I have been diagnosed with COPD since November 2012 when I noticed I couldn't do my merchandising job as effectively as I had been for the last 10 years. I thought something was wrong with my heart.
After weeks of test, I was told I had very mild COPD and was given puffers. Within 2 months my puffers were upgraded to Spiriva, Then the next time to Avelesco. Now I am up to 3 flare ups a year, been prescribed Prednisone more often then I care to remember, as oi still can't seem to get rid of the horrendous weight I gained from those pills. I have just been told I have Stage 3 emphysema. How is this possible to deteriorate so quickly. I have followed all the doctors' orders, All the specialists, the resperologists, you name it, I have seen it. Now I am oxygen, but I only need it when I climb stairs or walk great distances. When I sit for a few moments, my oxygen returns to 96-97% in seconds and remains there until I exert myself again. Why is it that some people slowly get worse and worse, and then there me who went from barely not on the COPD scale to Stage 3, and deteriorating quickly in less than 6 1/2 years. What am I not doing right? How do I slow this down?Why is this moving so fast?
Written by
KathyandBen
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi, I can't answer your question but I can empathise. I was diagnosed as having moderate COPD in 2014 at which time I was a little short of breath walking up hill but otherwise OK. I am now at stage 4 in spite of having done everything possible to stay stable and daily living is an increasing struggle. Unlike you however, I had my first chest infection for 5 years last December but I have had a lot of non infection related flare ups and many courses of prednisolone in addition to daily inhalers.
The only answer that I have been given in relation to the rapid decline by Doctors, Consultants and specialist nurses is that it 'sometimes happens'. I realise that this doesn't help but I wanted to let you know that you are not alone in having a fast decline.
"as oi still can't seem to get rid of the horrendous weight I gained from those pills." Maybe you answered your own question here. It isn't the pills that put weight on, it's usually eating too much whilst taking them coupled with a lack of exercise. Just a thought.
I have had 3 flare ups since Xmas and a lot of prednisolone, I have put on a lot of weight, lack of exercise and over eating. Back last year I had the pulmonary rehabilitation classes and they worked. I have found out the old exercise book and bought my self the foot and hand cycle plus a couple of weights.i can sit and read or watch tv and do gentle exercises it is slowly working. I have copd with emphysema, sarcoidosis of the lungs. I also had a aortic aneurysm. I have had to have vitamin b12 injections for pericinoses anemia. Been taking my 5plus a day as the say but my stomach would not absorb the iron. Sorry to be long winded it a slow grind.
Good for you, great stuff. 👍You can see all the doctors, consultants, and specialists you want, but in the end it comes down to how much effort you yourself are prepared to put into improving your health. Keep up the good work. 🏋️♀️
Hi I think this is largely down to luck and whether you have some good lung genes as well as bad. I was diagnosed mild 11 years ago and despite still smoking for most of that time and not leading a particularly healthy lifestyle, I am still mild.
I am sorry yours has progressed faster but as has been said we are all different. What I will say if you hadn't been following your doctors instructions etc. you would probably have been worse now. All you can do is your best. x
Hi Hunnies, Love all the Great Positive Replies, I too came in at Stage 4, 6 years ago, I Battle on as My posts will tell you. never Stop, Just slow down, Do your Exercises , Reasonable Diet, We are all carrying Different Lung Diseases, it's how we Handle it. I hate Preds., But They brought me back a few Times, Just Knowing how to Stave the Hunger Pangs by Cutting out and replace with % fat items. Always be Positive, Good Luck, You'll get There. Love n Hugs. xxxxx
Have you been checked for Alpha1 antitrypsin disorder. It’s a genetic enzyme disorder that allows your lungs to die every time you get a lung infection. For a full explanation search the internet or this site. I have gone from 70% lung function to 20% in ten years. I’m still doing what I can and always looking on the bright side. Good luck as I hope they can slow the progression down.
Please research magnesium deficiency and symptoms of magnesium deficiency also research vitamins d3 k2mk7 also research drinking celery juice first thing in the morning good luck
Hello kathyandben When we are born some of us have very healthy livers some of us have not got so healthy livers this is why we are all different when your liver gets over loaded
and can’t deal with the toxins these toxins get released into your body causing all sorts of health problems even the meds we are taking are contributing to the build up of toxins along with unhealthy foods and drinks we consume what is the answer ,for me it was eating lots of fruit and vegetables cutting down on processed
Food dairy products and detoxing your liver ,researching how to reduce the viral load in your system ps some people think our doctors know everything they are only human like the rest of us
I was on spiriva years ago. I found I couldn’t cough up it stays on my chest. I stopped using it and improved. I was put on gunair and it happened again. So I stopped that as well. At the moment I just have my blue inhaler and am doing fine.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Severe emphysema stage four
What does "end stage COPD" mean?
Long Haul flight with stage one COPD
Lorazepam
End Stage COPD?
