Major Symptoms
Hi - I just wanted to say that I was pleased to see fatigue included here as a symptom. With severe COPD I experience as much shortness of breath (SOB) as the next person but can control it, medicate for it, exercise and work with it. Fatigue on the other hand really impacts my life and nothing seems to make that much difference. Certainly in any list of symptoms I would put it equal first with SOB, or at least in second place - yet so often I see 'cough' mentioned before fatigue - yet I rarely cough. I would like to see far more research done on COPD & fatigue as it is a major debilitator and quite literally 'shrinks' my life!
Hi Vanessa and welcome. We look forward to your continued participation here.
Regards, Leon (site moderator)
I am recently diagnosed and am in the midst of my 2nd flare-up. I was misdiagnosed about 10 years ago with anxiety attacks which always began with shortness of breath. I have really seen a decline in my energy levels over that time, but it has really ramped up. I totally see the connection and wonder if it's due to lack of oxygen getting into our systems. I have cut my work days down to 3-4 hrs as anything more is extremely draining. I too manage to work out 4-5 times a week as has been my norm to also manage my arthritis. I am grateful for that and know how very important it is to maintain. I'd really like to hear from others about their experience with this. Don't be shy folks! Everyone matters!
Hi Meg. You're right, maintaining energy levels can be a real challenge when face with COPD. Fatigue is one of the symptoms that is not easy to define and live with each day - it can also vary from day-to-day. One day you can feel fine while the next you might find yourself exhausted. We have a wealth of resource information here on our website. I thought you might want to get started by reading this article on 'fatigue': https://copd.net/living/fatigue-the-silent-symptom/
We're glad you're here and appreciate your comments. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
I get such terrible exhaustion I can barely function some days. It was so bad before I got O2 I was in bed a lot and could not stay alert. No energy. I would not attempt to drive because it was so bad. I was DX 2 weeks ago and put on O2 right away at 3 ltr. I'm feeling some better but I know this copd is a bad thing. Prayer, meditation and rest plus meds and O2 have helped. I qualified for a home help twice a week and am so very grateful for her even if it is only 1.5 hours twice a week. I could use someone daily but this is something. Blessings to all.
