This is Idahoangel55

[idahoangel55]

Hi, I am Tina, and new here. I was diagnosed with COPD 11 years ago, was showing signs 6 years before being diagnosed. it's been rocky road with ups and downs and good days and not so good days. I have learned a lot about COPD and the medications that I take and them some, but at times I am still confused and lost. I am so glad to find a place where I can talk to folks that are going thru the same things and understand what I am talking about.

[valerieglasgow]

That's why I joined this group. If you don't have COPD, then you don't understand why we get so tired,so out of breath. We are called lazy because we don't move around enough. I simply get too out of breath to do anything. It's a very hard life. Here everyone understandsand knows what I'm going through. Thank you for listening

[LORBIC]

Hi Tina; glad you joined the group, it seems that copd is a constant game of up and downs. I make the most of the up days, that is when I grab my oxygen and do my walking, I'm slowly increasing about the amount I can do. Have you ever done Pulmonary Rehab? I'm on the waiting the list, I have talked with others who have done it and say's it helps a lot, makes breathing easier. What meds are you on? I have Combivent respimat as my rescue inhaler, Dulera and Tudorza Pressair plus Daliresp which is a pill. I also have Heart Failure and Systemic Lupus and type 2 diabetic. Have a nice day.

[Kay15143 in reply to LORBIC]

They have videos on you tube and the internet on pulmonary rehab you can do in front of your tv, they also have low pace yoga on pulmonary .ive been to Classes and these videos are the same.Dont wait start excise from home

[Cynners in reply to Kay15143]

That's a great idea. I never thought about trying youtube for pulmonary exercise. I was in pulmonary rehab for 2 days before I had a pulmonary embolism..so id like to do them at home at my pace. Thanks for the idea!

[BgertieH in reply to Kay15143]

Your message is inspiring re exercise!

[Kay15143 in reply to LORBIC]

If you go to Youtube on computer and search for pulmonary rehab serval videos come up. You can watch and follow in the comfort of your home anytime you feel like it. Also you can buy a video..

I find the best on YouTube but web has some too. Don't wait start now.

[psmaxster in reply to LORBIC]

I am finishing my Spiriva capsules. I do not like Spiriva becauses my voice to get raspy. I am soon going to Combivent Respimat. My GP told me that Combivent has the same ingredient as Spiriva plus something else. She recommends a switch to Combivent.

[LORBIC in reply to psmaxster]

Hi psmaxster; Combivent Respimat does not have the same ingredients as Spiriva. Combivent Respimat has two drugs which are ipratropium which is a cousin and not as powerful as the drug in Spiriva( tiotropium). and theother drugs is Albuterol. The brand name for ipratropium is Atrovent. I have tried several different inhalers and I find that a lot of them do cause your voice to be horse, I have found out that if I rinse my mouth with mouthwash and also gargle right after using them it's not as bad. Make sure you go with the respimat as that is a liquid spray, the straight combivent is a powder.

[batman3611]

Where are you in Idaho? I have been through pulmonary rehab twice and it teaches you a lot about this nasty illness. It also improves your strength and mental attitude. My son thinks I am evil now because I am tired and I don't want to do activites with the grand kids like I used to. I wish I could....gave up my job, my hobby, and most of my friends because of this illness.

[Cynners in reply to batman3611]

It can be so hard for others to understand. My husband of 20 years left me saying I was just lazy. He just couldn't understand and wouldn't go to the drs with me to even try. I also have given up everything. It's hard...hugs my friend...I totally understand how you feel

[frissykat]

Hi Tina, so glad to meet you. I've only been here about a month myself but find it really interesting & informative

[Thorn]

Welcome Tina!

Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. It not only helps you but can also help many others as well 🙄

[psmaxster]

Hi, I was diagnosed with COPD about a year ago. My pulmonologist went through the usual procedures: supplemental oxygen, PFT test, biopsy of parts of my lungs, CT scan, MRI, etc. The problem is that he shows no empathy or interest in suggesting lifestyle changes, excercises, support groups, and so ong. Fortunately, I have an excellent GP who seems to know more about COPD than my specialist and who shows a lot more interest in her patients' welfare. Get yourself a good doctors. Good luck!

[BgertieH]

I moved from southern Idaho nearly6 years ago to Oregon at an altitude of about 4200'. Yikes! Do better at a lower altitude and hopefully by the end of this year, will be back in Idaho. My worst struggle is exercising and deep breathing. Intend to, but at the end of the day, do some deep breathing and head for bed. Need to make my health the priority, but struggle with that. Anyone else find this an issue?