bull headed

By tomboyer46

1 min read

8-10-2022

I have been diagnosed with COPD now for about 4 years and am at stage 3 with 42% of my lung capacity. Obviously on oxygen 24/7 with concentrator at home that is set on 6 all the time. It is not needed on 6 when I am sitting but when I get up to go to the kitchen or where ever, a lower setting will cause a problem. Mine has the capacity to go up to 10 lpm and when using the vacuum I set it at about 8. I get out of breath quickly.

Figuring out my problem

I think I discovered a part of my out of breath so quickly problem…
I have never been one to do much of anything slow. I don't think that I have learned that until right now. Normally I go as fast as I can, now that's not a normal persons fast but...it's too fast for me so I am going to have to learn to slow down. When I do the trimming out in the yard I have two tanks in a wagon, one set on 6 with a 50 ft tubing and I go till I can’t then I stop for a short break then go again till I have to stop..I get to the point of resting more than working.

8-15-2022

I am going out today and do the trimming, temp is in mid 70’s low humidity. Should be a good day for it…I am going to go slower and stop more often. We shall see.
That might help. It didn’t.

Acceptance?

8-16-22

Well I went slow, I even had the regulator on the tank set on 8 and I stopped a lot. Probably the same as before. I finished, too exhausted to even put my “stuff” away. This did not come out like I had hoped. Final conclusion is that my lungs just plain and simply cannot process the oxygen fast enough to supply my body with the energy it needs.
I need to accept that but I don’t think I ever will. Too bull headed.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi <inline-mention username="tomboyer46" user-id="4140736"/> - I am so glad to see your 'story' published, and shared here, with the community. Having the private conversations with you turned out (as we expected), to be rather productive in that regard. After all this time reading your posts throughout the months - it's good to see all the bits and pieces now organized into one place. Thanks for doing this! You've always shared that it is challenging for you to slow down and we all understand that. I think everyone reaches a point where they realize that and sometimes, living life in the 'slow lane' will not be so taxing and yet, the chores will get accomplished. It sounds like you may be feeling this now. However, I am hoping you will keep after everything you are still looking to do. If you can, I would suggest a little bit of patience and perhaps being kinder to yourself and your body. What do you think? Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
1. tomboyer46 Member
 <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, BA, RRT" user-id="2445532"/> Sir, a lot of sarcasm here, smile ok. At the end of the day, after I shower and feeling good I can sit back and say I did it! Bullheaded? Absolutely! I take my breaks as necessary, but I need to finish what I start. A lot of times you might see me leaning on my weed eater or blower wishing it would start raining! 
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="tomboyer46" user-id="4140736"/> Hi again Tom - I get it!! There are those days that occur that I just don't feel like (or have the energy) to get out and do my daily walk. On those days, I also wish it was raining!! The funny thing is, once I get out and walk - I always (and I mean always!) feel better after the walk. It helps me get through the rest of my day! I guess it could be those endorphins kicking in!! It's always good to 'see' you here! Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
njb Member
You said, "am at stage 3 with 42% of my lung capacity. Obviously on oxygen 24/7 with concentrator at home that is set on 6 all the time." Wow. Do you check your oxygen level when you're out of breath? I'm stage 3 with about 42% lung capacity and am not on oxygen 24/7. Sleep with level 2 at night, and have portable for extreme (or long) walking. Otherwise okay around the house. I'd need my portable if I did all that outside work like you do, but I'm female, and fortunately my husband does that. But after reading your article, I feel I'm really blessed that I'm not on oxygen 24/7 at Stage 3. I became out of breathe very quickly but oxygen level was ok when I tested it. Just asked my pulmonologist why and he said that the air isn't coming out as well (from Pulmonary function test). To do more pursed lip breathing, I breathe in 2-3 and then breathe out mouth 6. This has really helped me when I concentrate to do it! Ask your pulmonologist, maybe that's your problem too. If oxygen level ok, that may be your problem too. Blessings and good luck to you.
1. tomboyer46 Member
 <inline-mention username="njb" user-id="2401198"/> I have the machine in my home and use it constantly. The tanks I use outside when doing yard work and going out. At home I have a remote that allows me to activate the machine as soon as I come in the door. I am so used to wearing it that I put the tubing on, and walk away, forgetting to activate the machine, although I don't forget for long! Oh and NO I certainly am NOT ready for assisted living. I do more "outside" work than most of my neighbors and at the end of the day even being wore out it's a good wore out feeling (except for the lack of oxygen part)
2. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="njb" user-id="2401198"/> <inline-mention username="tomboyer46" user-id="4140736"/> I love the way we can share ideas and experiences here. Both of you are in similar situations as far as the numbers go, but your lived experience is different. There are so many individual factors that go into what your COPD symptoms are like and how they progress. Ultimately, everyone needs to come up with a plan and routine that works for them, and there's a wide spectrum of options. Thanks for chiming in here! -Melissa, <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>copd.net</a> team
Psmac Member
I appreciated your words Tom and have thought about them for several days now. These days I find things harder and harder to do. I try to remind myself that I do the best I can. It’s not easy 
1. tomboyer46 Member
 <inline-mention username="Psmac" user-id="4725390"/> No it is not easy! You can do it, help is on the way. Ask for it. This might not be the place but I an going to try anyway. Read Philippians 4:13
rick1959 Member
Tom, I was diagnosed end stage COPD in 2014. Fought it every step of the way, and I feel ya, man. I never wanted to stop, in fact I'm still working (from home), and I'll stop when my heart does! I'm in the 22% range. Thank God I have my wife and hospice, the care is so much better than hospital stays!!! I laugh, I drink beer, i try to have as much joy in every second of every day that I can, just because. Never give up, never surrender. Enjoy the life you have and don't get bitter or sad. And I have oral morphine for when it gets really bad, courtesy of hospice. it works.
1. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="rick1959" user-id="6123275"/> You make me smile, Rick. Hospice is such a gift, and it seems like you are using it to the fullest -- to enjoy each day to the greatest extent possible, to feel comfortable, and make good memories. I wish you the very best. Raising a glass to you! -Melissa, <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>copd.net</a> team
Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="tomboyer46" user-id="4140736"/> I agree with Leon. Sometimes we have to be easier on ourselves. If yard work is something that you still want to do then you just have to pace yourself. Do a little, rest, do a little bit more, and rest some more. Otherwise, maybe think about having someone else do yard work for you and maybe you can spend your time with something else like indoor chores, online pulmonary rehab, or something like that. I was surprised at what a difference pulmonary rehab helped me. I have been able to do more things now that I wasn't able to do in a long time. I also wonder if you could be getting too much oxygen. Has your doctor tested your oxygen with activity? If not you may want to ask about it. Too much oxygen can make you more short of breath also. Here is an article that I found that I think can be helpful for you of you're interested. <a href='https://copd.net/clinical/breathlessness-vs-oxygen-saturation' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/clinical/breathlessness-vs-oxygen-saturation</a>. Hope this helps. Best, Jackie (Moderator)