Stage 4 COPD With Nodules

By lastpw4now

1 min read

Last updated: February 2022

Well I was shocked to wake up in the hospital being told I had end stage COPD. (4). I had COPD , however, I used inhalers and I was fine for the day. I caught a virus and it went to the weakest part in my body and stayed there as I thought I was getting better. All this was found out after finally coming around in the hospital. That was 3 years ago this coming year. In February I had severe problems breathing and went to the Emergency Room. I now have 4 nodules, 2 on each lung. Anyone else having this problem and how are you coping?

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Lynida Jo Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
Wow! Thanks for sharing that, lastpw4now. I'm sure you have a good healthcare team that will guide you through this. I'll be interested to hear what others that may be going through this have to say as well. Best - Lyn (site moderator)
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi lastpw4now and thanks for this post and sharing your medical circumstances with the community. Besides Lyn and I, there doesn't seem to be anyone else who is posting here to your story, at this point (only 2 days after you posted it). I can make two suggestions; first, you may want to post this in the 'question and answer' section of <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>. You can access it here:https://copd.net/q-and-a/. And second, you may want to post it on our main COPD Facebook page. You can access that by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page. What do you think? Leon (site moderator)
galexa Member
Go to <a href='https://mylungsmylife.com/how-zephyr-valves-work/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://mylungsmylife.com/how-zephyr-valves-work/</a> I am sure this might be your saving grace. I am betting that this will help you live a nearly normal life! I shall pray that it serves you. I got from my pulmonlogist (he sits on the board) the paperwork to see if I qualify for the proceedure. I do hope it helps you.
tony183 Member
I am into my third year with COPD, this in addition to prostate cancer and glaucoma in my one seeing eye. I really don't want anything else however, my main problem is sleeping. I use three pillows because of a build up of phlegm if I lie flat or almost flat as a normal person would. This causes severe coughing so two or three times per night I sit on the edge of the bed and cough my heart out until I have cleared the phlegm. Bending down or doing jobs around the house and garden also brings on coughing attacks. Apart from my inhaler is there anything I can do to ease the problem?
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi again, tony183, and thanks for this post about your present situation. You may be aware we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), but your concern certainly warrants a reply. Sadly, the symptoms you describe are all characteristic of this condition. I thought you might gain some additional insight by looking over this article on mucus: <a href='https://copd.net/clinical/mucus-with-copd/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/clinical/mucus-with-copd/</a>. I do hope you find it to be helpful. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
2. Janet Plank Moderator
 Hi tony183 I can totally relate to you. Too often when just propped up with pillows, our body slides and bends. It’s important to keep your body straight. Some use recliners, wedge pillows or adjustable beds. As with reflux, sometimes it helps to elevate the head of your bed about 3”. For mucus, drink plenty of water, that helps to thin the mucus. You might also talk to your doctor or pharmacist about an expectorant. It’s miserable and I feel for you. Here is a link for an article that Leon wrote. I hope this helps. I hope you have better breathing. Janet (site moderator) <a href='https://copd.net/clinical/mucus-with-copd/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/clinical/mucus-with-copd/</a>
Janet Plank Moderator
Hello lastpw4now That end stage diagnosis would be a big shock. Those virus can sure knock a person down. I hope that you get some relief. I had 1 nodule on my left lung, which was seen on a ct scan 3 years ago. Last year it showed the same size on my ct, a few days ago they had trouble seeing the nodule, so we will check again next year? So I can say I have experienced that. When that first nodule was seen, I did some investigating and found that it is somewhat common to develop nodules on the lungs, they are often benign, however some are malignant. This is why it’s important to follow up and treat accordingly. It also happens that we as COPDers can develop lung cancer as well. I know somewhat what you are experiencing, I’m moderate COPD, so I don’t know everything that you are going through. I do know that we are here for you and I’m grateful that you took the time to write. Janet (site moderator)
linnie Member
I now have three nodules up from just two last year. I do the breathing exercises and keep moving as much as I can which makes my chest hurt on the upper left side which is where my nodules are. It is not heart, been checked. I am on 02 24/7 and cannot cross the room without being breathless and must sit. My doctor tells me to keep exercising. He states that it will not increase my lung capacity and knows it hurts. Nothing seems to help. To breathe correctly I must do it consciously. I show my doctors the newest things in emphysema stuff that I feel may help but he says that at stage 4 my lungs are too far gone already but offers no other advice other than my meds and exercises and breathing correctly.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Linnie, and thanks for bringing us up-to-date on your current condition and the suggestions (such as they are), from your physician. Would you consider going for a second opinion or, are you satisfied with the advice of your current doctor? Leon (site moderator)

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