Slowly sinking in!!...

[MrBaz]

Hi everyone, not been on here for a while, I was diagnosed with COPD @ Sept last year after a really bad chest infection, I've had chest infections before, but the last one lasted months!. before this I was pretty fit & had quite a phisycal job, I thought once my infection cleared up I would bounce back & carry on... Not this time, I can't believe how this has affected me. I'm 53, I suppose not the greatest of lifestyles but now, my legs go to jelly after short inclines, breathless, wheezing, not sure if I'm more angry or frustrated!, things I could do last year.....I just can't now, I still do as much as possible, but as for filling skips & humping sand around etc....those days are over, just a case of trying to get my head around it....

[Hidden]

Mr baz, hi I used to be lorry driver, I now feel the same as you, it is frustrating, you have to try & stay positive ( not always easy), so take care.

[MrBaz]

Cheers Philbal, yes it is very frustrating, think its taken until now to realise things aren't going to be the same!, good days & bad days, plenty other people worse etc!....

[hopetorun]

Hi MrBaz It takes months to recover from a serious infection and even then you need to build your strength up slowly. Yes it can be frustrating but you need to be patient and not so hard on yourself. You will get there be positive and do what you can. Best wishes irene

[MrBaz in reply to hopetorun]

Thank you Irene, I will, regards Barry.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Hello Mr Baz. Keep active. You'll find things will improve. I get annoyed too. I often swear at the damn breathing !

[Hidden]

Hi I know how you feel. I used to work through chest infections but couldn't now. I am very lucky in always bouncing back relatively quickly but never been really ill so far. What I do find really difficult is how tired I feel sometimes and how long it takes me to walk up small hills and a few steps! When I overdo it the sob is awful. x

[MrsHobbit]

Hello MrBaz sorry to hear you have not been well, It is very difficult having to deal with such a drastic change in your life, i know of this, got the news myself in Aug 2012, but i recently got bad news and spoke to people on here, they are wonderful and full of support.

You will have good and bad days, keep your chin up as i have recently been told, and talk to the great people on here, they made me feel better.

Keep well, xx

[Hidden]

HI Mr baz,its a mixture of frustration, and anger, and actually realising your health is deteriating..I am in gold stage Emphysema and awaiting coil op,but for years I had infections brushed myself down and got on with things..One day I just didn't bounce back and slowly declined..I went to Pulmonary rehab and exercised to keep the lung muscle up and to get breathless is actually good for you!!(provided you have no heart probs) Keep away from the dreaded flu n cold bugs and keep exercising as much as you can..All the very best to you ..Regards Laura

[Hidden]

Good Morning Mr. Baz - Have you heard of pulmonary rehab? My husband went on this about two years ago and honestly changed his life. It is an 8 week course of supervised exercise and information - you need a referral from your doctor and sometimes you have to fight for it - but very worth it. Please ring the helpline - click on the red balloon they have some great information. The nurses will advise if you are on the correct medication etc. Good Luck TAD xxx

[tigershay1]

Morning and welcome Mr Baz you could have been descrbing me!!! Exactly same past then Dec wham worst infec ever. I went back to work yesterday (shorter hours and days) first time since 9th dec. Exhaustion fatigue angry depressed all normal to feel and as you say there are people in far worse condition however when feeling low this doesnt enter train of thought. I started exercise three weeks ago (previously fit healthy active trained every week with personal trainer rode my horse (a very young fit ex race horse!!) and led active work life) im now doing twenty mins training and riding three times a week in the arena for twenty mins....not the normal hour or two but its a start. Keep at it look after yourself diet wise use antibacterial wipes and first defence spray up nose for public areas. Keep people with colds etc well away (they just dont understand that a sniffle for them can lay us up for months or put us in hospital so be firm) lots of lovely peopleon here with lots of fab support i know they kept me going . Take care oh i never smoked but if you do give up . J xxx

[MrBaz]

Morning all , thank you for your messages, I do try to keep active with the weather improving I have a 'to do' list of jobs around the garden. I was given some lawn turf a few weeks ago (over ordered ) from a friend, planned my day, do that ,then this then that.....wrong!, knocked me for six!!, but I didn't give up, it just took all weekend to do a job I could have easily done not so long ago!. I now only work part time, light duties & job surveys, although had long weekend in Wales last week 'chilling', by Sunday felt like I'd got knife in my back!....taken rest of the week off!.... "/

[hopetorun in reply to MrBaz]

hope you are feeling better I know it is a bit of a Roller coaster really we keep picking ourselves up dusting ourselves down and off we go again. We just have to keep at it and just make sure you do one thing you really enjoy each day. It could be eating a donut or watching a TV programme or ringing a friend what ever it is I hope you managed one thing today. I have had my hair done and eaten a Donut what more can you ask for. best wishes Irene

[MrBaz]

That was a lovely message Irene, yes I will try!, doughnuts!!..now your talking... x ps. Yes I spent the day in the garden, making a small rockery & pond..... Sort of!!... "/. It'll be alright on the night!...lol