One year diagnosed with emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis
My GP sent me to the hospital for a spirometry test. My result was no change when I used a puffer so I was given a prescription for Advair.
Was told that since I quit smoking that I would get better. I was very out of breath for a few years before I got Bronchitis that lead to my breathing test.
I find now that baths..showers and small amounts of housework have me huffing and puffing. Will this stay the same or get better.
Hi Peacelilly, and thanks for your post.
You may be aware we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), however your concern certainly warrants a reply.
COPD affects everyone differently and can even change for the same person from time to time. Having said that, moving forward you may have both good days and days that are not so good. Based on your concern, others in our community have expressed similar issues when it comes to becoming winded while taking a shower or doing housework.
Characteristic symptoms of COPD can include being short of breath. I thought this article on that very topic might provide you with some additional insight: https://copd.net/answers/sob-and-supplemental-oxygen/.
I do hope you find it to be helpful.
Leon (site moderator)Thank you so much for the information. I think I will go back and see my dr. And see if he can clear up my questions.
Take Care
Hi again, Peacelilly, and thanks for your response. Sounds like a good plan to go back to speak with your physician. Please do check back and keep us posted. We'd appreciate hearing how you're doing.
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator)
The most disappointing experience of my life was quitting smoking and not getting better. I was so sick. So sick I quit smoking. I had a paper that said all the good things that would happen to the non-smoking me as time passed. Tasting food, no more coughing, regaining the ability to breathe, lots of things. None of them happened. The doctor told me I had End Stage COPD. I thought I was going to die. Like soon.
Twelve years later, I still have stage 4 COPD but no one calls it “end stage.”
Getting the correct medication and learning how to work with my body to make the best of this situation has helped very much. My numbers improved a little bit from finally getting treatment, but not much, and I am looking forward to lung volume reduction surgery next month.
I am cautiously optimistic that I will experience some improvement and absolutely confident that I have this opportunity because I take my continued existence seriously and have tried to make the best of things.
It’s not easy. I feel awful many days and I can’t even explain how exhausted I get. Not tired...wiped out. I have been hospitalized because bronchitis became pneumonia, and I have been sent home from the emergency room because I was having a panic attack. I have missed a lot of special occasions because I was “sick.” Like “Grandma’s sick so she can’t come today.”
But I’m not done living. And neither do you have to be. Bless you. Get used to a “new normal” and work to make the best of it. You won’t be sorry.Hi Peacelily, and thanks for your most recent reply, today, bringing us up-to-date. Glad to hear you have come to this realization of what 'your new normal' is.
The fact that taking a shower 'wipes you out', is a type of fatigue, or feeling tired, that can be associated with COPD. You may want to slow yourself down a bit, if you can, when doing this type of activity (showering), or any other activity that you discover tires you more now than it used to.
This flu you've described can also linger with COPD. It sounds like you know what to expect and are managing it accordingly and, in concert with your physician.We appreciate you checking back in with us and providing us with the latest in your particular situation. Please know you are always welcome in our community.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Hi Susan1006 and thanks for your post and sharing you present story.
I will echo what my colleague, Lyn, has said and wish you 'good luck' on your upcoming procedure. A positive attitude can go a very long way towards managing this condition, and your perspective is to be applauded. Keep up the good work!
And, if you don't mind, please do check back and keep us posted on your progress.
We are always here to lend support!Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Hi, Peacelily and all.
About showers...if you have a breathing treatment in your box of tricks, you might try kind of a preemptive strike and use it before your shower. I had to give up long, hot showers in favor of a cooler, get in-get out routine, too.
And the best tip of all is buying a long terry cloth robe to put right on wet from the shower. Then you just can go sit down and feel like you did something good for yourself. Towel drying is no fun! I was happiest with a real terry cloth robe, nothing soft and glamorous - I mean a towel with sleeves. The one I have is huge, cotton terry, maxi length, with a tie at the waist. They are surprisingly heavy, if they are thick and absorbent, so, expect that.
Check out your favorite on line shopping site and look for cotton terry cloth robes. You will be dry very quickly and ready to dress, and I bet you’ll be much less fatigued 😀Hi again, Susan1006, and thanks for joining in this conversation again with your suggestions for taking a shower. I'm glad to hear you've found taking a breathing treatment prior to the shower, and using a terry cloth robe (to dry oneself), after the shower, work so well for you. I'm hopeful other community members will read your comments and get ideas for themselves that might be beneficial as well.
We appreciate your feedback!!
All good!
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
