worsening breathing

[unified]

I was diagnosed with severe COPD three years ago and am on oxygen 16 hours a day. Am really struggling at the moment, can barely move out of the chair but every time I seek medical help I get told that my stats are ok and that I haven't got an infection. I don't suffer with chest infections but have got sinus problems which are under investigation. The last couple of times that I took steroids they did not seem to help as much as they did in the past even when I took them for three weeks which the hospital put me on. Has anyone any suggestions? Have not been to an exercise class for the past six weeks owing to how I am feeling and am desperate to go back. Has anyone really helped their condition by exercise?

[O2Trees]

Yes to your last question Unified - hugely. In fact I dont think I would still be here without the regime Ive set myself, with the help of a weekly PR maintenance session.

People can be hideously breathless without having low sats - asthmatics are like that lots of the time. But it does sound to me like you could do with more help - at least until your sinus investigations are complete - and I hope you get some answers there.

Ive found my Oxygen nurse very helpful when Ive not felt so well - would he/she be a good person to talk to and explain how bad you're feeling? The problem with not exercising is that your muscles will decondition, then they dont use the oxygen they are getting so well, and its harder for you to function. Oxygen nurses understand that, sometimes better than doctors.

So sorry you're having such a bad time and I hope things improve.

[optim278]

Hi unified, after years of suffering from asthma and also latterly having osteoarthritis in my knees and now been diagnosed with COPD/Bronchiestasis, I was referred to a pulmonary rehabilitation exercise class for 1 day a week for 12 weeks, which I did not think was very helpful, but because of my osteoarthritis they referred me after that to a balance excercise class for an hour a week, which I'm still attending, and feel has helped me immensely, because I'm having to utilise my muscles and also lungs. One thing though, I would advise you to go to a class or get someone to supervise you if you are unable to do so, for the discipline of the regime of execising, because, most people, including myself, would not probably do them left to their own devices, despite any good intentions. So I say yes, go for it. I hope this has helped to raise your spirits a bit.

[Ergendl]

Yes, exercising and singing using diaphragm breathing have made a real difference to my lung function.

[megshafer]

Exercise is the key to life, for us. And, really everyone. Just do what you can, start out slow. And, after awhile you do more and feel alot better.

02 Trees has some great advice as well as wisdom in her comment. Ergendl, has wise advice as well.

Take care!!

[goat-lady]

I agree with all said so far. I can recall when. I came out of hospital last and could barely walk the length of my drive without stopping. Now I walk a few miles every day. More on good days, less on bad. I use weights whenever I can, but don't get stressed if I can't manage it. Exercise is key. Just do whatever u can- even if it is lifting a baked bean can 3 times a day!! So hope u feel better soon .