My COPD and how it has affected my life.

By CommunityMember1747

1 min read

I am slowed down a lot on most days so I have to make a plan each day as to what needs doing the most.

How I'm coping

I am on oxygen at night but if I have a flare-up I need to wear it every day at 2.5L. I have two inhalers plus a rescue inhaler and can do nebulizer treatments if needed. I can not lift anything over 5lb. My husband helps me a lot with the housework and I am so thankful for that. A lot would not get done if not for him.

It's been a game changer

I have a pacemaker because I have cardiomyopathy and AFib. It is really difficult for me to breathe a lot of days. I do not like to go shopping anymore because it is a struggle to get ready and I am afraid of catching a cold or worse. This certainly has been a game changer for me and so far no cure. I am thankful for the meds I use as they help a lot, but COPD has changed my life so much.

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CommunityMember1747 Member
Thanks. It is good to share. Today was not so good but maybe tomorrow will be better.
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember1747" user-id="2470002"/> We're here anytime you need want to share with us! Sending you positive vibes for a better tomorrow. Hopefully, you are able to take it easy today and give your body the rest it needs. All the best, Sam S. (<a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, team member).
dariggins Member
Thank you for sharing your story! I know exactly what you are talking about. A plan for the day, my days are slow also, pace myself. Christmas is coming, not decorated yet, but getting there, slowly everyday bit by bit, I am getting the house ready. The good thing is, What I do seems like a major accomplishment! When I was younger, I could knock this stuff out....now it takes longer, BUT it does feel so good when I get a few things done towards my Christmas decorating goal! So hang in there!
melrscott Member
I have been living with COPD for what seems like forever, but it has actually only been 16 or 17 years. But it is a degenerative disease and I must say that things for me are really getting difficult. I use oxygen during the night and recently about 30% of the daytime also. I can hardly do anything without losing my breath. Taking a shower is a major activity and requires me to use my oxygen right after until I can breath well enough to get dressed. I am thinking that I probably need to use the oxygen while I am in the shower to try to ease my losing of my breath. I find the my COPD also effects my bladder. I don't know exactly why but frequently when I lose my breath it generates an incredible need to pee. I mean right now. Sometimes I can just make it to the bathroom and while I am going sometimes I can just feel my oxygen level crashing. Very strange and I don't know if others have this same problem or not. So now I depend on my wife to do just about everything around the house. I try to do most of the cooking and that at least makes me feel like I am still contributing something. But some days it is so hard to breath that it makes me wonder why I am struggling when there is no recovery in the future. I am thinking of changing my doctor again because the doctor I have now just doesn't seem to have any interest in what is happening with me he just seems to be checking the boxes. So I will try another doctor this will be my fourth. I guess I do not really feel like it will make that much difference. I am so frustrated and sad but I keep plugging away day to day. I know it just seems like I am complaining but it does get tiresome, when there is never a break and it only gets so better. Just wanted to share because maybe somebody will get some insight from what I am dealing with. Take care and Happy Holidays.
1. CommunityMember12151216 Member
 <inline-mention username="melrscott" user-id="4254829"/> I have the same issues! Yes the problem with our bladder! My friend who has copd has the same issues. So I believe most who have a severe stage has also. This is my opinion. It's a sad state 😞 what we're going through. Yes if people don't smoke they don't understand. As for a good Dr keep going tell you find one. I found one.Nurse practioner. I went through 2 before I found this one. Check out valves and friends. New thong to help us breathe. God Bless.
2. msplantladi Member
 <inline-mention username="melrscott" user-id="4254829"/> going back & reading some of the older messages this morning and I came across yours. I could have written it word for word, I totally get it. Like you it's very hard not to get discouraged. My oxygen readings are in the mid nineties so why am I always out of breath. I'm am not a total couch potato but I don't exercise as much as I probably should. I do musty chair exercises.Covid made my situation worse but I guess I just wanted you to know that you aren't alone in your struggles 😀
CommunityMember7d3f64 Member
The bowel also can decide not to be normal with COPD. Very embarrassing to have a malfunction there. My experience is that I do not always realize I have pooped and I am not aware of it. My nose no longer works as it used to also. Put the two together and things get out of hand quickly. Not a happy situation to find oneself in. Adios, THOMAS