My story @ 67 Years of age.
Hello to all of the people out there finding it hard to catch a breath when you try to do something other than stay still.
I have COPD (emphysema) My dad had it as well, he was 68. He was a heavy smoker and worked in industry as I did, and to beat all I developed it around the same time in life.
Difficulty breathing and hospitalization
Because of my own stubbornness and ego, I waited too long to nip the bud. I had fluid coming out of my legs and all I was doing was leaning at my kitchen counter and smoking and eating, mostly junk. Three years ago I made a call for an ambulance to take me to the Hospital. My breathing was not very good at all, so it was either make the call or die.
After the ambulance picked me up at my house I remember nothing until I woke up in ICU two days later on a machine pushing oxygen into my lungs. I was not a happy camper. Nobody's fault but my own. Three years later I am on oxygen 24/7 not bad If I am not exerting myself but when I do my blood oxygen level drops to between 75-84. Then it's trying to calm yourself enough to get your breath back.
My treatment plan
Besides the oxygen 24/7, I am also taking, Symbicort; Incruse; Ventolin; and Atrovent. Don't ask if they are working because I'm not sure what it be without them. There is a lot more that took and is taking place with my everyday life that is controlled. I don't have the time or energy to continue at this moment.
Thank you very much for your ear.
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