Accepting a COPD diagnoses
It has been several years since I was diagnosed, and I rarely used the rescue inhaler. This week I went to a doctor's appointment and the 2 out of 3 elevators were out of order, so I took the stairs. My doctor was on the 3rd floor. By the time I got up there, I was shocked to be gasping for breath! I've always taken the stairs before with no problem. Is truly COPD?
Hi there. That experience must have been frustrating and a little scary. COPD effects each person differently -- you may have a flare-up coming or need an adjustment to your current medication routine. If you haven't already, it's a good idea to talk with your pulmonologist so they can help you stay on top of things. Please keep us posted -- take things one day at a time, okay? We're here for you! -Melissa, copd.net team Thank you for your encouragement. It was a humid day and I had walked far in the parking lot to get to the building; then to find the 2 out of 3 elevators now working. I probably forgot to use Trelegy before I left the house, but the experience but the experience was enough to make sure I never do that again.
I don't know if it's truly COPD or not, but this is the time that you need to start doing regular walks to maintain your physical strength. And I'm not talking big walks, I'm talking like a mile at a time. If you don't maintain your physical strength, and if this is copd, your breathlessness is going to be worse when you are tired. You need to train your body now how to make efficient use of the oxygen that it has left available to it, to reduce your feelings of tiredness. And don't feel ashamed that three or four stairs up, you need to pause and get a breath. Take that breath, don't let your pride get in the way. If you do, you will regret it. RidgeWalker, thank you for your response. I do walk but not long walks, but several times a day to get my mile+ in. I am 78, so the days of my long walking are pretty much over, since I live in the humid south.
the South? Yeah, that's going to play havoc on the lungs. Sorry I don't have anything more for you my friend. I hope that you at least have a air purifier setup for some fresh air blowing in your face.
