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.
It's definitely a lot to process when you're dealing with a new diagnosis ... do you have any questions? We're happy to send you some articles or just offer a space to vent. Take it one day at a time. -Melissa, team member I'm the same way. I can't sing any more. Some days I sound ok but there are days that I do good just to hum. I've never been a professional singer but I've always enjoyed being able to sing. There are a lot of things that I miss being able to do. But I am learning to take this disease one day at a time.
Having to bring oxygen with you and hoping it lasts.
Google Irish oxygen companies ahead of time and prepaid.
Fantastic! What a great picture, too. I have a physical disability and was able to rent a wheelchair from different cities while I traveled through Italy in 2023. Did the same thing as you -- Google searched and read a lot of reviews before I contacted each one. It worked so well! Nice to know Ireland is similarly supportive. It's on my "someday" list. -Melissa, team member
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
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I carry it like a purse in a fabric carrier, it is about 17 or 18" tall, weighs about 8-10 pounds when filled with oxygen, about 6 pounds when empty. At 69 with arthritis in my neck and spine there is no way I could use a backpack with it. If I go grocery shopping I can put it in the shopping cart, but still tethered to the 7 foot tubing. Next to being short of breath all of the time this is the thing that bothers me the most. Constantly having to have it with me and checking to make sure I have enough oxygen to make it home. It is what it is and I have been on oxygen since 2017 but still very frustrating. Glad I'm still hanging in there though.
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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.
