Hi All,
My mother was recently diagnosed with Advanced COPD. This is baffling to me due to the fact that in June she was walking far distances with no problems. Then went into the hospital July 8th with Pneumonia and then back in the hospital again August 9th and diagnosed with COPD. She is currently in the hospital for the 3rd time and can't even walk two feet on oxygen without getting short of breathe. Is it common to progress this quickly?
Hi Daughter, no its not usual for COPD to progress quickly, but a lung infection and pneumonia people with COPD do de-condition very quickly, once the infection clears and your Mum slowly recovers from Pneumonia (this can take some months) your Mum should regain some of her former self. If the doctors mention pulmonary rehabilitation once she is beginning to get better or show some improvement, definitely that would be a good thing to do to help her get more fitness back and learn best how to manage things.
Shortness of breath is common with COPD most everyone lives with this day to day but it doesn't mean you stop doing things, we just carrying on doing things with shortness of breath and usually a little more slowly than before for shorter durations.
As your Mum is in the hospital at this time she should be getting physio visits guiding her what she needs to do along with the respiratory team advice. Wherever you can try to be present when she has consultation with the doctors or physio (if your Mum is in agreement) so that you can listen to what is being said and even ask questions yourself.
Wishing your Mum a good recovery.
Hope some of this helps. Don't hesitate to call the BLF helpline for additional advice and support. blf.org.uk/
Best wishes Bkin
I agree with Bkin. Your mother's recent infections are clouding the picture and you will not get a clear picture until lungs recover from pneumonia. I had bilateral pneumonia and it took a good six months before a felt back to my normal self.
What a worrying time for you, it will take time for your Mum to get better and recovery is slow x
I agree with all here, Take note of BKin. Wishing your Mum a Good Recovery, It Does take Time Hun.(Been there also). Love n Hugs. xxxx
Yes, it’s the pneumonia that’s clouding the issue here, I was diagnosed with mild Copd 7 years ago, and annual checks showed very little progression (at least all tests had same results each year) then in early March this year bilateral pneumonia and it has floored me! I am very slowly improving, lung consultant said it could take 12 - 18 months to get back to where I was... I was on oxygen 24/7 that has now reduced to overnight and ambulatory, and next week tests to see if I can stop o2 altogether. I still can’t walk far and used to take the dog for walks every day, but my consultant has said there’s no reason why I shouldn’t get back to where I was but it’s going to take time. Pulmonary rehab is brilliant, well worth doing and even chair exercises will help with improving mum’s breathing.. so I’m afraid it’s time , patience and exercise plus healthy eating and she should get back to where she was.. she’s lucky to have such a caring daughter xx
Is this asthma or copd?
Recently Diagnosed COPD 
Hip replacements with copd
Recently diagnosed with COPD
Function of COPD nurse at GP surgery
