someone said it is quiet so I thought I would ask a question. Is it normal for people with lung disease to become tired more easily than before the lung disease? If you think so why is it do you think?
I will make noise: someone said it is... - Lung Conditions C...
I will make noise
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punkyb
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Yes! I put it down to the effort of trying to breathe meaning that I become tired very easily.
Yes! My husband tires much more easily than he used to, we were told it was because he expended much more energy breathing now. It is just more of an effort! Though conversely if he is exercising his energy levels seem better. Lots of love TAD xx
punkyb in reply to
When I was in rehab they did say it will help endurance to exercise regularly.
PentreathVolunteer
My consultant said it does take more energy to breathe with a respiratory condition so, yes, we would get tired sooner than people without one. My sister in law keeps telling me it is because I am getting older and that too could be part of it.
That's a big question and one I have been meaning to ask as well, if not for the fact that it seems to be covered a bit here.
The tiredness I get is more like a sleepiness, yet not quiet drowsiness - hard to pinpoint. It is 24/7 basically and semi-tolerable.
My current opinion is that it is basically muscular. Deep muscles are engaged at restoring lost lung function at an almost imperceptible level at times. The trouble is that it is relentless 24/7 excess activity; even if its only a few percent increase it results in fatigue. Interestingly, the brain is affected very powerfully when muscles are affected as. The brain is essentially a neurological organ whose primary function is to co-ordinate movement. That may go against common opinion, but I have heard very convincing arguments that support that idea. Thinking has very little to do with it.
As I said to Plumbob: I find that I can keep my oxygen level up with the aid of a portable oxygen tank when I work outside. The problem is when I work too hard I sleep a lot longer and I notice that my muscles take much time to recuperate. I figured it was because the muscle was not being oxygenated well. SO now I am left with wondering how much work is healthy or not healthy. I love to work so it is a lot to think about.
I totaly agree
The diaghram must be the muscle most affected in all this.
I would agree unless you have major developed abs.!
If your body is struggling for oxygen, everything begins to work harder to try and provide the oxygen, including diaphragm, heart chest muscles etc. If the muscles don't receive the required oxygen they become fatigued.
You could say like a 100 Meter sprinter who generally doesn't need to breath for his event but relies on oxygen in muscles to keep him going. but after race he sucks in the air to recover.
We struggle to transfer the oxygen to our muscles due to lung damage 
I am only transferring 50% of required oxygen into my body ( with the aid of steroids)because of asbestosis and if I try and carry a shopping bag from car to house I am initially ok then all of a sudden you think I'd pulled a lorry as I struggle for breath as my oxygen is depleted, unfortunately portable oxygen is not the answer as my lungs can take it in but I can't transfer it to my body.
Just keep sucking it in Plumbob 
I find that I can keep my oxygen level up with the aid of a portable oxygen tank when I work outside. The problem is when I work too hard I sleep a lot longer and I notice that my muscles take much time to recuperate. I figured it was because the muscle was not being oxygenated well. SO now I am left with wondering how much work is healthy or not healthy. I love to work so it is a lot to think about.
I find that I get sudden tiredness for no apparent reason when I am about to have a flare up or an infection so it is a warning sign for me. I am fortuate in that my peak flow and sats are usually OK even during an exacerbation but I still need to sleep a lot!! I think the tiredness is because my body is trying to sort out inflammation and/or infection.
hi punky,, to answer your question bluntly,,, yes, very much so.
its a good question though as most of the reasons appear on this thread.
all the very best punky,
regards jimmy 
I do get more tired than i did but i don't sleep well. I thin k this is a problem for many of us. Mx
Yes definitely. Trying to breathe and exertion means a lot more effort and really takes it out of you. There is nothing like illness to really drain a body! x
People with COPD find their respiratory muscles use 10 times more calories than a normal person. I expect that's got a lot to do with it !
Was just going to say that Puff - breathing is no longer an automatic bodily function controlled by the nervous system but something we have to do for ourselves. No wonder it wrecks us - can't live with, deco can't live without
Doesn't seem to help with weight loss. I'm still a fat git.
AWE . I have the fat too but I like the food. . .haha. It is hard to take it off now . I never had troubles like that before.
Could carbon dioxide which is not breathed out enough cause tiredness?
That is a good question too! I will try to look into it.
Very good explanation I agree ... You know I truly like the way you said this "yes, thats your answer, why is a different answer" . Very good writing...
My oxygen is 98% but carbon dioxide is not usually measured, so could be too high even though oxygen is ok. Has anyone ever had carbon dioxide measured ? Is it relevant?
I believe they check the carbon dioxide when they do an arterial blood gas test..
I don't have COPD or asthma - in fact over the years doctors still haven't worked out what's wrong with me. I have numerous allergies caused by smell which result in my tongue tingling, then swelling. My lungs are supersensitive to chemicals, the cold, the heat, stuffy rooms and I carry an Epipen.
I had tests for low thyroid function because I was always tired and they were clear, so I just assume the chronic tiredness and lethargy are caused by the extra effort to breathe. Very conscious of low oxygen levels in the air and I am affected if people eat eg fish so not much of a social life.
During the day and night I become aware of the falling oxygen levels in my blood and breathed in and out deeply - always have the window open for fresh air. Sometimes I can feel the heart muscle pumping when the oxygen isn't reaching it - yet the tests come back OK. Doesn't help that I look well, but if a trigger sets it off I'm out flat in less than 30 seconds - the treatment = fresh air and drinking plenty of hot water and that settles things down.
punkyb in reply to
Interesting but weird ..I wish they could figure out the thing that is troubling you.
I have always felt tierd since I had COPD and think it is getting worse since Christmas had 4 infections no enegy. Every time I sit down (witch is often) I fall asleep getting fed up with being worn out. Not on my own I know. But it is very dishearting.
It is weird because after I eat anything I sit down and go out like a light bulb. I mean I drop to sleep so fast! I have never done that before...I still have daytime energy though.
I fall asleep like that here one minute gone the next so out of breath I can only do odd things and feel worn out.
Suppose it's the same as a car one piston down and were out lol.
Funny analogy ..Ha!
What stage of which copd do you have
Hi am at stage 2 but got to be reassessed in 2 weeks think I am going into stage 3 
I am stage 3 emphysema.. It was rather shocking to me when I heard that. I hope your results are better than expected.
It is a shock they were telling me it was Asthma for a long time. When I found out was mentioned in passing like I already been told
That is frustrating....they don't know one end from the next at times.
When I have a diagnosis I will be very interested in more information. Thank you for your post.
Best wishes to you both.
I certainly tire a lot easier than I used to xx
It's awful feeling tierd and worn out all day. Who knows one day they might find help with it. Rose x
I keep hoping they will. I posted a new help for Emphysema sufferers. The question is where to get that help? I have not figured that part out yet.
Morning went to bed early last night and up already with indejestion so checked my emails.
Hope you had a better night than I have.
Do you have a pulmonary nurse as I found her a great deal better than the doctor?
Hate sitting here with things needing doing round the house & no energey do them Going a wedding Saturday dredding it it's a case of force myself to get through it and it's not till 4pm bet I am home before 8 lol.
Take care drink my coffee watch good morning oh to be fit and well :).
did you see the article I shared on the procedure when a doctor inserts something into the lungs that blocks the air from getting trapped in the aevoli and makes breathing better for emphysema sufferers? I don't know where it went but I did post it.
Morning I have just watched your posting looks like a good idea wonder if it is avalible in the UK? Just typed on your user name found it straight away
Are you in the UK? I rang to make an appointment to go for my reassessment and shocked to find I can get in tomorrow at 11.15 am so see how it goes. Take care hope you are breathing easy. Rose
I am in California USA...Glad you got an appointment . It takes me 6 months to get one here with my pulmonary specialist. I am going to change doctors and facilities soon though... let me know if you learn anything new..
Hi there been see the pulmonary nurse this morning she won't comit herself to if I have gone to severe today had to have a ECG as my heart rate is fast and the breathing test keeps going from 63 to 43 what ever that means if it stays at that she says I have gone into severe going back in 2 weeks. Nothing straight forward is it . The doctor is checking my ECG. So you can only get a 6 month appointment not good is it think your doing the right thing changing. We haveing a lovely day here today makes a change we have had rain hail sleet & high winds hope it's better for you
Take care Rose x
Is it your resting pulse that is fast? How fast?
Well I hope you are not going into stage 3. I am in stage 3...It is uncomfortable even though my body supports me pretty well. My doctor said I was well compensated...
I am afraid to go Dr. shopping but I will tough through it.
I hope you are having a pleasant Easter. I am looking forward to watching kids and having family dinner.
Hi Happy Easter it's my resting plus that's fast god I am so fed up of feeling tierd and moaning
Now the dog is coughing all day today and the vets is closed for bank holiday grrr lol
Sounds like a nightmare changing docs for you I have been with the same practice for years
Hopefully find out next time I go what stage I am at.
Hope the family had a great dinner. Rose x
We will get through this and with any good fortune there will be a cure before it gets worse!
That is truly interesting! I will look it up....I wonder how many we need to cork to breath better.
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