Does anyone else have speaking problems with COPD?

I sound awful when I speak. I've heard myself on my iPhone when recording video segments. I had a painter in the house who asked if he could call 911 on a day with high humidity. My son looks alarmed, and asks if I'm okay repeatedly. My grand-daughter would make this panting sound when she was very little, based on hearing me. I can't breathe through my nose.

It's near the point where I don't want to talk on the phone, or have family and friends around. I'll be very lonely since I need people. Anybody dealt with this, and how.