Breathing
I have been dealing with COPD over 15 years. I’m in the end stage. I’m on oxygen, breathing treatments and a vent. Meds. I can still do some things just at my pace. What I am having trouble with my breathing is—-I feel like my lungs are in a vice grip. Or sometimes when I breath it is like I have been sobbing all day (I didn’t) and my left lung that is the weakest acts like it has a mind of it’s own. Any suggestions. Thank you
Hi Mary, and thanks for your post. You may be aware we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), but your concerns certainly warrant a response.
Fifteen years is a long time, and represents a wealth of personal experience managing this condition. You probably know more about your particular level of lung disease. Having this much experience may help you to assist your physician in what you need and how to make you feel more comfortable.
The fact that you are able to do some things, at your own pace - as you shared, speaks to your self awareness, which is good.
Many patients who I treat have expressed similar concerns about their breathing as you did. Generally speaking, perhaps your physician can adjust your medication regimen so you can feel more comfortable breathing when this occurs. Do you think that using supplemental oxygen therapy may be of value for you at this point? Some patients feel better when they are using oxygen therapy. Perhaps this might be something for you and your physician to consider.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
