copd managment

[Jillysmee]

I’ve copd and I’m just wondering how most people cope when you’re used to being so active but now feel fatigued may days

[Patk1]

It's not easy but learn to be realistic & move the goalposts,keep moving as needs dictate.x

[Bingo88]

Yes it is difficult to adjust and slow down. Just keep as warm and as well as possible. Any form of flu virus or anything can affect your breathing and make it worse. So try to avoid if possible. If your normal breathing goes down because of viruses it doesn't always come back to how it was. Take care. Brian

[Karenanne61]

It's not easy! I often say it's hard work being poorly. 😂 Try and stay as healthy as possible e.g. eat sensibly and exercise. Get booked onto pulmonary rehab if you haven't already done it. Make sure the fatigue is not due to any other illness e.g. thyroid. Some medications can cause fatigue so discuss this with your consultant. Because our lungs aren't working efficiently we use a lot of energy just breathing. Planning is important, google The Spoon Theory. One of our members, GintyFerguson calls it the 'club of sabotaged ambitions. The key to survival is to find new ones'. I also find doing more of what I love, and can still do, helps.

[Chelsea1985]

It's a struggle, but I'd say, just chill, slow your pace down and don't be afraid to nap when you can. I have copd with daily symptoms, alot of fatigue, coughing, breathlessness and very achy legs. I do what I gotta do, when I can and I don't put any pressure on myself. I have 4 children under 14 and have the older kids support around the home, however I have a very active 4 year old which is by far the biggest challenge I face daily. But the main thing is to keep yourself paced at a speed that suits you. Others will adapt to your ways like my kids and family have had to with me. For me an ok day today will tempt me to be a bit more active only to suffer more tomorrow so i found what my limit for the day is to enable me to be ok to face tomorrow. Find your happy medium. I do find a couple of naps through the day when my boy naps seems to be key to me getting through a day, which at times seems more than a 24hr cycle when your flat out. I hope you find your best way to cope, and have good support around you.

[panda22]

If someone could save a magic wand I would be so happy. I have severe COPD/EMPHYSEMA and just making a coffee leaves me gasping. I can't cook and live on a sandwich a day. I am on protein drinks as my weight has gone down to 4 stone 12 lbs and am worried about this. I pay for a Gardner and cleaner who are very good and will get things from the shop for me.Sorry for the waffle, just need to get things off my chest.

I do hope someone can help you

[Alberta56]

You have to pace yourself, which I am no good at. I curse and swear, but that doesn't help.

[Izb1]

I think fatigue is one of the things I have problems with and find it very difficult to switch off. I have always been active and this slow down drives me potty , but the pain is something that really wipes me out now and i cant work through it. I have rheumatoid arthritis and that is enough to deal with but my hip going has stopped me in my tracks and my problem with eye/ear/teeth pain on top makes me feel like I am 92. The medication is making me tired all the time as well. But i do think I can now say sod it, it can wait and i am learning to pace myself. Thankfully my bronchiectasis is behaving. You will find a way round things and adjust as we all have , spring is on the way and you may find that the warmer weather helps x