COPD Frustrations!
What is the most frustrating part about living with COPD?
Not being able to interact with my grandchildren like I used to do. I miss not being able to go to their games because of the weather or the way I am feeling.
I don't get frustrated so much as angry when every morning I spend at least 30 minutes coughing up all the Mucus that accumulates over night. My Wife worry 's that I am putting a lot of drain on my Heart ❤ 
That is understandable,
. Here is an article about coughing that includes a discussion of "huff" coughing, which is a gentler way to cough: https://copd.net/clinical/mucus-with-copd. Maybe it would help put your wife at ease if she read the article as well. - Lori (Team Member)
My most frustrating part is not being able to do things I use to do. I can't walk a block any more without getting tired. I can't sing in church. I can't go shopping without getting tired. Tiredness is my culprit because I can't breathe.
I find that singing actually helps me clear out my mucus. I don't try to sound good, I just try to make my vocal cords work. Lower notes help. Or humming the deepest note you can. I will go for a drive and sing along with my stereo. My singing voice is not even close to what it was, but it helps me clear stuff out and relieve stress, too.
Sometimes I will just run scales and hold the notes that feel like they are making stuff move. A lot of times I will get stuff to come up that I have been trying to unsuccessfully cough up.
This is an excellent idea -- you have good intuition for doing that! Music performance, either voice or instrument, is so good for your lungs. The same is also true for regular breathing exercises like pursed lip breathing and huff coughing if you don't have music skills.
Have you ever heard of a flutter valve? They are inexpensive handheld tools that you blow into -- it causes vibrations that can help you clear mucus and breathe better. Here's an article about them if you aren't familiar:https://copd.net/clinical/flutter-valves-acapellas
You can buy them online or have your doctor prescribe one for insurance.
Keep singing! Who are some of your favorite artists? -Melissa, team member
Having to bring oxygen with you and hoping it lasts.
Hi
. I wish you weren't teathered to your tanks. That must be frustrating. I hope you can still find a way to live life as fully as possible. Know that we are here for you whenever you need us. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member) I'm suppose to be getting ox2 as well as I have copd overlap I'm 72 yr old male only thing is I ha e to stop smoking ,iv smoked for 50 yrs and is o ne of the few pleasures I ha ve left I feel now it is to late to.stop as damage is done and I shud try and enjoy my time left, not going through withdrawal s,I also hate trying to sleep without coughing an trying to shower ,maybe in a effect world without bombs an.killing a crazy person making decisions for us I'm scared to watch the news now,so I will continue to smoke ,
Not being able to go without the oxygen. Just like a dog that is tied up all the time. Even when you try and sleep
I'm glad you are still hanging in there too. While frustrating, it sure is nice to have this type of equipment and technology to keep us going. It sounds like you have a nice system down to help you manage your condition while also wearing oxygen. If there is anything further we can do for you, or if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out anytime. Wishing you all the best. John. community Moderator. Same here. I call it my leash. I swear it will be the death of me, as it gets wrapped around my feet or gets caught on something & pulls me up short! Frustrating!
