How well do you feel your condition has been ... - COPD Friends
How well do you feel your condition has been managed over the last year? Share your experiences in the comments.
130 VotersPlease select one:
Some of my breathing difficulties are due to my anxiety more than my COPD
Hi rooster 64 I am the same as you anxiety has your gp given you anything for it mine wanted to put me on antidepressant but I refused because they are addictive but I I am thinking about going on them because I don't feel much better
Don't worry about any addictive properties an antidepressant may have. You will feel better and that will help you emotionally And physically. There are some very good ones out there. I take Celexa and it has virtually no side effects. Find one good for anxiety and depression. 
Rooster 64 hi I am on symbiotic take one puff in the morning and one at night but I stopped the night one but went to the Dr this and he told me to start the night one but since I was been taking it I wake up feeling that I can't breathe wondering if the dosage is to high l am on 400mg or does anyone else know camilla 1
I go through the VA for medical care. They are awesome. However, my care was never "managed" as well as when I took charge and responsibility for my condition. I educated myself and rather than just using the meds, I started to look at the effects and effectiveness of each one. For example, I used to just drain my rescue inhalers, using them for everything and at the first sign of troubl .
Now I've learned that proper use and timing of my maintenanceeds (spiriva & symbicort) is a much better way to breathe more freely throughout the day. And now, instead of loading heavy with Albuterol right before a walk, I use the Symbicort 30 minutes prior.
Yes I know what your talking about, being educated and being your own advocate. I got to sick and let it go for a while but I know I have to get on board again. Best wishes and blessings.
My pulmonary doctor has been out on medical leave for several months. No one knows if she will be coming back. I haven't been transferred to a new doctor so I am only seeing my primary care doctor.
I find that allergies exacerbate the problem and allergy medication seems to helpmorethan inhalers
I was only diagnosed in May but I know I have had COPD for years. It was misdiagnosed as asthma, but after an huge flare and 12 days in the hospital - I now have a great pulmonologist, I am in pulmonary therapy and getting stronger every day! I have educated myself =- asked many questions and have full intentions to take care of myself and get plenty of exercise. I am working with an herbalist to build my immune system in order to stay healthy!
My pulmonary doctor is on top of it as soon as I call him, he always calls me right back and a decision is made on what meds I need and if I need to see him or be put in the hospital.
I feal I I have been managed well and have fantastic support from friends family and my GP, and my consultant, my problem is my anxiety and lack of confidence, I really can't accept this condition & push myself to the limits until I am so breathless Tachycardic panicky and totally stressed, I just can't accept feeling as if I have failed! I'm also on anti-depressants for over 2 years, they have taken the anxiety of a bit so defo worth a try. good luck to you all Xxxx
When I was diagnosed, my doc order spiriva it seemed to work well. A few side affects but i was hopeful they would pass. Anyway, went to get my script refill but insurance wouldnt cover a $400.00 charge. So they changed me to a nebulizer using Ipratropium Bromide/Albuterol Sulfate. I was not happy. Too time consuming. Its working ok. I use once or twice a day. I would say the spriva worked better. But cant afford it
Have you tried going to the company for assistance. I did with the help of my doctor and applied for it and have received it for the last 2 years for free along with Symbicort. Now they do have financial requirements, but you can appeal them. For instance with the Spiriva this last year they seriously dropped the income down, but I appealed and showed that what I would have to pay for it would make it impossible. My pharmacy gave me a print out of what I would have to pay. So contact them and get the paperwork started and see what happens.
Seems to be a lack of knowledge at my GP,S of COPD also conflicting information
My grabd mal problem has done well with the dilantin.My copdhas slowly gotten worse.In feb and march of this year was in hospital and had some rehab done was in for24 days.Become more dependent on oxyjen.
I get regular A/f attacks had an ablation that did not work ,on waiting list for another one,on three meds for this,also have moderate COPD have had three bad bouts this year,a few inhalers made A/f worse,even antibiotics can interact with my meds,Im not allowed to do pulmonary rehab because of the A/F,Just been to hospital , to see Respritory consultant has confirmed my COPD ha increased slightly from last year, Can only suggest to my Dr to keep trying different inhalers,but still not able to go on rehab programe,so if ablation does not work,Im going to be left to cope with COPD on my own,
Had Emphysema since 93 I have only just stopped doing full marathon walks I have my own therapy which is so good for the breathing I play the harmonica several times a day and walk an average of 8 miles I'm 72 now and will keep going as long as I can.
Hi I have emphysema for several years 6years ago I got lung cancer. Pulmonologist left it up to me if they took it out. They removed the upper left lobe. I am a 6 year lung cancer survivor I did 6 months chemo. It didn't help my emphysema any breathing was worse I've been on oxygen 3liters 24/7. My partner came home with a cold gave it to me I have a messed up immune system I have a rare form of psoriasis which is a autoimmune disease plus chemo messed it up more so my cold turned into pneumonia. So I'm really having a rough time breathing my fev is 50% but I'm hanging in there. Love susiejo1948
Wish I know so worried about progression that breathing sometimes not great with sleep apnea thrown in lightheadedness actually feel all contributes to feeling worn out
