When do you decide on oxygen
My question is one of those personal choice questions but nevertheless one I would like to have others thoughts.
My background is one of a definite emphysema diagnosis since 2015. Without too much detail I was a heavy smoker for years but also exposed to Agent Orange for 18 months. I have done extremely well with exercise, stopping smoking day of diagnosis until Covid. Became lax regarding exercise but avoiding Covid. As lungs weakened pulmonary rehabilitation was prescribed. Due to other ongoing disease I was only able to finish half the sessions. I can return at any time but I fear my other illness may never allow. What I find is that more and more I find myself attempting to do chores, jobs, hobbies, etc. and frequently becoming breathless, tired and listless. IS IT TIME FOR ME TO PUSH PULMONOLOGIST, PCP AND RESPIRATORY NURSES TO START USING SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN???? None of those providers have suggested that route. Is there an alternate slow paced home (prefer walking) program to try first. Frankly I am frustrated and very frequently irritable at my spouse when in reality I should be directing all of that towards me. I am 73. Immune comprised causing multiple other issues. Previous heart problems but well under control.
Thanks in advance for any advice or words of wisdom.
Sounds like you need oxygen. I have COPD. But I'm still a smoker of over 50 years. I take walks and still drive. But I just can't get smoking in control. How did you do it? I enjoy it but I know it's shorting my life. Talk to your lung Dr about oxygen. They can do test that will let you know if oxygen is right for you. Stay strong
Hi brucifer and welcome! You have certainly come to the right place as, here at COPD.net, we are all about the disease and all aspects of the disease.
You may be aware we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), but your concerns certainly warrant a reply.
The best person to direct your care (in collaboration with you, of course), is your pulmonary physician and his/her staff. Naturally, your concerns about your present conditions (emphysema, ex-smoker, exposure to agent orange, post COVID status, and other issues), are valid and may all have an effect on your current state of health. Your comprehensive medical history should be (well) known by your physician. All of it together will certainly have a bearing on proper and effective treatment.
Pulmonary rehabilitation, should be geared towards each individual patient and their own specific level of disease. If you are able to go back to the program. your pace can certainly be adjusted to reflect your present condition and capabilities. However, if you would prefer to do this at home, the program can also be set up for you in the home setting.
I would urge you to be kind to your spouse - she/he is your support system at home and, as you acknowledged, it is you who must focus and work on treatment and managing this condition so you can continue to live a good life.
I will guess that, based on your age and exposure to 'agent orange', it may mean you are a veteran of the Vietnam war era. I do want to thank you for your service! Many of my closest friends are veterans of that war and we work together through many, many issues that persist today!
I am hopeful others in the community, will chime in with their own anecdotal experiences as they see fit.
In the meanwhile, please do keep us posted as to your progress. You are always welcome here in our online community.
If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know.
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Hi,
! Thanks for reaching out to us -- it sounds like you have a lot on your plate, I do have some questions that could help guide your own thought process with all this. When was the last time you had a pulmonary function test done? Whenever you see a significant change in your abilities or quality of life, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about making some changes. That may be oxygen, or it could mean a tweak of your medication or any combination of other elements, like rehab. Even if you don't have the same level of physical ability you once did, there are ways to exercise your body and work on your lung health. Maybe you could work with hand weights or resistance bands? It's not always about cardio. Have you been taught about pursed lip breathing? That is a huge help for many. Let me know if this is a new concept or if you need a refresher, and one of us can pull up some resources for you. Hope that helps a bit. We are here for you. And if by chance you're a veteran, thank you sincerely for your service. I have several career veterans in my family, including one who was in Vietnam. Keep us posted, okay? All the best. -Melissa, copd.net team
I rarely post here or anywhere anymore. Just seems seems like no matter what you say somebody wants to turn every comment into a political discussion. So bad except sites likes these I have just signed off forever. Friends still communicate via email. So thanks much to folks like you, Leon and others for advice. Last PFT September last year. One every year. No change in numbers since original diagnosis. Surprises a lot of docs. Also regular cardio check ups and visits PCP. MY PULMONOLOGIST wants me to do everything I can to avoid oxygen but does realize limitations. I visit VA for dermatologist specialist with connected hospital on 24th to see if there are other meds I could tolerate to control autoimmune issues. If we can find that magic bullet I could go back to rehab. I used bands years and years ago prior to cervical surgery, worked well. Will try again. I just ordered barbells. Really appreciate the positive advice. Bruce
Hi again, brucifer, and thanks for your kind words. I can understand your rationale but, if you enjoy it here (on COPD.net), as we enjoy your membership and participation, why not stick it out here? We are available for whenever you want to sign in and there is no obligation or pressure to engage.
The stability of your level of disease these past few years is a good thing. Keep collaborating with your doctor and, perhaps you will find that magic bullet over time. I am sure you would really appreciate getting back into pulmonary rehabilitation.
Similar to your history, I also had cervical surgery back in 2006 (C-3 / C-4) - I am somewhat limited but I make sure to strive towards movement and some type of exercise each day. I credit the activity with keeping me in motion. Might this work for you as well?
And of course, please know you can count on the community whenever you are around and want to talk!
Enjoy the weekend!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
