Seems like I am going downhill fast after one exacerbation
I have had one exacerbation that I am aware of. I was in the hospital over night and was diagnosed with COPD. I have been to a pulmonologist since and it was confirmed having moderate COPD. I'm doing a nebulizer twice a day and am on breztri. Before this, I was walking 1 to 2 miles at a fast clip every other day. I also cycled often doing 10 miles at a fast clip. When I was walking I had a hard time getting my heart rate above 110 BPM. I just got done walking a mile. My heart rate was in the 126 BPM range at a slower pace and I felt like I never have felt before.(like I didn't have the lung capacity that I had). I'm 77 years old. I have exercised all my life since I quit smoking 45 years ago. I am at a lost that I have gone down hill so fast ? Any comment that would help please ?
sal6781,
I have been thru a similar situation. I was fine 2 1/2 yrs. ago. Walking several miles a day, doing yardwork without problems and then I started coughing up blood one morning. Went to the hospital and ended up in ICU for a week with mycobacterial pneumonia. I have not been the same since. I was diagnosed with COPD stage 2. Which is moderate. I now cannot be outside doing much of anything without getting short of breath. I have been on Symbicort and now am on Bevespi. I also have Albuterol for emergency use. I am 70 years old. I do not even think about why I have gone downhill "so fast" as you say, I just accept the reality and do all I can to keep it under control. I have made all the adjustments to my life and routines that I need to make to stay as under control as possible. It isn't easy and sometimes it is not at all fun, but I do what I have to, to keep it under control and stay away from flare up causes. It is life changing adjustments but have to make them and accept them to continue as best as possible. So, I don't dwell on why, I just concentrate on positive adjustments and positive attitude. Take care and God Bless!
What I know from my own personal experience is that after an exacerbation it takes some time to regain your strength and stamina. I would encourage you to keep walking and riding your bicycle as long as your doctor says it is okay. It may take some time, but I believe you will be able to get back to where you were before you had this setback. Stay well, Becky (moderator) I had a horrible experience with Breztri. Almost immediately after starting this drug, I developed extreme shortness of breath, couldn't take 5 steps without gasping for air. I finally quit using the Breztri, and started using my nebulizer twice a day. It seemed to be helping, and when I went back to my pulmonologist, she gave me a sample of Wixela, which I had been using before. It has helped a lot with the shortness of breath. However, I feel like I have suffered permanent damage to my lungs, as I now have to be on oxygen constantly. My COPD is mild to moderate according to a breathing test, so it doesn't make sense that I have to use oxygen constantly. I am so upset about this, and wondering if I will ever get back to where I was before Briztri.
Im so sorry you had that reaction to Breztri. As with any new medication- we can experience a side effect that is worse than the symptoms of your medical condition- that caused you take the medication in the first place!! You did the right thing by reaching out to your Dr., as everyone can react differently to the medicine.
Have you tried pulmonary rehab? it is vital to keep the healthy and functioning lung tissue that you do have- strong!
Simply walking in place during commercials, and work up to walking in place during the episode and resting during the commercials.
I hope that you find the medicine regimen that can bring relief soon!
Be Well!
CaregiverJulie
