Copd, a learning curve

So COPD. I have learnt a lot over the years as my condition steadily gets worse.

Air pressure and temperature, as I have said are my main troubles. But there are other things that affect me to varying degrees.

I can't take a bath with the door closed, the build up of steam can really affect my lungs and getting out of the bath can leave me breathless and dizzy.

Heavy dust particles both indoors and outdoors. Pollen, farming at harvest time, even sweeping up around me, can make my condition worse.

Heavy smells chemically, either cleaning products and strong perfumes and deodorant can really throw me off.

I am generally fine walking around. But climbing even a single flight of stairs has me reaching for my inhaler.

Bending over 90 degrees, for example putting your shoes and socks on, can also leave me breathless.

Depending on how bad my COPD is, my symptoms can range from breathlessness due to low oxygen, dizzyness, brain fog and temporary confusion to mental fatigue and in worse case scenarios muscle weakness.

If I get a chest infection, my energy levels drop, I feel generally weak and at worst, can barely get up to make a cuppa.

On my best days, I feel like a fraud. As I have no symptoms at all. But they never last before I am reminded... I am actually not well.

I have not always been this bad. And these posts are not written for sympathy or pity. They are to help you understand what people with COPD are dealing with. Medication helps keep the severe symptoms at bay mostly.

Sometimes though.... When my lungs ache and my ribs are sore from breathing. When my chest tightens and i have to concentrate on just breathing... Life feels a little harsh.

So I read my oxygen levels every hour. I have an oxygen concentrator at home, for when my levels drop really low. And to be honest, I manage my condition as best I can.

Feel free to share any of these posts. Maybe some one you know has copd and these posts just may help them and their family and friends a little.