Martia

[KKKaty]

Hi I am 80yrs old and was diagnosed with Emphasema about 5 yrs ago it very slowly got worse when I had a really nasty flare up I thought I was dying .It happened about 3.30 am I just grabbed eveything I could to try and bring it under control. I was lucky as I found out I should have called an Ambulance ....in the next few days I could barely breathe so went to outpatients they put me into hospital straight away .

I hated being there so it was a friday when I told the Doc I was going home so instead of talking me out of it he ordered a oxygen machine it was there later in day when I got home.I got a bit of a shock when online it said the average lifespan when on oxygen was TWO YEARS scared the sh.....heck out of me I also have Diabetes 2 .I am exericsing more on the bed and eating plenty of fruit.

I am going to get a Portable Oxygen connector so I can get around a bit more as the one I have got is about 6 kilo.s too heavy, they have some that are under 2 kilos I also have the large Oxygen Connector.Sorry to run on but I am fed up! this is an awful condition so now I have vented to you as you seem really nice ....I dont want to die yet but here I sit with my oxygen on when I have to move I get really worried and cant breathe I am my own worst enemy .

[sassy59]

Hi, nice to meet you but sorry to hear of your health issues.. COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis and some asthmas) is a horrible disease but you seem to be doing your best to stay as well as possible. Try and stay focused on eating well and generally looking after yourself but please don’t Google. The internet will always give the worst scenario.

I’m carer for my husband who has many health issues too including COPD (chronic bronchitis) kidney disease, heart disease etc. He’s not on oxygen though.

This is a great forum full of good people so do come and chat whenever you want to. Take care xxx

[Alberta56]

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you're having such a bad time at the moment. Try to keep calm (easier said than done) and carry on looking after yourself. Once the doctors have got you stabilised with a suitable nebuliser things ought to get easier. Try looking at the breathing exercises on the Asthmalung site for gentle breathing techniques and ask your doctor if you a suitable for an AeroBika, a gadget which helps with your breathing. I'm 4 years older than you, though I have bronchiectasis, not emphysema, so don't give up hope yet. Best wishes.

[Mellywelly]

I'm so sorry you've had a bad time lately, nothing possibly worse than not being able to breath and so frustrating and frightening. Have they tried every possible medication with you as I know with my mum I had to fight for everything she had, I was under the impression because she was in her 80's that they weren't even trying which is just awful. I am like that now with my copd, me suggesting things not them 🙄. To be honest with you, you sound a strong and very determined person. Rant on as much as you like here as everyone is lovely and willing to listen and give advice. I wish you all the best with whatever you decide to do chook 😉

[Lee_Scoresby]

Thanks for your post, KKKaty, and good luck 🤞

[Patk1]

Hello.ignore google.there are people here who are on 02,for many years,and doing well & also people much older than u with emphysema Do u have a long 02 tube so uu can move around at home x

[PaperQueen]

So sorry you are going through a horrid scary time with your emphysema, I'm going through a difficult time myself atm and it's no fun is it? I've had emphysema for quite some years now, probably around 15yrs. I'm not on oxygen but I know many people on here are and have been using it for a lot longer than 2yrs without popping their clogs, so please don't believe everything you read on-line. It sounds like you are doing all the right things so hopefully with the onset of warmer dryer weather and the chance to spend time in the fresh air (pollen allowing!) we will both start to feel better. The most important thing I find is to try and stay positive and find things to do that bring you joy. Wishing you tons of luck, and don't forget to call the ambulance if you get really worried, they're always supportive. xx

[Izb1]

Hi KKKaty and welcome to the site. Sounds like you have had quite scare, which I am sure can't be easy to live with. Do you have any at home care over in Australia, or family that can help you out a little whilst you adjust to living with oxygen. There are plenty of people who are living with this condition over here and am sure will reply soon. The advise given by Google tells us all that we have a short life sentence, please don't take any notice of this. I hope the after affects of this flare up settle down soon and you can start to feel a little better x

[Loopylorre]

Welcome to the site & I hope you manage to get some reassurance from the people who have already answered you, I’ve been on oxygen for a few years now, it is horrible when you can’t breathe properly, but as others have said use your oxygen & there’s always someone who can help you, whether you speak to someone on the helpline on this site or a paramedic, I hope you have family or friends that can pop in to see you or get things for you, but keep thinking positive thoughts, take care 😊🌸💐🌷x

[gingermusic]

Oh you poor lady how very scared you must have been. First of all can I say that the oxygen is not only there to help you breathe but also will protect your other organs such as your heart and brain which also need oxygen to keep going. You certainly do not die within 2 years once on oxygen as I have been on it now for some 25 years and I am still here and leading a fairly good life. So please do not worry and enjoy your life. x

[MoosterMoo]

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. Google is sometimes our worse enemy. I was diagnosed with a very rare lung disease two years ago and put on oxygen pretty much straight away. I went straight to Google and didn't think I'd live to see my 50th birthday! It's very scary but please don't give up. Try to keep moving as much as you can. It took me a good few months to realise the more I lived, the better I felt 😊

[Nicholatracy]

welcome to the forum. Many members on the forum who are compassionate, knowledgeable and funny. Exercise as much as you can, be careful of your diet, stay off Dr. Google and when you get your portable oxygen get out. Stay strong and remember no question is a silly question 🐞

[GDanker]

I'll be 80 my next birthday and have used oxygen for a good 4 or 5 years now. I have Emphysema, Asthma, and Asbestosis of the Lungs, and you know, I have my ups and downs, but I'm surprised it's not worse! Don't believe everything you read; besides we are all individuals who can't all just be lumped together! Just take the best care of yourself that you can, and it's very possible that you may have a good number of years ahead of you still!

[garshe]

How many litres of oxygen are you on ? I am on 1 resting and 3 when active. Been on oxygen just over a year and still on same amount . xx.Sheila