increased breathlessness

[Annieosb]

I have COPS stage 3, in recent weeks I have become more tired and breathless. I have requested to see chest consultant but as ever it takes times. I am feeling unable to go about ordinary things. Had a shower thins morning and had to rest for half and hour to recover. Sats are getting very low and heart rate high.

[RoadRunner44]

What is COPS please?

[Annieosb in reply to RoadRunner44]

Sorry COPD

[RoadRunner44 in reply to Annieosb]

Of course! It sounds like you are having a pretty difficult time at the moment. If it's showering you find particularly difficult could you get a chair fitted to help you? I find sitti g down with the shower head placed at the right angle helps me to carry out all things like foot washing. Washing my hair can be a problem unless I shampoo first while sitting then moving the head again to rinse it. You should also ensure you have a rail fitted too in case you became dizzy.

I also find housework a bit stress full and don't worry as much about it as I used to. After all more dust will start to settle as soon as you remove it. Our health is much more important. So do a little and rest in between. Probably everyone on the Forum feels the same as you do. Don't feel guilty, it's not worth the energy spent on it. The people who love and care about you will or should understand.

Try not to worry and keep in touch with us here on the forum as we all understand the problems we endure each day and support each other in many ways.

Best wishes, Chrys x

[Annieosb in reply to RoadRunner44]

Thank you for the kind words. Have all the shower accessories thanks.

I have a 40 year old son who has paranoid schizophrenia and does not comprehend that I have health issues.

[RoadRunner44 in reply to Annieosb]

My dear, you need to have your home situation assessed by the right people. If your health is deteriorating combined with a very real family problem you need support of the right kind. My thoughts are with you. Chrys

[Spacecat1]

Have you got a chair you could put in the shower that may help. My hubby has to.help.me have a shower and hair wash because breathing so bad.in the shower. Do you do breathing exercises I find they help.

[Annieosb in reply to Spacecat1]

Thank you, should have read COPD

[Caspiana]

Dear Annie,

I'm sorry to read things are so difficult. I think you requesting to see a lung consultant is the best thing to do right now. Did they say how long it will take? With regards to the shower, the steam makes breathlessness much, much worse. I used to leave the shower door open. Someone also advised me to get a bath towel robe and put it on after my shower to dry off rather than struggling with a towel to dry myself.

I'm sorry it's such a horrid time.😟

Thinking of you,

Cas xx 🍀🌿🌼🍀🌿

[Lol1944]

Agreed out of shower into towel bathrobe, sit on toilet until dry, towel on head for hair. Certainly reduces energy used,

[anng18]

Hi Annieosb,

Do you think it is possible that you may have an infection?

Also, could it be stress related, as you obviously have a difficult situation with your son?

Do take care. Whatever the reason it is a horrible feeling. I wish you well.

[Annieosb in reply to anng18]

Thank you. Waiting on pulmonary nurse calling.

[hallentine47]

I suffered these symptoms for most of last year suspecting it might be heart troubles which go hand in hand with COPD Emphysma. I failed to take action and was rushed into Hospital with the first of 2 heart attacks at Xmas. I also had double pnuemomia. Have your heart looked at as well as fluid retainment.

[Annieosb in reply to hallentine47]

Thank you I will. Currently waiting on a call from the pulmonary nurse.

[jackdup in reply to hallentine47]

Sorry to hear of the health issues you had around Christmas time. I certainly hope thing have improved since then.

[hallentine47 in reply to jackdup]

Well it a case of double whammy and so most of the time I don't know if its the lungs or the heart that is making life difficulty!! One thing for sure my meds have more than doubled and it feels like the days are dominated by inhalers, blood thinners and things to keep you alive. I am so lucky to hve a loving wife who has proved my life saver.

[Annieosb in reply to hallentine47]

Yes agreed. You are lucky to have a loving wife, my loving husband dies 7 years ago.

[jackdup in reply to hallentine47]

That can definitely make a difference.

[hallentine47]

I am so sorry about your loss and can only admire you carrying on alone. I really doubt I could or would want to.

[Annieosb]

I have a mentally ill son, there really is no choice. Thanks for your support.

[hallentine47]

Then you doubly have our blessings and prayers.