the treadmill as at least you're home when you're on it and can take a break and sit down when you need to, well done. Thanks again for the welcome.

[chubby2x22]

Nice to hear from you. I have empheseyma bronchiectasis and psoriatic arthritis. This week I have been told I'm anemic and see consultant gastroenterologist next Tuesday. It does all seem to keep escalating but keep positive and moving when possible I have found the spiolto inhaler very good. This week I start on biologic injections for the arthritis. Hope you have a good weekend. Jane

[Funkybiker in reply to chubby2x22]

Thanks. Hope all goes well next week.

[hypercat54]

Hi Funkybiker nice to meet you. I am very struck by your positive attitude and determination to make lemonade when you have been given lemons. I think you are inspirational and amazing and will be able to help many here. x

[Funkybiker in reply to hypercat54]

Thank you, I just hope I can keep smiling! Actually, your post is inspirational, so thank you!

[hypercat54 in reply to Funkybiker]

That doesn't mean you have to keep smiling as we all get off days where we just want to scream and you must too. Never be afraid to rant and rave on here like we all do from time to time. I am not trying to put any pressure on you to be always coping but whatever I still think you are inspirational. x

[Funkybiker in reply to hypercat54]

Thank you again. It's strange really, I have family around me and they see what I go through, yet since joining this site it gives me a feeling of belonging to a family of people who understand. Thank you all so much.

[hypercat54 in reply to Funkybiker]

That's because we all get it. Whilst I am sure your family love you they can't fully understand what it's like to live with lung disease - we do. We think of ourselves as a big BLF family who all help and support each other. x

[Hidden]

Hi, I don't have COPD, I have Bronchiectasis among other problems. I can't use a walking stick any more as the don't give me enough support. I use a rollator with a seat, so I can stop and have a sit down when I need to. XXX

[Funkybiker in reply to Hidden]

Hi, yes I have a rollator with a seat as well, but got so angry and frustrated having to use it, I picked it up and threw it into the backyard! The bolts that allow you to adjust the handle height have snapped, I know I can replace them easy enough, but felt totally embarrassed using the rollator that I tried without it, then my family insisted I either use the rollator or the sticks, so I'm using the sticks at the moment. Xxxx

[Gladwyn in reply to Funkybiker]

Oh Funkybiker ...... thank you for making me laugh so much! I could just see you slinging that thing with all your might into the back yard. I share your frustration and loathing at being reliant on walking aids. I know it won’t be long before I have to give up and use an aid but I don’t want to. Best wishes 👍👍👍

[Funkybiker in reply to Gladwyn]

Yeah, thinking about it now, even I'm laughing!

[CDPO16]

Hi and welcome. I don't have as many health issues as you to cope with. I have emphysema & asthma, Fev1 25%. I hope that you get a lot of benefit from being a member of the forum.

[Funkybiker in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you.

[Corin1950]

Welcome to the forum . I don't have COPD but look after my husband who has severe emphysema .

Been a member a few years now and have found it very helpful and I'm sure you will too.

Corin

[Funkybiker in reply to Corin1950]

Thank you. Looking forward to seeing tips and advice. It's great that you're a member on behalf of your hubby.

[Ergendl]

Welcome, Funkybiker. Do you still bike at all?

[Funkybiker in reply to Ergendl]

Sadly no, I can't see it but I'm hoping one day I'll have another and feel the freedom again. My last bike was a Shadow V Twin 1100cc cruiser, imported from California, USA, (I didn't import her!) and was 26 years old when I had to let her go. Because she was so old she was extremely heavy, as back in the day that's how they were made, and in the end I couldn't manage her weight. Very powerful and pulled like a train, she was beautiful!

[Ergendl in reply to Funkybiker]

My first large bike was a Jawa 350, built like a tank. If it dropped to the ground I struggled to lift it up. These days I drive a soft top Smart car - still the fun of driving in the fresh air, but a bit safer with a wheel at each corner.

[Funkybiker in reply to Ergendl]

Never thought about a soft top! Not that I'll get one but it sounds fun.

[HungryHufflepuff]

Greetings and welcome 🏍

[Funkybiker in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Thank you, I like the bike thingy!

[Hacienda]

Hi Funky & Welcome, Glad you found our Crazy lovely Family. A Lot more Crazy friends will welcome you I'm Sure. All Great Advise & Understanding on here. I hope to find out later if My FEV1 has increased from 32% (Having the dreaded Lung Function Test), Feeling the lack of air at this moment due to NO Inhalers for 12,8,4 Hours until 2pm, Then I'll be begging for my Inhalers. Well, we have to go through it don't we. I have stage 4 Emphysema, Had Valves inserted , hence the test today. Also on the Transplant List. I walk with a stick slowly to the car. I also have a little Mobility Scooter for when shopping. I exercise in a Class 3 times weekly, go to the Gym, have my Mobile Oxygen, my little mate. Should exercise more at home, I do try. I am always Positive and forward Plan, as we all do. Can't say I know much about Big Bikes, I was an original Mod...so A Vespa was my thing. Have a Great day and I look to seeing more Posts from You. Love n Hugs. Carolina . XXXX