Emphysema

[Danielmystar]

Hi all I had spirometry test last Tuesday 13th results are 23percent lung function I know that's very severe but im wondering if anyone has any tips on how to slow the progress down im not on oxygen as my sats are anything between 92/95when I do light excerises 97 I'm on strongest Trimbow inhaler any ideas would be greatly appreciated please thank you x

[Thepainterswife]

I reckon you’re doing all you need to do and it’s working , those sats are really good 😃 I wouldn’t let the spirometer test worry you too much , my husband managed to keep going for years even after his spirometer reading was even lower than that and he was on oxygen ! His strategy was to keep as active as he possibly could , forcing himself to do as much of his own care as possible - washing , getting to the bathroom etc even when progress was very slow . Also on good days he would do gentle exercises and managed to get the better of his condition for over 18 years . The meds are good , keeping active is essential !😊 xx

[Danielmystar in reply to Thepainterswife]

Thank you so very much I really appreciate your response what you've told me about your husband is great makes me realise I can keep going the way I am that 23percent dosnt mean its the end for me hopefully now my tears will stop you don't know how much that means to me hope you yourself are doing well xx

[ChrisNZ in reply to Danielmystar]

Hi Danielmystar, I have read many a post on Health Unlocked but this is my first message. I have never seen a reference to Russell Winwood on this forum. He is a Copd athlete with similar lung function as yours. Google him and you/ all will be more than inspired by his attitude and energy. You are not alone - all the best - Chris, a fellow copd chap from NZ

[Rattle in reply to ChrisNZ]

I had never heard of Russell Winwood but got curiousand looked him up. What an amazing story! Even if most of us would struggle with that level of commitment it gives you hope. As does Painterswife positive reply.

runnersworld.com/runners-st...

[ChrisNZ in reply to Rattle]

Not only an amazing story; Russell's journey has been one which involved advice/ help from all sorts of experts in the scientific and medical field - within the contents of his website you will also discover the diet he has chosen to gain more energy, etc

[Danielmystar in reply to ChrisNZ]

Hi How do I go about seeing or reading Russell's journey sounds very interesting thank you x

[Danielmystar in reply to Rattle]

Painterswife has made me feel better in myself my real name is val thank you for your response x

[Rattle in reply to Danielmystar]

Glad you feel better, I’m Eva.

My mother in law was Val, a lovely lady. She also had COPD and lived well with it for many years x

[Danielmystar in reply to Rattle]

Thats very comfortable to know thank you x

[Danielmystar in reply to ChrisNZ]

Thank you so much im si pleased I wrote on this forum all the responses have gave me so much hope thank you everyone x

[Danielmystar in reply to ChrisNZ]

Thank you so much x

[Thepainterswife in reply to Danielmystar]

Don’t waste your life worrying - Geoff never did , no matter what the test results showed 😂 Emphysema can be a very frightening condition , it can be tough but with the right attitude you can learn to handle all it throws at you and continue to enjoy life Love Val x

[Danielmystar in reply to Thepainterswife]

Aww thank you your a star x

[Patk1 in reply to Thepainterswife]

Great advice thepainterswife xxxxx

[Ergendl]

Do try singing exercises or playing the harmonica to strengthen the muscles you use to breathe. If there are no groups local to you, look on YouTube for diaphragm breathing exercises.

[Danielmystar in reply to Ergendl]

Thank you so much for your response there isn't anywhere near by me but I will certainly look on utube thank you x

[Bingo88]

Good morning Danielmystar. I was diagnosed with Severe copd at 33% just over 3 years ago and recently had another Spirometry blow test and it was upto 41%. You can ask to do a Pulmonary rehabilitation course with others which helps to keep your lungs going. Or look on YouTube for Pulmonary rehab exercises. Most you can do at home with a chair. Sit to stand exercises or step ups on the bottom step of the stairs. Good luck and hope this helps you keep going. Brian

[Danielmystar in reply to Bingo88]

Thank you so much for your response wow yours went up to 41% thats great to hear I will certainly try thank you x

[Bingo88 in reply to Danielmystar]

Just keep doing what you can to get about and enjoy life. I can't do hills now. But on the flat I can keep walking and Don't have to stop even though I do get a bit breathless. Bending down gets me the most breathless because you're doubled up crushing your lungs

[Danielmystar in reply to Bingo88]

Thank you so much for your advice also about the bending I didnt realise its being doubled up crushing your lungs so thanks for that aswell x

[Bingo88 in reply to Danielmystar]

Your welcome we are a very helpful and friendly group and all in the same boat

[Danielmystar in reply to Bingo88]

Much appreciated x

[Donniebrasco]

I agree with the other's, don't get too hung up on the tests.Make sure you take your meds properly, they are working.

And slow down! Make a conscious effort to slow down. Still do everything but just that little bit slower!

All the very best to you x

[Danielmystar in reply to Donniebrasco]

Thank you for your response and about slow down thats something I know I need to do x

[ChrisNZ in reply to Danielmystar]

for those that may be interested here is a link to Russell Winwood's blog: copdathlete.com/ I guess a lot of us are in the same boat and if we all take one oar we will be hard to beat!

[ChrisNZ]

for those who may be interested her is a link to Russell Winwood's blog copdathlete.com/ most of us are in the same boat and should we take an oar each we will continue to propel

[Danielmystar in reply to ChrisNZ]

Thank you x

[Timberman]

I should demand a recount! I am 32% and my sats are rarely above 93 and fall rapidly on exercise.

[Danielmystar in reply to Timberman]

I can feel the differance I knew it was getting bad but didn't expect 23percent thank you x

[Patk1]

Youve had great advice.id like to say one of most useful tactics I use- and it's saved my life so many times,literally- "controlled breathing". Also keep calm, by using this technique, especially when in difficulty x

[Danielmystar in reply to Patk1]

Thanks Patk1 I'm trying my best to do controlled breathing is it deep breathing yeh got lots of advice which I appreciate so much thank you x

[Patk1 in reply to Danielmystar]

Yes breathe in slowly and deeply thro nose,hold cpl secs+ exhale v slowly thro pursed lips.there r others x

[Danielmystar in reply to Patk1]

Thank you so much x

[Rebecca6]

I also have severe COPD. I found Patrick McKeown (You Tube) with his emphasis on breathing through the nose, helpful.

[Danielmystar in reply to Rebecca6]

Hi Rebecca6 thanks alot for your reply ill check out utube now im so grateful to be able to get so many responses much appreciated xx

[Kristicats]

keep moving don’t sit too much

[Danielmystar in reply to Kristicats]

Thank you x