Thombre's Story

By thombrepk

1 min read

I am 81 years old and was first diagnosed in 2010 with COPD after FTP test. After 9 years in 2019 when I consulted another pulmonologist, I was diagnosed with airways disease. When I asked him the difference between COPD and airways disease, he said both are the same. Now I am taking Foracort 200.

Since the onset of COVID in March 2020, I consulted my doctor on 20th June 2020 and asked him whether I can use a spirometer regularly and oxygen in case of urgent need. He prescribed both and I am using both as and when needed. However, I still want to know whether oxygen can benefit all patients or it is given to patients having specific trouble. At present, there is a rainy season here and I am experiencing breathlessness and loss of sleep.

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Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
HI thombrepk - Thank you for sharing your story with the community. I'm happy to hear you have a pulmonologist that you're working with. Oxygen is not for all people, it's generally given to people with specific lung conditions that would benefit from supplemental oxygen therapy. Here's an article that will also help answer your question: <a href='https://copd.net/living/101-the-who-what-when-where-why-how-of-supplemental-oxygen-therapy' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/101-the-who-what-when-where-why-how-of-supplemental-oxygen-therapy/</a> There is no question that weather can play a role in your ability to breathe, as it sounds like you're finding out. Have you tried using what the doctor prescribed? Please let us know how you feel in the days to come. Regards, Lyn (site moderator)
1. Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
 Hi thombrepk - It's always best to take medications exactly as prescribed. However, if you are not sure that's the best thing, I would suggest calling your doctor and talking about it. Regards, Lyn (site moderator)
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi thombrepk, and thanks for your post(s) here. I see my colleague, Lyn, has responded to your most recent comment (from about 9 hours ago). I wanted to echo the sage suggestion she has made - Since the doctor prescribed the AB flu for one month only, it would be very prudent for you to reach out to that doctor now. He/she will be able to tell whether to continue to medication or not. What do you think? All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
richie Member
I am also suffering with severe breathlessness. I live in Florida and have rain every day.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Richie, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. How do you manage when you are experiencing the severe breathlessness you described? Since your post is from about 7 hours ago, how are you feeling now? Please let us hear back from you when you are able. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)