COPD is complicated.

[Bernita]

I have had copd for about 15 years, but I am now having more frequent flare-ups. They are kind of scary. I am looking for a support group that I can talk to about the symptoms both physical and emotional. I am sure I will be calling on all of you for support and advice.

[Hidden]

Hello! I was only diagnosed a year ago! What do you experience when you are having a "flare-up"?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Bernita. I'm sorry you are having flare ups. Are you taking steroid inhalers and how long have you used them? They are not meant to be long term. I had to quit the steroids several years ago. They worsened my condition considerably. Talk to your doctor, could be your meds. I don't take meds anymore and I'm doing much better. I have taken control of my own health and am completely responsible for the outcome. I am 70 years old in July. I changed my diet, my lifestyle and take plenty of supplements. I rarely have "flare ups." I am short of breath often, but I do not cough and I rarely wheeze. I take it slow and easy, one day at a time. If I don't get something done today, I'll do it tomorrow. I rest when my body tells me too and I try not to get impatient with myself. I hope you get better soon. Breathe easy.

[Bernita in reply to Hidden]

I just started a new medication today, ADVAIR DISKUS. Can I ask you what type of diet and supplement you are using? I would prefer not to take any more medicine than necessary. When I do have a flare up I end up on antibiotics and prednisone. I find that I can get pretty anxious with this and I have been eating too much and have gained about 20 pounds in the past year. I really feel that has added to the number of flare ups I am having. Thanks for your reply. I am wondering if you have back pain? That is something that I have just noticed the last few months with a flare up.

[Hidden in reply to Bernita]

I took Advair for several years. I had to quit. Yes, weight can cause problems. I cut out all gluten in my diet. I go as organic as I can on my limited income. 12 foods I leave alone - wheat, oats, rye and barley. I don't drink soft drinks. I don't eat the skins on baked potatoes, french-fries. Overcooked red meat is bad for you. I stay away from all processed foods containing nitrates and nitrites. I do not use bottle oil for cooking. Only butter or lard. I don't eat corn or soy because of GMOs. I do take calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, D3 zinc, selenium, vinpocetine, B-100 Omega fatty acids. There are more that I'd like to take, but can't afford. These seem to be working for me.

I am toxin free, now. So, no toxins in, no toxins on. When you put toxins into your body, they absorb into your body. I avoid anything that isn't organic if I can. I use coconut oil for most everything as far as moisturizers, etc. go. I use apple cider vinegar as a cleanser. And of course, I purify with food grade hydrogen peroxide. I hope this helps. I take melatonin at bedtime, and I never drink hot tea, only cooled. I drink hot coffee in the mornings - 1 cup. Take care. Breathe easy.

[Hidden in reply to Bernita]

Can I ask what type of back pain are you having, and where at? I am having this as well! I had a nerve test done and there was nerve damage, also had an MRI which came back good! Still have not gotten to the bottom of it, going back to Dr next week! I wonder if this is related to COPD in some way???

[Bernita in reply to Hidden]

Sure, it is in the lower left part of my back just a little above my waistline and in my neck about the 4th vertebrae down and then spreads out across my shoulders.

[Bernita in reply to Hidden]

I usually start with a cough and I am totally exhausted. I get very short of breath and can't do much without resting. It takes me a long time to rest up and not very long to use up my energy. LOL. I cough up green phlegm. I feel pretty achy all over. I always think that it is just bronchitis and try to fight it off myself. The last time I waited 3 weeks. Then my doctor told me she didn't want me to wait over 24 hours from the time I start getting sick until I get to the doctor. I will do that the next time for sure. Thanks for your response.

[Dgtheel in reply to Hidden]

Breathing gets harder, usually start coughing up more junk

[sissy724]

will be good to hear from you again. Flare ups are very scary to me too. I have had so many I am getting pretty good at knowing when they are coming, so better at preventing one.