Hopeful or Hopeless

By Phardy63

1 min read

Recently I found myself with an extra 100 lbs., and dragging oxygen tubing throughout my house. The weight came from that "miracle" drug called Prednisone, and the oxygen is supposed to help me breathe.

The Problem

The problem is, I am terribly out of breath. To walk 10 feet is a nightmare of struggling to breath and gasping for air. My doctor keeps saying I need to lose weight (never had a weight problem in my life) and it will get better. How am I supposed to lose weight when I can't exercise? On top of all that, as if that's not enough, I am severely dehydrated-so much so I have fissures on my tongue; I can't sleep more than two hours; my joints are killing me, and I nearly choke or aspirate when I'm eating. Taking meds is a formidable task.

Still hopeful

Hopeless? Nope. Hanging on to hopeful that somewhere. someone will tell me something useful that will help me get my quality of life back. You have to laugh. I do, anyway, to keep from giving up. Surrounding myself with people that love me, and I love has helped a lot. I'm not dead yet!

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degflamingo Member
Doing PLB (pursed lip breathing) will help when you are gasping for air. Google it to see how it's done. I hope it helps. 
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="degflamingo" user-id="2421975"/>, thank you for sharing that suggestion! <inline-mention username="Phardy63" user-id="4503133"/>, if you are interested here is an article we have on pursed-lip breathing: <a href='https://copd.net/guest-expert/pursed-lips-are-not-just-for-kissing' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/guest-expert/pursed-lips-are-not-just-for-kissing</a>. As with trying anything new, I would check with your doctor first! Wishing you a peaceful day. All the best, Sam S. (<a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, Team Member).
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="degflamingo" user-id="2421975"/> Hi degflamingo, and thanks for chiming in here. Pursed lip breathing, is an excellent breathing strategy for helping one to manage COPD. I, myself, find it to be indispensable in the management of my asthma condition. We do have a number of articles published, right here on <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, which focus on breathing strategies. I thought this would be a good place to provide a link to this material for the community: https://copd.net/search?s=breathing%20strategies. I do hope the information is helpful for our community members. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
gadget Member
I find keeping my hands busy as well as my mind helps with the urge to eat. TV is the worst for gaining, with or without Prednisone. Baby steps.
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="gadget" user-id="2426551"/>, that is a great tip! Thanks for sharing. All the best, Sam S. (COPD.Net, team member).
njbrandt Member
Thank you for writing this article! I’ve gained weight too in the two years since I was diagnosed. I’m on oxygen 24/7 and ride my recumbent bicycle 30 minutes, 5 days a week and still can’t lose weight. My husband and I were just talking and he said we just radically have to change the way we eat. That means very minimal potatoes, more fruit and veggies, no fried food, etc… you know, diet food. Ugh. It will take a lot of will power but it must be done. I’ve got 50 pounds I want to lose, you’ve got 100. We don’t have to starve ourselves but we do have to get started. 
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="njbrandt" user-id="2457222"/>, you're so right! There are healthy ways of living that can result in weight loss without starving yourself. That isn't healthy at all. Just keep doing your best each day and I'm hopeful you will see results! Please check back in and let us know how you are doing! All the best, Sam S. (<a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, Team Member).
gadget Member
Also, corticosteroids zap our bodies of potassium. Which in turn causes us to retain water. So talk to your doctor about a potassium supplement.
kloker Member
<inline-mention username="Phardy63" user-id="4503133"/> - Steroids do not cause weight gain. Not drinking enough water does. The other main conspirator in my weight gain is diet. Due to edema in my left leg from an old injury, and my COPD, I take blood pressure meds that contain a diuretic, and I also take Prednisone (5mg daily). For me the worst effect of not drinking enough water is muscle cramps - I get them severely (mostly in my hands, but feet and legs too). While the Prednisone contributes somewhat to dehydration, the diuretic in my bp meds is worse. But I am definitely guilty of never drinking enough water, as well as a "Seefood" diet (I eat whatever I see that I want). My brother, who is severely diabetic, has increased his water consumption drastically and changed to a high protein diet, and he has lost all his excess weight (close to 80 pounds) in eight months. I'm going to make the same changes ASAP. Mostly I drink coffee and soda. That is where most of my weight gain has come from. I need to lose about 80 pounds too to reach ideal health, along with a better diet. I know it will help every aspect of my health, because less sugar and starch and carbs cannot hurt. Just my two cents.