COPD... feeling real tired but don't usually

[Ami40]

Hi All,

I've recently been told that I might have copd, and I only had my blue inhaler yesterday... Just picked new meds today another blue inhaler and Spiriva HandiHaler today so will be using them shortly... What I don't get us yesterday I did some work just bleeding the radiators and really felt tired indeed and couldn't catch my breath really, so just relaxed all night, today woke up and have been feeling the same... Felt real unsteady when got up and picked new meds, had to use new blue inhaler straight away while I was in shop and that helped... But still can't do much as got that feeling where I'm ok but tired doing anything at all...

have I totally exerted myself or something, I usually go for walks and everything and I'm fine, usually just use blue inhaler once every few days... And u had to use it yesterday and Today, I hope that once I use my Spiriva in the morning things will change... Can't even relax and have a good time picking kids up etc, like I do usually? Any ideas?

Legs have felt a little weak and tired too...

[Doggie123-UK]

You may need to give the new meds time to work, otherwise if you are really concerned it would be best to speak to your GP

[Feelingblessed2013]

I think a call to your gp, just to err on the side of caution. The new meds might take care of the problem, but I would tell doc just do its on record.

[Jocopd]

Why "might" have COPD? Has your doctor not done tests to confirm it or figure out what you do have?

When I started Spiriva I was also prescribed Advair. They are usually together. Or some folks get a different combination of two daily inhalers or that new one that has 3 in it.

Anyway, It took about 3 or 4 days for me to feel any difference but when it did kick in it was great. I could breath and walk back to normal. Not sure what your "blue" inhaler is? Could be Ventolin?

This is why I am questing the "might" diagnosis. Its odd that someone is prescribed just one daily maintenance but perhaps he feels that is all your going to need for now.

Good luck and check back in a week and let us know if your better.

[Ami40 in reply to Jocopd]

Due to Covid there's no tests etc, had another chat ad she said it does sound like COPD, but before I had a chat with her I was fine really, just out of breath when doing something physical... But the other day I exerted myself doing something and since then, I've been tired everyday when getting out of bed and waking around a little?? It's fine by later, as yesterday late evening I went for a walk like I used to and was not breathless? it's so strange as I feel as if I can breathe but just tired to walk around, any ideas?

Yes, I've been given Spiriva and just the blue ventolin as steroids were causing major side effects.

Hopefully, I'll be back to normal and can walk about like used to too soon!

Did you have the Spiriva HandiHaler and have any side effects at all?

[Jocopd in reply to Ami40]

I have been on Spiriva and Advair for the last 7 years with no side effects.

You've only been on Spiriva a day or so - give it a week or two. But Spiriva is only going to help your breathing. It will not help your fatigue.

Do you have an oximeter? You can pick one up on Amazon or your local drugstore, walmart etc (I think walmart has one for $9.99 on sale right now). You put it on your finger tip and it tells you what your oxygen level is. If your above 88% that is good. If your below 88% then sit down and do pursed lip breathing until it goes up, usually just a minute or two. But let your doctor know how low it gets.

No idea why your tired so much....could be anything but your doctor can only go with what you tell them if they are not doing in person visits.

I agree with the person above who suggested you go to the er.

[Ami40 in reply to Jocopd]

Hi Jocopd,

Thanks for your response.

I think I only need help with breathing tbh? My Oxygen is 95-99 when sitting up and up and is only lower when laying down at times...

Heart rate is between 48-65 resting. The oxygen is low when laying down and climbs up slowly though, so just maybe an issue with oximeter etc?

I've been fine but just exerted myself and since then im just tired quicker etc when walking around, but again this changes on an evening as I do go out for a 15-20 walk without rest... And I'm fine tbh.

It may have been because I took my blue inhaler when was exerted the other day, and then the day after too which I never usually do... Yday was the first day I didn't take it so will see how I feel today?

Thanks will try Spiriva and see how get on...

Do any of you vape at all? I used to smoke but stopped that but just wondering if vape may be ok or interact with Spiriva?

[Jocopd in reply to Ami40]

Vape will not help your illness. Its the same as smoking for lung damage.

[Ami40 in reply to Jocopd]

Oh dear! Ive heard vaping medical marijuana is beneficial? I don't mean the e-cigs or any oils etc, just dry herb, Is that wrong? CBD/THC And better to use as an edible maybe etc? ?

I'm a little confused as life expectancy says 5 yrs but there are countless people who have been diagnosed over 10-15 years and still going strong?

My doctor also said keeping fit and going for walks is good and if I'm doing that with no problem then it's likely it's on the first stage?

How many years can we actually expect to get through? Any ideas anyone?

[FlowerPreciousLover in reply to Ami40]

Ami40, Life expectancy, we know, depends on many things of which COPD is just one factor. At age 77, I've been on meds for at least 10-12 or maybe more yrs?

My pulmonologist does a lung X-ray ea. yr and also has me do those breathing tests which measure changes. I cancelled my reg. 6 mo in house visit this winter due to fears of Covid. However, after my 2nd vaccine, I plan to reschedule for labs and visit.

Would imagine that it would be difficult for a doc to prescribe much until after having you tested. Will you be in line for Covid testing in the near future?