Accepting COPD

By maxinepotts

2 min read

My dad had severe emphysema and lived to 91. At 82, he won Rookie of the Year in duplicate bridge.

I was an avid smoker until cigarettes went up to $5/pack and my husband and I were spending $15/day on cigarettes. At that point, I stopped smoking.

COPD denial

I was in complete denial about COPD. It started with acute bronchitis and progressed to emphysema. Dad would hear me cough and I would have some defensive responses I never discussed emphysema with him, which I have since then regretted.

Every time I have an exacerbation and my oxygen was lower than the mid-80’s, I would be using my oxygen 24/7 and worried that this was it, I would never get off oxygen and be active again. My wonderful husband always reassured me that I would get better and each time I always have!

Feeling better

For one thing, I lost 30 pounds. I also went to the Pulmonary Rehab gym which, besides getting in better shape at 75, I look and feel better and stronger.

I haven’t had an exacerbation in over 3 years and have been very conscious about doing what I can to NOT get covid, religiously following the CDC guidelines. Partly this is also due to Daliresp, a daily medication suggested to me by a doctor at John Muir during my last hospital stay about 4 years ago.

Staying busy

One activity I started is adult painting by numbers. I order them on Amazon - one I kept and framed, the others I gave to Good Will. They cost less than $30 and are very entertaining. And, for someone who is not talented as an artist, this is really fun. I’m looking for other good activities to keep my brain engaged and, for that, I do the Sunday NY Times crossword puzzle in ink, the Wordle puzzle every day, avidly read books and I started playing bridge again with a few of my friends (I also play bridge on line daily to learn and sharpen my skills).

I have needed my oxygen less and I am feeling great. My husband and I, with our Yorkiepoo Bella, are embarking on a trip to Boulder, CO for a family reunion, driving! We’ll also stop at National Parks like Arches and Zion and visit friends along the way. We’ll see how I do with the altitude and I am prepared with extra cannulas and backup batteries for my 2 portable oxygen units. Wish me luck!! Bon voyage!

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi <inline-mention username="maxinepotts" user-id="2452504"/>, and thanks for sharing your story here with the community. It's not always easy to share one's medical history (including about your Dad), and we value your candor with our membership. As you may be aware, COPD affects everyone differently. It sounds like you do seem to 'bounce back' following each exacerbation - good for you! I would suggest you not be intimidated or frightened of using supplemental oxygen therapy when necessary. The extra oxygen provides your body with what it needs to help recover from the flare-ups, and enables you to return to what is normal for your condition. You should be applauded for both losing weight and attending pulmonary rehabilitation, too. Both accomplishments go a long way towards managing this disease. Staying active and keeping your intellect stimulated also contributes towards you successfully managing COPD. I am so glad to hear you are planning the trip to Colorado - that is exciting! And, look at you! - already prepared for dealing with the higher elevation of that geographical area. I will wish you 'good luck!' and a hearty 'bon voyage!'. Please do keep in touch and let us know how this all turns out for you. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
maxinepotts Member
Thank you so much for your kind words. I know what you mean about supplemental oxygen and it took me a long time to see it as a useful medicine as opposed to a death sentence. I’ll be sure to write again after my Colorado trip. Thank you again, Maxine
1. maxinepotts Member
 <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, BA, RRT" user-id="2445532"/> thank you, Leon. Where did my article appear? I can’t seem to find it. Fondly, Maxine
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="maxinepotts" user-id="2452504"/> Hi Maxine - it's my pleasure! As for your article, here is a link to the one you posted, entitled "Accepting COPD", for ease of reference: <a href='https://copd.net/stories/accepting-copd#comment-462292' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/stories/accepting-copd#comment-462292</a>. Is this the one to which you were referring? Incidentally, if you were to scroll up within this forum, you will see your article is at the top of this page. It is the very article to which all of us are engaging in continued conversation now. I hope this is what you were looking for. Warmly, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
nbsp Member
Maxine, I have had peaks and valleys with COPD but assuredly my valleys were not as low as they would have been without the exercise and education I received from Pulmonary Rehab at our local hospital gym 4 years ago. I am getting over what seemed like a yearlong exacerbation following a hospitalization. I began online Pulmonary Rehab from <a href='http://liftclass.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>liftclass.com</a> 2 weeks ago and already I am able to do more. I admire your attitude and persistence in finding a meaningful way to live with this disease. I will think of you when I think about giving up on my exercise program. Your husband sounds like a real keeper - it helps to have someone to encourage you. And Bella probably keeps both of you going! Continue to be an inspiration and enjoy Colorado and the reunion. 
1. maxinepotts Member
 <inline-mention username="nbsp" user-id="2416867"/> I’m glad you’re on the uphill side of your situation and I can totally understand. Thank you so much for your kind words and keep up the good work!
gruff9 Member
Like many COPD victims, I've lost a lot of weight, am on oxygen 24/7 as needed (which is most of the day and all night), cough a lot with lots of accompanying mucus, get short of breath at the slightest exertion, and when I get extremely short of breath, can't talk or do anything other than breathe in oxygen as fast as I can until my heart and lungs slow down. I'm nearly 82, smoked cigarettes and marijuana most of my life. Quit cigarettes 30 years ago and quit smoking marijuana 10 years ago, but my lungs were in fair shape until about four years ago when they went south pretty fast. But as long as I don't push myself to becoming short of breath, I manage to get through the day carefully and sleep well the entire night. I don't feel as though death is around the corner (though I might be wrong) but I've a feeling I'll know when it's near. My only wish is that I not die in a panic from being short of breath. 
1. gruff9 Member
 <inline-mention username="Krycek12" user-id="4165322"/> Waking up the next day. 
2. Krycek12 Member
 <inline-mention username="gruff9" user-id="2421690"/> 🤣🤣🤣
maxinepotts Member
Hi all! I’ve enjoyed reading all your comments and it is comforting feeling that we are not alone. My trip to Colorado and back was wonderful in many ways, seeing our amazing Zion and Arches and spending a week with my family. I literally wore oxygen 24/7 the entire trip as the altitude was always high, sometimes up to 12,000 feet. I think my wearing oxygen kind of freaked out some little kids but I told them it was my medicine and they understood that. Since being home, I’ve been on prednisone and an antibiotic for 2 weeks. Dr. Kramer, my pulmonary doctor, ordered a chest X-ray and sputum test. That showed rare bacteria and a lot of yeast in my lungs. I 
1. maxinepotts Member
 <inline-mention username="maxinepotts" user-id="2452504"/> recuperating at home. Thanks for your concern
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="maxinepotts" user-id="2452504"/> Hi again, maxine, well - this is good news! I am so glad to hear the infection(s) have been successfully treated. It's also gratifying to here that you are now recuperating at home. Keep up the good work! And please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress moving forward. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)

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