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What has your COPD treatment experience been like?

Which medications, procedures, natural remedies, and other treatments have helped you? Which haven't?

  1. Albuterol nebulizer + Spiriva seem to be the best combination for me. Exercises prescribed by the pulmonary therapist have helped a lot. These forums have also helped me to develop and maintain a positive outlook.

    1. This is so great to hear! What are your favorite exercises to practice? Thank you for stopping by and we'll talk soon. - John M. (COPD.net Team)

  2. The Breztri does nothing for me I tried it. Trelegy cost to much here in the states. I use Budesonide and Ipratropiom with Abuterol Sulfate. The fist one 2 times a day and the second when needed. Both of them are used in a nebulizer which seems to work the best for me. I also exercise and eat right. I seem to not have much mucus like most people maybe because I use dairy substitutes which I recommend to every one. I have very few execrations during the last 6 years . I am stage 4 and feel really good for a 69 year old with COPD. I am on oxygen at night while I sleep.

    1. , I appreciate you sharing here about your experiences with those medications! I'm so glad to hear you feel really good, too 😀 Wishing you a gentle week! -Alesandra (COPD.net Team)

    2. Hello my friend! I know how expensive Trelegy is! Also, not on my carrier's formulary. However, my pulmonologist filed an appeal (or something) and the cost was reduced about 75%. I have found Trelegy to be very effective. Just saying, mention it to your doctor -- he's on your side. I wish you well and many happy days! Cynthia

  3. Trellergy and Montelukast are my prescribed medications alongside eye drops, nasal spray and Fexofenadine (I think it’s branded Alleve in the US as it’s OTC there - in UK it’s prescribed only) for allergies and a handful of supplements of all varieties to boost immune system etc


    On top of this, apparently having had Covid in March last year may have caused pneumothorax leading to LVRS on my left lung in July last year and, having just got over that and fit again, laparoscopic bullectomy on my right lung 6 weeks ago that has to be switched to open on the table as “things didn’t go to plan”


    Now I’m working to recover again

    1. Hi


      Today is 7 weeks from surgery and recovery is picking up as healing continues. Now I’m out of pain actually breathing I’ve picked up the aerobic activities, for example walking 15 miles in about 4.5 hours just yesterday. I can also now jog short distances as well although cycling remains a challenge and yoga / Pilates are off the plan until I see an physio to sort out my intercostal muscles.


      Bottom line in my mind is that I will not be defined by what someone else thinks I cannot or should not do 😁👍🏻

    2. , so glad to hear that your healing is progressing! Thank you for keeping us posted and for sharing that all-important optimism 😀 Wishing you a wonderful rest of the weekend! - John M. (COPD.net Team)

  4. Hello everyone! I had a "melt down" at my dr.'s office a month ago -- oxygen at 80%. Got a lot of attention on that one! This happens occasionally when I feel anxious. I had never actually told my pulmonologist about these episodes, I thought it was just going to be one of those things. Anyway, he prescribed Trelegy in place of Spiriva and I have been using that in conjunction with a nebulizer (budesonide and perforomist x 2 per day). I remember what a miracle the nebulizer was and what a change it made in my life. At that point I was also using Spiriva. However, I wasn't prepared for the improvement in my entire life that Trelegy provided. I was diagnosed with COPD seven years ago (moderate to severe) and have tried to not be affected but if you can't breathe, nothing else much matters. With Trelegy I have resumed my treadmill and exercise bike!


    I've gone on quite a bit - thank you for reading and have a blessed day! Cynthia


    1. Hi again, Jcrouch54, and thanks for expressing your concern for combining different medications. This is actually a perfect question for you to ask of your prescribing physician. The doctor will be able to explain the interactions between medications and what can, and cannot, be combined. What do you think?
      Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
      All the best,
      Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

    2. I don't know. When I began using Trelegy I stopped using Spiriva.

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