COPD since 2009 & take Seratide + ventoline which usually controls my breathing really well. I fractured a hip on 6th and getting up stairs

[Mollysdad]

It really makes me shattered beyond belief. I wonder if any readers have had similar problems or advice

[PollyP]

A hip fracture is a serious health event, so do be kind to yourself, pace yourself and little by little you will recover

[Offcut]

With Hips being a load bearing joint you are I presume experiencing pain as well? When pain is hitting joints the body reacts by tensioning the muscles to counter the pain IE hit fingers with a hammer you gasp air this is probably why you are finding it more of a problem. Most of the time with any break it is time that is the healer.

Hope things improve soon.

Be Well

[tatteka]

I broke my collar bone and two ribs so shallow breathing came the norm. My breathing needs to improve, this time of year doesn't help but hey i am still here so back to copd rehab if its still going.

[peege]

My sympathies, fracturing a hip takes a lot longer than the usual 6 weeks for a fracture. A major joint, a major life event and a major trauma in body & mind. Fear would naturally be a factor too.

Offcut is right, when your mind/body are in stress so all your muscles are tense (your diaphragm being a muscle too). The best way out of this is to get the tension out of your body.

For example, I'm quite a calm, fearless, adventurous person (a riding, skiing, parachuting, sailing, motor bikng female). Over 30 years ago I was mown down by speeding cyclist from behind, it smashed my right painfully. To this day, when I hear a cyclist coming up behind me my body & mind freeze with fright momentarily. It goes deep into the psyche.

If you are able, practice 5 minutes of deep, controlled breathing, in though nose,out slowly through mouth all of the air you've breathed in. If you can do 5 minutes every hour it will not only release the tension but it will become second nature and wil continue to help you for some time.

I know if this happened to me my PR group would have me back to help with the mending/healing/breathing process.

Would this be possible for you?

All the best for your recovery.

[Mollysdad in reply to peege]

Thanks to you all for your kind wishes and helpful advice. I have started the breathing exercise and will update in a few days.

[westielady1956]

I must I know something of how you feel. I collapsed in November with dehydration, and fell onto my bum and now have a broken coccyx. I am on morphine and painkillers, and yes I have founf it harder to get about. Just been careful and take it easy. It may take double the time it normally takes to do chores. Best wishes to you.

[frank65]

i too was diagnosed with copd some years ago i too was prescribed seritide and ventoline now i take seritide + spiriva and it is very good much better than ventoline i just take the spiriva just once a day instead three times a day with ventoline

[warwickstag]

Is there any way you could adopt a downstairs room as a temporary bedroom?. This would at least alleviate one of your immediate problems. I have permanently moved my bedroom to ground floor level as I no longer can cope with stairs and leave those to those who can. Good luck