Joanne

By jnaphys

1 min read

I am a 69 yrs old diagnosed with COPD, asthma, and emphysema in 1992. I smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day until I was in my 40's. I also have scoliosis. I am on oxygen 24/7 for about 2 years. My biggest complaint is carrying these tanks or portable concentrators around they are heavy. I was very active and now I retired and I feel limited in going out. I shouldn't complain it could be worse but sometimes it's good to vent. Thanks for listening.

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Casey Hribar Community Admin
Hi Jnaphys! Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us! I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnoses and all you have had to endure. You are always welcome to vent whenever you need, it's what we're here for! I found a few links that may be useful to you. The first is a link to our sister site on asthma. You can find that here, <a href='https://asthma.net/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://asthma.net/</a> Secondly, since you mentioned struggling with your portable oxygen tank, I wanted to share an article on managing your portable oxygen, as well as a link to a multi-part series on traveling with your tank. You can find these here, <a href='https://copd.net/living/traveling-with-oxygen' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/traveling-with-oxygen/</a> and here, <a href='https://copd.net/living/on-oxygen-on-the-go-part-1-the-burden-of-portable-oxygen' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/on-oxygen-on-the-go-part-1-the-burden-of-portable-oxygen/</a> Please continue to keep us updated. We're here for you, even if it's just when you need an ear to vent! Sending gentle hugs! -Casey, <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> Team
laceyjanet693 Member
Hi Jnaphys, you can vent anytime. For me it's hard to get over the fear of going out. My husband died a few years ago and he was the only one I felt safe with, Now when I go out, it's by myself. So I have to talk myself into leaving the house for any reason. I don't want anyone to go out of their way for me, but it's hard and getting harder as I get more and more out of breath. Just carrying my pocketbook, my POC and a bag for the plugs for the POC, is tough. I just keep putting one foot in front of the other and hope for the best. This website is a great place to talk it out and even get some good advise. Take care...
1. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="laceyjanet693" user-id="5840508"/> I hear and relate to how anxiety-producing it can be to leave home alone when you have health issues! It's also important to move your body as much as possible, though, and to have a plan to set yourself up for success. Have you ever been to pulmonary rehab? The therapists in a rehab setting are trained to help get you ready to meet your goals to the fullest extent possible. Your pulmonologist could also connect you with a respiratory therapist who could offer suggestions for your specific situation. Could you try taking a brief walk outside your home, even if it's down the driveway and back? Starting with small steps can give you the confidence you need to navigate other settings on your own. We're here to support you! Hugs. -Melissa, <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>copd.net</a> team
2. whirledpeas Member
 <inline-mention username="laceyjanet693" user-id="5840508"/> I admire that you keep putting one foot in front of the other. If you can do it, so can I. So we all can.
laceyjanet693 Member
Jnaphys