I'm still hanging in there

[Cynmp]

I went to the pulmonary Dr for a 6 month CT scan and things for a recheck and good news for a change. I have stayed out of the hospital for almost a year!! I also stopped smoking for almost a year, I never thought I'd do it but a bi-pap on my face and a helicopter ride out of my small town and staying there for weeks helped me every time I thought of smoking. I still am on o2 ,24/7 and suffer major depression and don't leave my house but I still have hope,kinda??!!lol

[Joaniemdc]

You have been very brave.I felt like you when I first got out of the hospital and was diagnosed with Stage 4 COPD. It was terrible trying to make it upstairs to go to bed.( Live in a townhouse) . After 2 months of diligently doing nebulizer treatments, deep breathing exercises, and taking stabilize inhalers. , I am bouncing back to a little of my old self again.i even started driving a little. I sit outside, work in my garden & Actually when people walk by ( heading to the pool, it gives me great pleasure to be able to say hello and chat for a few minutes

That's about all I can do for I loose my breath if I talk too long. I've started loosing a few pounds and eating healthy.Went for a sleep study and am waiting for results. Oh I m paying the price of not faithfully using a bi-pap the last few years. A very difficult divorce and loosing my mom at the same time put me in a deep depression.All I wanted to do was bury my head under the blankets. I was very angry at circumstances that I blamed me and having to ride a motorcycle with portable 02. Please go out side daily in good weather, and try doing the breathing exercises as long as it's ok with your doctor. Don't be foolish like me. The convenience was a fast progression .Of COPD. I've already done this so you don't have to.Enjoy a little bit of the life we all have left. It is a number 1 cause of death now. Hang on a day at a time.you won't be sorry

[Mimibx3 in reply to Joaniemdc]

What is a bi pap?

Thank you.

[Joaniemdc in reply to Mimibx3]

A bi pap is the same as a c pap , but has oxygen running through it at the same time

Hope you're doing okay.

[Mimibx3]

Awesome and congrats to you!! Don't rule out antidepressants they saved me a few times in my life!!

Bless you!

[Joaniemdc in reply to Mimibx3]

Thank you.Me too. I've been trying to get into more healthy natural remedies. Being a faithful nurse I always listened to my Doctor's suggestions. Unfortunately it never really occurred to me that lots of prescription meds had multiple side effects . Im 73 yrs old and want to try to live long enough to see all my grandchildren and the great ones 2 growing up and marrying, or established in a career. Im getting a lot of help for other ailments I suffer from as well. I see the " drug pushers. " better known as big pharmacy reps come into the office giving the doctor's samples. I no longer want to be a Guiana pig . But for years I took Prozac and now lexapro which has gotten me through some serious depression's. A person has to know what is best for them during several illness's. God usually is a great teacher and guides me through life. I always turn over my will to him one day at a time. It helps my stress level go way down. Just keep the faith and every thing will work out exactly the way He intends it to be. Im confident you'll do just fine. God Bless

[Dgtheel]

Good for you, quiting smoking is the hardest thing I've done, but it's the best thing we can do

[walkfast-74]

I know its hard but Ive found going out helps wiyh depression. I stopped going out for years and this year my husband started forceing me to go places with him and I do feel better. I still get depressed but not as often or as long a time. I was ashamed for people to see me on O2 but am getting over it. Im glad you stayed out of the hospital for a year. Keep up the good work.

[Mimibx3 in reply to walkfast-74]

Unfortunately we have one of the only illnesses that people blame us for....hold your head high I have a friend at re-hab and if anyone asks her questions she says I don’t talk to strangers about my illness.

[Cynmp]

Thanks everyone for the incouragement, sorry for not getting back but my other problems have been screaming​ at me! I'm still anxious and depressed, I do take anti-depressants and anxiety meds but my Dr said to me by that maybe I should go talk to someone again. I'ts been a long time since I saw someone.my question was to him was, I don't hardly leave my house except to go to the doctors and I cx those sometimes,and yes talking wears me out!!!! And I love to talk lol!!!!!