Low dose Ct scan
I have been diagnosed with copd/ emphysema/asthma about 6 years ago. I was put on the cpap at night with oxygen. I have to get another ct scan, every time I go more show up. Is this happening to anybody else. Also is anybody’s copd worse in the morning? Thanks for answering. I feel like I’m getting worse the fatigue is awful. I have a really bad back and this humidity is awful where I live I am struggling. I have been in a flare for the past 2 months I am told which prevents me from exercising. Im trying to strengthen my lungs with walking but my back and hips hurt so bad I end up crying in pain. Can somebody give me some guidance please?
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I was wondering as to what you refer to when you say "more show up" when getting a CT Scan. Are you referring to lung nodules? I will get another CT Scan in October. This is the first time it has been a year instead of every 6 months in four years. Sometimes more nodules show up, and sometimes there are less. Mucus plugs will also show up. As long as my nodules are not growing, my pulmonologist is not concerned. As far as mornings go, yes I always feel worse in the morning. I cough for an hour or so to clear out my lungs and it takes me about that hour to get really moving. I also live in a high humidity and hot climate (South Central Texas). So I stay inside as much as possible. Do you not have A/C where you live? When I have any errands to do, I do them early as possible in the morning before it gets hot. You can strengthen your lungs by using an Acapella and Spirometer machines several times a day without having to exercise a bunch. Plus you can practice breathing exercises to help. With your bad back and hips, there are chair exercises which can help. I am sure you can find them online by doing a search. If you have been flaring up for two months, have you contacted your medical team? There is no reason to have to flare that long without medical treatment. I got my doctor to prescribe Prednisone for me to use if I feel a flare up coming on. It has helped me several times keeping from a bad flare up. My best advice is to contact your medical team for help. They should be able to guide you to help your breathing better and stop the flare up. Otherwise go to the ER if it is so bad as not being able to breathe. Take care and God Bless!Hi there. I hear your concern about what I assume are nodules or other particles showing up on your CT scans. That's very understandable. They are also pretty common in people with COPD, so you're not alone.
wrote a great article answering common questions about nodules that may be useful: https://copd.net/living/lung-nodules
I hope this helps! Have you ever been to physical therapy or pulmonary rehab? I wonder if those would help ease some of your pain and fatigue. Keep doing the best you can. -Melissa, team member
