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COPD Frustrations!

What is the most frustrating part about living with COPD?

  1. 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.

    1. 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 ❤

    2. 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)

  2. 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.

    1. what is palliative care ? I’m very new was diagnosed by accident when they found some nodules in my lung during a Lung CT I’m so overwhelmed I don’t have many symptoms other than shortness of breath bad when doing anything some mucus problems sometimes but boy I have a lot too learn I’m on rescue inhaler and everyday 3 in 1 inhaler otherwise I’m not sure about anything 😩

    2. Thank you for joining the conversation here. Sorry that you are having to deal with COPD and that you also have nodules in your lung. I would like to refer you to an article written by one of my colleagues. She does a great job of explaining what palliative care is. Here is that article. (https://copd.net/living/hospice-palliative-care). Let me know what you think. John. community moderator.

  3. Having to bring oxygen with you and hoping it lasts.

    1. For sure!! Absolutely take advantage, that's what the staff is here for.

      Don't quote me on this, but I wouldn't be surprised if even some doctors still use the terms "palliative care" and "hospice" interchangeably. If you run into this issue, you'll probably have better luck asking specific questions, like, "What can we do to better manage my pain?" or "Is there someone I can talk to about my anxiety?"

      Have a good weekend, Katie! -Melissa, team member

    2. agree

  4. 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

    1. +0000000

      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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    2. 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.

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