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='http://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. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="melrscott" user-id="4254829"/> Hi again, melrscott, and thanks for staying engaged in this conversation. Take your time - there is no rush - we have a good deal of information to share whenever you say the time is right. I will look forward to speaking with you again. Enjoy the weekend! Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. 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 <a href='http://one.Nurse' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>one.Nurse</a> practioner. I went through 2 before I found this one. Check out valves and friends. New thong to help us breathe. God Bless.
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