Managing Copd
Managing COPD isn't always easy as some days my levels are good and other well they can improve. Don't forget to use your inhaler(s) or oxygen if prescribed like me. Learning when to slow down and get your breathing under control is one of the hardest things to do. You are usually panicky and that makes the feeling even worse.
I've been on oxygen for eight years and still have to remember to go at my own pace. Sometimes I have to tell others to slow down if they want me to keep up. You get caught up in so many things that says wait a second I can't do that so quickly any more.
In the end I'm still grateful I am here even if I'm not perfect. Yes I have COPD and Emphysema. I too deal with a bout of depression. I do find ways to cheer myself up.
What do you do to cheer yourself up?
Finding ways to deal with the emotional ups and downs of living with COPD can be challenging. I take a few minutes every morning to remember what I am grateful for, it helps me avoid feelings of depression. I also try to find humor instead of frustration in dealing with life on supplemental oxygen. My best to you, Becky (Moderator) gracefulgailg56,
To cheer myself up, I like to build scale models. Motorcycles and modern AF jets. But to cheer myself up even more is to spend a day with my two grandsons. Being 6 and 2 and 8 months, they are such a joy to be around. Being so damn cute and smart as a whip, they both just make me happy. And added to that, they live right up the street from me. I also live next to a small horse rescue. They also have goats. The horses and goats are very friendly. So when they are out and about, feeding them treats is a fun thing to do. Believe it or not, they love animal crackers. And of course occasional carrots for the horses. Then there are also TV shows and movies to watch. Add in exercise, house cleaning, and cooking, and I stay fairly busy and try not to let myself get depressed. So far I have kept it at bay. I have only been diagnosed with COPD for 2 1/2 years. I do my best to keep busy and not give myself time to think too much or to indulge in my emotions to much. I am retired and my wife works fulltime, so it is important to keep myself busy. You take care and God Bless!,
It was great to see you posting again. Sorry to hear of your husbands heart problems. Hopefully for you both, things have calmed down a bit and life is once again semi-manageable. I spent the majority of yesterday with my two grandsons. Since they live only a block away, I walked to their house and asked them if they wanted to come to my house for the afternoon. Of course they jumped at the chance to spend the day with me and have no parents around. Of course I spoil them! We had a lot of fun. When their parents came to pick them up, the youngest one, two and half, immediately started crying. He didn't want to leave. Which is always the case. They both are so loving to be around. Hopefully you can also have time to spend with your granddaughter. I will keep you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers! Take care CopdGirl and God Bless!
Hi Dminor Yes, I can imagine you being a big softy with your Grandson's, it is great to hear from you dear friend, We love it when our Granddaughter comes to see us, the only thing is when it is time for her to go home, I miss her as soon as she is gone and want her to come back straight away, I suppose I will have to learn to be patient to wait to see her again, I miss all of them my son and his lovely partner also, they are great parents, Yes it is great to hear from you, Take Care and God Bless to you also, Big Softy Grandad,X
I would like to say I have alot of things I am grateful for, my Husband being here, as he had a major Heart Attack last month at home. People and Things what make us smile and keeps us Occupied definitely help. XXXX
Hi Melissa, yeah he is coping okay, I think it is the mental side of things that gets to him , coming to terms what happened to him. The little one brings us so much joy and she is so Beautiful, she is Going to have Grandad wrapped around her little finger believe me, Thankyou Melissa for your lovely reply, dear friend, and I am hoping you are well also.X Doing good, thanks for asking! Like your home there is chaos, but it is nothing like yours at this time. So glad that your beautiful little girl is doing so good and you both are enjoying her. Grandbabies are amazing! When needed remember to take the best deep breath you can and try to relax when you can. chat soon!
Hi Lori, he had a stent put in, still has one blocked artery, going back at a later date, for another stent put in, or a operation , we are waiting to find out, he cannot lift anything to heavey at the moment he has been told. Thankyou for your reply Lori and asking how he is.X
Hi Leon, Thankyou for your kind reply, I will keep you posted to how and what happens next. Thankyou for caring as you always do with people on this site, Take Care Leon and God Bless you.X 
Hi again, - it's my pleasure - I am happy to be in touch with you! Stay well!!
Regards,
Leon L (author/moderator)
