Most of you will be skeptical so this won't be long. I have Emphysema. My last FEV1 was 29%. In my day-to-day routine I am not even aware of my COPD. I am aware of it if I tax myself with inclines or stairs. On l level ground I can walk as long or as far as I want. Not fast but not noticeably slow either. I use something that is 100% Russian. I use it for 20 minutes at night. It's not easy nor is it fun but it seems to work. It seems to have worked in my case to my satisfaction. I have no interest in this product, financial or anything else. For that reason I'm just going to give you 3 words to put into Google and you can take it from there. To learn where to get this, in addition to Google put them in Ebay and Amazon. The words are: Frolov Breathing Device
PS: I'm not Russian. I'm U.S.
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Having researched this wonder device which apparently is also based on the Buteyko breathing techniques i would worry that for people with copd,some of whom also have a problem with carbon dioxide retention that this might actually be counter productive to their health?
Hi skischool I was Almost ready to buy this device until I read your post I'm a retainer so I found your post very interesting, anymore information would be most interesting
Dilly, the whole theory behind some of these devices is that retaining or producing more co2 is actually good for you,i don't retain co2 as part of my condition but i would recommend anybody who does seeks advice from their respiratory team.
If you retain CO2 this device will exacerbate your condition as it increases the levels of CO2 because you continually breathe in your exhaled CO2. For those with low levels of CO2 this would possibly help. But not if you already have too higher levels. I was hoping for the miracle cure too, but like you I'm a retainer.
I guess I was one of the lucky/stupid ones. I plunged right in without checking anything. (This was stupid) However it seems to be working somewhat for me. (Guess this was the lucky part.)
And I am so very happy for you. Finding something that works must be a huge relief. I still hope I'll wake up and ill be better like I've got over the flu lol.
My thoughts exactly skischool. It increases CO2. I was hoping for the promised miracle cure until I read what the device actually does. So would suggest pepes need to have their CO2 levels in their blood tested before deciding increasing the level will help their condition.
Hi, thanks for letting us know that’s really what this whole site is suppossed to be about: sharing what works for us and what doesn’t and our feelings on this whole CoPD deal whether any one of us agrees or disagrees this isn’t a debate. I’m glad that works for you. I share your joy. I too am able to do quite a bit of activity until that one thing like continuous swimming an I get so outta breath I feel like I’m gonna choke to death. I had a neighbor a long while back she was a holistic medicine professional and she would mix very stinky herbs in my kitchen and put them in a boiling saucepan then make a towel tent over my head over the pot. It worked AMAZINGLY. Are you from Russia that you know of the treatment you described? Thanks again🤙
Due to the nature of copd each individual can be affected in different ways. I personally use the Russian breathing exercises in a very simple form. I believe they help me. I have no clinical evidence for this but mentally I find them helpful. I have tried various devices each of which I believe did nothing for me at all. Obviously as pointed out by others if there is a risk then safest advice is to see specialist before starting any new exercise or treatment.
I have a question, if anybody knows: How can you figure out whether or not you are a "retainer"? I've only had my oxygen saturation measured, no doctor ever told me about CO2 retention. I also had a recent score of Fev1 30 (up from 27 the year before) and credited my Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Diet for the slight improvement, though my pulmo doctor said minor variations like that mean nothing.
The only way to be sure if you're a retainer is to have arterial blood taken from your wrist (an ABG) to find your CO2 levels. As far as symptoms go, speaking from experience, the worst was pounding headaches every morning, which disappeared after I'd been up for a while. I was also really weak, with no strength in my arms and legs which meant having to stop driving.
Treatment is available though. A bi-pap (nippy) worked miracles for me and within a couple of months of starting to use it I was feeling much more human, and driving again.
Thanks a lot for the info. I do get headaches in the morning, but generally get better after a cup of coffee or two. Here in Spain they never draw arterial blood from copd patients unless you're hospitalised for a bad flare-up. Thanks again and be well, Nik
The coffee is no fluke. There is medical evidence to show coffee can treat headaches. (I don't know about migraines) My wife always suffered with morning headaches. She was told to try black coffee for it. SUCCESS! Headaches sent packing every morning. It's the caffeine.
You are indeed right, and Google confirms "Before a headache or migraine, blood vessels tend to enlarge, but caffeine has “vasoconstrictive” properties that cause the blood vessels to narrow and restrict blood flow, which can aid in head pain relief." This is an interesting video on the many benefits of coffee (as long as you drink it without milk): nutritionfacts.org/video/do...
A Few Months ago , I was told by two Oxygen Nurses who came to my Home for 02 Assessment that I had a very High retention of Carbon Dioxide. Then, because my "Valves" where no longer working, they said it could be the problem? so really, I don't know. I will always want to try something that Helps, So I will take this info to my Consultant and see what she says. We can only Try these things. You get to a Point where you will try anything to Breathe More . Just my Thoughts. XXXX
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This had me in stitches - bit rude though :)
It's Not Just Me Then...
Anoro Ellipta - have you had side effects
itch ? driving me mad 
Please help me if you can...
