I am a mess

By schieffer

1 min read

I was diagnosed with emphysema in 2003 and until a week ago was able to cope with inhalers. I am 63 years old, divorced and alone. I believe I have entered stage 4 because suddenly I could not simply walk without exasperation. Doctor has me on 24 hr oxygen. I feel like I have fallen off a cliff and am clinging to a branch. When I read others stories of fatigue, depression, and helplessness... it is my story. The sudden and severe decline of my health is especially frightening. Simple tasks have become huge chores. I am a mess. Thank you for a place to vent some of my anguish... you are my branch.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Thanks for your candor, Schieffer - you can always pour out your thoughts and feelings here. I'm sorry for the difficulties you're having and hope that accessing our online community will give you some solace and support. You may want to check out our Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/ Here you will find like minded community members with whom you can share what's on your mind. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
Meaghan Coneys Moderator
Hi Schieffer, Thank you for sharing your story with us. We are so grateful you are a member of our community. So sorry to hear you are struggling. As Leon mentioned, please feel free to check out our Facebook site as it may assist with connecting to other community members. I also thought you would be interested in the following articles - <a href='https://copd.net/living/the-bump/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/the-bump/</a>, <a href='https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/coping/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/coping/</a>. The first one you may identify with as it is similar to the stories you mentioned above. The second article discusses the emotional impact of COPD and provides coping mechanisms for managing the effects. I hope you find them helpful. Again, thank you for sharing your experience with us. We love hearing from you so please continue to reach out when needed. Sending loads of good energy your way. Warmly, Meaghan (COPD.net Team)
venusdelycra Member
Hi Schieffer. I'm sorry you are having trouble coping right now. First thing, let your doctor know about this sudden change. Second, there is no law that says you MUST vacuum, do the laundry, and clean the kitchen all on the same day. Hardest thing for me to learn was to take my time and give myself time to rest. Laundry may take two days but it gets done. Also check with your local agency that deals with the elderly. There could be program that offers you help with activities of daily living like cleaning and light grocery shopping. Find places that will deliver - my pharmacy will do this if I am unable to get up there and pick up my prescription. Also look for businesses that have drive-through options so you are not having to get in and out of the car and walk. I've found a place that sells my soft drinks and ice in their drive-through area; there is also a drive-through dry cleaner. What is your biggest trigger? For me, it's the wind (particularly cold wind)so I've learned to plan ahead by watching the weather daily. If it's going to be a bad day for your trigger on Thursday, plan to do certain things on Wednesday and then take it easy on Thursday. Check into the local Meals on Wheels or other senior center services that make it easy for you to get your food prepared and ready to eat. And, as much as it goes against what you've always done, ask for help from your friends when you need it. Finally, you are not a mess; you're just having to take time to readjust to new limitations. I hope some of what I've said is helpful to you.

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