Exacerbations - what do they feel like for me

By 74Elly

1 min read

I was replying to a topic I just read! What do these exacerbations feel like- I was just released from Hospital on another diagnosis about four days ago. I visited my PCP Doctor who is also my Pulmonary Doctor - actually I saw his Nurse Practitioner. I was fine - I guess lungs as clear as they could be, with little wheezing. Next day, Saturday I had somewhere to go, did go but was pushing self. Coming home I was not feeling well, but said nothing to anyone. Continued to push self putting things away from previous Hospital stay. Couple hours everything seemed to catch up with me all at once.

Is this an exacerbation?

I did my nebulizer treatment and other meds. Nothing worked. Left crying and short of breath. Simply could not breathe!! Was having an anxiety attack also, by the way - is that common? Called 911 was taken to ER. Put on IV and given Prednisone and was admitted after observing me throughout the night. Kept 3 days. Now full of Prednisone and feeling better somewhat. Want to keep out of Hospitals for now. This particular exacerbation came on very sudden. Wondering what caused it?

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Jill.Brodie Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="74Elly" user-id="4584593"/> thank you for sharing with us. I am sure this was a frightening experience for you. I could understand why you were anxious, not having the ability to breathe, must have been so incredibly scary. I am glad you are home now and feeling better. Some members say they keep a journal to try to understand where their exacerbation come from, perhaps this could help you. I hope you continue to feel good. Jill, <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, team member
peterlough Member
I get similar and it`s usually just about me doing too much. For example; I`ll manage to hoover, congratulation myself, feel good, but instead of relaxing I`ll think "oh, I`ll do the windows as well"....too much in one day and I`m struggling again
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="peterlough" user-id="2409599"/> Hi peter - I hear you and I get it, too!! That is the puzzle of COPD - it can vary from day-to-day as well as over time. It is an insidious disease! The challenge of course, is to do what one can when the symptoms are manageable. The trick is, not to do too much! You are not alone - many in our community have expressed similar sentiments when it comes to COPD and getting things done! If there is anything we can do to assist you, Peter, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. You are always welcome here! All the best, Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
74Elly Member
Well it is me again - no sooner got out of Hospital give maybe two weeks, landed back in with another COPD exacerbation/flare-up. I am so upset - do not know what is causing them. Stayed about three days with IV steroids, an Iron drip etc. Wondering why they would give me a magnesium IV in Emergency Room - I was too out of it to ask. They did before on previous visit. As for the iron, I am severely anemic. 
1. 74Elly Member
 <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, RRT" user-id="2445532"/> Thank you for your reply Leon I have Tri-County Home Health Aides coming - they were still coming do to previous hospitalization but back Friday to maybe reopen case? They send a Physical Therapist out plus a Visiting Nurse. Physical therapist works with your breathing therapy which is helpful. They are really helpful!! They were out past Friday and was told to take an easy which I am doing. I see the Doctor this Wednesday, May 17 so will keep you posted. Mean while, I am wearing a mask if I go out.
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="74Elly" user-id="4584593"/> Hi again, Elly - you are most welcome! Everything you are doing now (with physical therapy, breathing, and the visiting nurse, are all good. I think the mask is a good idea, too. Keep yourself safe that way! I will wish you 'good luck!' for your upcoming physician visit this Wednesday and, will look forward to the update when you are ready. Keep up the good work! Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
<inline-mention username="74Elly" user-id="4584593"/> Hi, Elly! Just checking in on you -- did you see the doctor yesterday? Sometimes it can take a few rounds of up-and-down health and lots of medication before you begin to recover. But I hear how exhausting and frustrating this is. I hope that with time and the support of your team you will start to find your strength again. Keep us posted! -Melissa, <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>copd.net</a> team
1. 74Elly Member
 <inline-mention username="Melissa.Arnold" user-id="4698523"/> Yes I did see the Doctor, I guess it was Wednesday. Still continuing to take my Prednisone (tapering down on). I tell my sons that's how I build my muscles ! It makes me terribly shakey. Still wheezing a little, other than that I checked out. My goal now is to stay out of the Hospital! I do have Tri-County Home Health Aides coming in. They are wonderful. If anything is wrong, they will contact the Doctor for me. Physical therapist was here and he gave me a devise to help with my breathing. It is called a Med-Breathe. I have to use it four-times a day - 10 inhales, 10 exhales. It is alot of work, but I will do it. It gradually increases in resistance. If I knew how to take a picture of it, I would. It might help other people on here with their breathing also.