advice?

By Dennis.Newkirk

1 min read

Perspective?
Advice?
I contracted a breakthrough COVID in June. It lingered into July. After weeks of negative COVID tests, it recurred with a vengeance, leading to double pneumonia. The long and short of it is that the pulmonologist ran tested and diagnosed me with stage one COPD.

The Struggle

I’ve had trouble adjusting.
I love being active and working hard outside. It seems that I get increasingly winded, fatigued, and weak. The pulmonologist ran more tests and confirmed that I was in stage one.

So, that leaves me in a quandary. Why do I get so out of breath, suffer from pain while exercising, and have malaise? If not COVID, then what? Where should I begin to look for the cause? Has anyone experienced a similar experience?

Dennis

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Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention username="dnewkirk" user-id="4536474"/> ! I have not had covid myself, but wondering if you may have long haulers from covid? I don't know if you have heard of that, but there are many Facebook groups that are very informative and may help you with that. As far as your COPD, the best thing that you can do for it is your diet and exercise. I know, I know. It sounds crazy and you want to know how the heck you could even manage it. It is possible. I never thought it was myself, but it is. I was diagnosed with Alpha 1 (genetic COPD) 12 years ago and wish that I had taken my doctors' advice from the beginning. It took me a few years to finally listen, but I am in better health now than I was before my diagnosis and that is from the diet and exercise and keeping busy. Pulmonary Rehab would be the best thing for you and your doctor can prescribe this. If you feel you can't get out for it, there are lots of things online and on YouTube about pulmonary rehab. Even if it's moving for a minute at a time, rest and then do another minute. Every day, you will get better. Here is a great article that was written and I hope it helps. <a href='https://copd.net/living/good-things' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/good-things</a>. Best, Jackie (Moderator)
1. Dennis.Newkirk Member
 <inline-mention username="Jackie English" user-id="2415342"/> Jackie, this is an encouraging message. Thank you for taking time to write. The pulmonologist wanted me to be seen by the cardiologist. That's now complete. I think that I should be sent to a whiner-ologist next. He/she would have some work to do because I'm becoming a champ at whining. Now, I'm waiting for the docs to call back. One other thing, my legs burn and feel heavy during exercise. It is hard to walk any real distance but I'm committed to building back. Thank you. Dennis
2. Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
 You’re welcome <inline-mention username="dnewkirk" user-id="4536474"/> ! It probably wouldn’t hurt to see the cardiologist. Hey, we all have to whine every once in awhile. How would anyone even begin to understand what we go through. It’s got to be very hard to go from a healthy person to someone with lung problems overnight. I can’t even imagine. With me and many others, it’s been a gradual process. Keep us updated! Best, Jackie (Moderator)
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
<inline-mention username="dnewkirk" user-id="4536474"/> Hi dnewkirk, and thanks for your post. I see my colleague, <inline-mention username="Jackie English" user-id="2415342"/>, has already responded and even provided a link to an excellent article that is pertinent for your concerns. I do hope you have an opportunity to review the material. I also have something to contribute as well, if you don't mind. For some folks with both COPD and COVID, there is a condition associated with COVID known as 'long COVID', and/or sometimes, 'long haul COVID'. Have you heard of this? The symptoms you are currently experiencing (becoming winded, feeling fatigued, and weak), can be associated with COPD, it's true. However, these symptoms may also be associated with COVID as well. You may want to discuss this further with your pulmonologist. Since you have just been diagnosed with stage I of COPD, does the doctor feel the symptoms are a result of COPD or perhaps connected to the COVID virus? What do you think? Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
1. Dennis.Newkirk Member
 <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, BA, RRT" user-id="2445532"/> Thank you for writing. I asked my pulmonologist about that and he said that may well be what has happened. The last 12 months have been painful, disappointing, frustrating, and depressing. I'm thankful for my RN wife of 52 years. I'm also thankful for this group. 
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="dnewkirk" user-id="4536474"/> Hi again dnewkirk, and thanks for your reply and further explanation. I appreciate you sharing the professional opinion of your pulmonologist here with the community. Managing COPD while also having been diagnosed with COVID, and now recovering from that virus can certainly be a challenge. It is gratifying to hear your support system (your wife, RN, of 52 years), is so devoted to you and helping you to get through all this. Please know we are here to provide whatever assistance and support we can as well. We are glad to have you as a participating member of the community. You are always welcome here! Warmly, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)