Emphysema
fatigue and breathing
Hi
. Are you looking for more information about fatigue and breathing or are you feeling especially tired and out of breath today? Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member) Thanks for your interest Lori. I'm usually tired and can only walk short distances every day and have to use my Salamol inhaler about 6 times daily. In addition, I have to use my portable oxygen machine for about one hour each day. Any information that would help me feel better about myself would be appreciated. Thank you, Brendan.
Hi Brendan. That must be frustrating. Even though it sounds counter-intuitive, exercise is often the best way for people with COPD to improve their energy levels and their abilities to be active. You can't underdo the damage to your lungs, but you can make your cardiovascular system more effecient. You shouldn't push yourself more though without talking to your doctor first.
If your doctor approves, you might try walking just a bit further every day or adding one more session of walking. If that get easier with time, then you can add more steps or more sessions. Many people who can't walk further find hand bikes helpful. You can use a hand bike while sitting at the dining room table, so you don't have to worry about getting dizzy and falling.
COPD might not be the only contributing factor though. If you haven't had a good round of blood tests lately, you might want to ask your doctor to check your levels of vitamin D, B vitamins, iron and certain hormones. Deficiencies in any of those can have a profound effect on energy levels.
I hope this helps and that you see some improvement soon. Check back and let us know how you're doing, if you don't mind. I'll be thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
