What has hurt me the most with COPD
Sure I am short of breath and get tired but I wasn't prepared for this . After my morning ritual yesterday, I did my powdered inhaler and went about my day. My grass needed cut really bad an it was a cooler 87degrees out so I attempted to mow . I can still do things but it takes a lot longer and some rather long breaks in between. I proceeded to mow. After mowing a rather small area , I started shaking and having a bit of difficulty catching my breath plus sweating . I decided to go in the house and rest a while . After about 2 hours and a change in clothes , I attempted to mow some more it was than 92 out but baby steps. Then I started the sweating shaking and fighting to breathe again so I stopped my task and went back inside. I was in my kitchen and had to use my emergency inhaler and then that is when it happened. I was leaning over the counter and regaining my composure when there was a knock at the door . I went to the door still sweating and huffing and answered it . A young boy was standing on my porch I have never met before. I said hello and he looked at me and that is when the real pain started. He said sir I live across the way and my grandmother and I noticed you are having trouble mowing your lawn. He said he had a rider and it would not be a problem to come finish your mowing for you and it wouldn't take that long and he didn't mind. That is when the realization set in! I hope he didn't notice the tears running down my cheeks. I told him ,I have COPD and though I would love to take you up on your offer, I have to do this myself. He said I understand sir my father died a few years back with what you have and he was a fighter too. He said if you ever get to the point you just cant do it anymore ,just let me know. I asked him his name as he walked away and told him David thank you I might just do that . I went back inside and started to cry. I did not realize a disease like this could strip away your pride !I know now what hurts the most from a conversation with a young boy that wants to help . The realization that you just cant do things anymore and having to much pride to except it. Having to much pride hurts the most !
Hi Daniel - thanks so much for sharing your experience and your deeply heartfelt emotional reaction. You are not alone! Many of our community members have been where you are and move forward with their lives in a most positive way. Granted, it takes some serious adjusting. Sometimes it's a relative who makes the difference, sometimes it's a friend, colleague, or acquaintance. Sometimes, it's a small boy, who has been through something similar with his own father, being guided by his grandmother!
You are always welcome here, Daniel!
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator)I have to agree....not being able to do my own housework if the hardest thing of all.
I am almost 81 years old and I have worked hard all my life. I did finally quit smoking but too late...damage was already done.
I live alone and I am on oxygen 24/7 now but still manage simple household chores but have to pace myself.
Thank God for "Swifter" as I can at least keep a path thru. I have wood floors and can kick/ slide the laundry to the washer/dryer and can keep up with the laundry.
Use your nebulizer and anything else that helps bring up the mucus from your lungs.
Keep a positive attitude and remember mild exercise is a big help.Hi Kwilter2 and thanks for your post here. I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing the challenges that you are at this stage of your illness. It sounds like you have the right approach and a good attitude as well. That can be a great help as you contend with each day in front of you. It's always good to stay active and I thought you might find it helpful to look over this article on that subject: https://copd.net/living/community-tips-staying-active/
All the best, Leon (site moderator)Hi Daniel Nester, I'm 65 now & feel the same as you, I want to do everything myself, I was able to cut the lawn this past summer (with some trouble) but this winter, I attempted to shovel the snow, not too deep, also light & powdery, I went out & shoveled about 10 shovels, & I didn't even know if I was going to make it back to the house, used the rescue inh. took a while to get my breath back,, But that was when I knew how bad it was & cant do a lot of stuff I used to do.The cold & wind is the worst for me. Feel Better
