Morning everyone
Went into hospital for a few days before xmas with an exacerbation of my copd, came home 23rd dec, under care for a while of the rehabilitation care team. Can anone tell me if its normal to still feel as weak as a kitten? My breathlessness seems much worse than ever, everyday life so hard at the moment and deterioration is frightening. any idea of normal recovery time from a bad flare up? Any advice welcomed.
Mick
My experience is that it takes a very long time to get to where you were before. But what it does do is act as a wake-up call. It has shown you what will happen if you don't don't follow the good advice given over and over again on this site as regards self- help with breathing. Welcome to the forum where there are lots of members ready to help you.
Thank you for your reply Donald, I do follow all advice given, its just so frustrating, just over a year ago I was working nights as a carer, now im retired and just making a cuppa has become a chore!
That's why I've described our lives as being like ridding on a roller-coaster. We go down at great speed but getting back up is very slow. Now that you have retired you can take it easy and enjoy the ride back up Just relax with that cup of tea.. 🙂
It certainly a roller coaster Donald. My theory is that maybe I took it to easy and perhaps Im not as active as when working causing my fitness to drop? Anyway cheers. 🍵
If your theory was right I'd have died some 20 years ago.😊
Lol, thats made me chuckle🤣
It does take time to recover from any exacerbation and yours must have been a particularly bad one. All you can do is go with the flow. Don't do anything that doesn't need doing-housework for instance, try to eat small nourishing meals and when you feel up to it do a little gentle seated exercise. You will start to get better gradually, but your body has been through a rough time and needs to recuperate. xxx
Yes it takes time.read up on aluk website on controlled breathing techniques, which will help whn struggling.theres an ALUK helpline too mon-fri 9-5
Thank you
Try ringing or emailing the ALUK helpline . I find the advice helpful . I caught this flu bug which exacerbated my COPD/ asthma too ..it knocked me for six .just starting to move around a bit now . Take care
Best wishes
try not to worry about breathlessness as it makes it worse. Use the controlled breathing techniques that will help you. You’ll feel weak and tired for a while so keep resting and don’t push yourself too hard.
Its the trying not to worry about the breathlessness that I find very hard tbh Mopsey
I know what you mean. When you’re breathless it can feel like you might die but you won’t! You must try mentally to relax and slow down your breathing. Keep trying 🤞
Yes, as suggested by Patk1 and Knitter, please don't hesitate to call us if you would like to chat through any questions or concerns on your recovery or management - 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday on 0300 222 5800 (if you're in UK)
We're very happy to chat.🙂
Thank you. I suspect that I may avail myself of your help at some point. 😀
I'm in exactly same position chuff, just had this flu virus I was on the brink of being taken to hospital managed to get a rescue pack from doctor. Just over a week and I'm on another 5 days of steroids, the breathlessness is still bad but I'm sure it will take time, I've another week off work so hoping I'm a bit better by then. The more you think about the breathlessness the more anxious I'm feeling. How are you supposed to do your job when your like this? Its Scary.
Jane
Yes Jane, it is scary, but its something we are all going to have to get through I guess.
Mick
Sounds like you are suffering health anxiety. This brings on panic attacks. .these are horrendous as you feel you are dying..on a positive note you wont die from a panic attack just slow your breathing down. It's hard But it works. Breath in thro your nose hold it couple of seconds, then slowly out thro mouth with pursed lips.this technique works on climbing stairs or any incline..remember there's no rush slowly slowly until you master it..I know it's not easy but hopefully you'll get there.Good luck xxSheila 🙏💗
Still waiting for diagnosis
Palliative care, does it still exist?
STILL IN HOSPITAL
Still not fit 
Still undecided 
