Feeling low

[Jake25]

As some of you know from my posts on here I have COPD diagnosed in 2017. I'm still managing to work part time 3 days a week. I've always had breathlessness sometimes various degrees.. Just lately I've been feeling very low thinking how long can I go on like this as some days I'm really struggling with the breathlessness. Been checked by GP there's no infection and he's not concerned. It's really getting me down at the moment. Sorry just looking for an outlet to vent..

[peege]

Hi, I can only suggest you give the helpline a call between 9-5, Mon - Fri and wish you the best

[Ern007]

I worked with COPD and Angina - Needed to work, but i think I suffered long term, as peege suggests - Get in touch with the helpline.

Wishing you well.

[JulyAugust]

Sorry to hear you are feeling low…I know exactly how you feel. Have you ever seen a respiratory consultant? If not ask for a referral. Also ask for a blood test to check your iron level. My breathlessness was a lot worse when I was anaemic. My GP was not willing to do anything…I took matters into my own hands. I do hope you are still not smoking and make sure you exercise every day even for only 30 minutes…this is essential especially if your job involves sitting all day. Thinking of you and hoping your mood lifts in the next couple of days. Best wishes, Jan

[Mellywelly]

Your GP like so many others should be going through different options of medication with you as copd does get worse over time. Yes you will get depressed and down as that's only natural. But I would go back to them and ask what else is there for me to try. Good luck 👍

[Ergendl]

Have you done a Pulmonary Rehab course? The physios at the one I did helped me identify my overbreathing, which made me breathless on exertion. It improves fitness and gives a better understanding of lung problems. If you haven't, ask your GP.

[Jake25 in reply to Ergendl]

Thank you for your reply Ergendl.Because I work 3 days a week on the same day each week I'm unable to attend the rehab as you cannot choose which days to attend.

[Ergendl in reply to Jake25]

Then look up online Pulmonary Rehab classes. Here's a link to one I found easily through Google just now, but there are many more: resphealth.org/pulmonary-re...

All the best.

[JulyAugust in reply to Jake25]

Hi Jake, that link Ergendl sent shows you simple exercises…it’s up to you to make the effort. Even when you’ve been to PR you still have to continue the exercises. When I went to PR I met people who had been re-referred by their GP because they had stopped doing exercises and thus their breathing had deteriorated! I simply couldn’t understand that…it’s something we must do for the rest of our lives. When you first start exercising you will get hugely out of breath but you WILL notice a difference after four weeks. I was told at PR you should do 150 minutes of exercise a week minimum. If you work you can probably afford to buy some dumbbells and leg weights and then walk for twenty minutes each day. If you do that you will essentially be replicating what you will get taught at a PR course.

[AsthmaandLung Administrator]

Hi Jake

Here are our details if you would like advice on your breathlessness, or you can call for just a chat.

asthmaandlung.org.uk/helpline

asthmaandlung.org.uk/sympto...

Take care

Helpline Team

[Nicholatracy]

Sorry you’re feeling slow. Ring the helpline as suggested. Please stay as busy as your health lets you and keep your mind occupied……..you can do this. Stay strong 🐞

[Purplerain2008]

I would recommend you see your pulmonologist. Your medication may need an adjustment.

[Jake25 in reply to Purplerain2008]

Thanks for your reply.I do not have a pulmonolgist.. Or respitory consultant. Just a GP.

[SkyGazer177]

This is awful for you! I was diagnosed with emphysema in 2020 after have a bad bout of Covid. I get days when I struggle a bit with breathlessness, especially when the humidity is high. I dont know about you, but I start feeling drained, fatigued and anxious and start worrying about things getting worse. I dont know if you are the same as me, but I do think the anxiety and the niggling worries in my head about it getting progressively worse, makes my condition worse. Take it easy x

[Germantara]

I understand how you feel I've copd and there maney a time I'm rock bottom even tearfully but then I seem ta pick up carry on till the next time and it happens often you're not alone