My COPD Journey

By lindaw

1 min read

I was diagnosed with COPD, stage 3, about 5 years ago. I love COPD.net because it helps me know I'm not alone on this hard journey.

Treatment reactions

My body tends to react to treatments in odd ways, for example I'm very prone to thrush fungal infections, even though I gargle, swish, etc after every time I use my inhalers. Even worse, I don't get white spots in my mouth; mine stay in my esophagus and are hard to spot. I have to wait until I get symptoms of trouble swallowing, tongue numbness, pain in my mouth and even then I have had trouble getting the Dr. to believe me. Very frustrating, and I LOVE it when I get a Dr. to see it and believe me. But I do try to get out and walk when I can, keep active. I find I feel so much better, even if it's not very far or fast.

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Jill.Brodie Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="lindaw" user-id="2462627"/>, I am so glad to hear how much our community is helping you. You are definitely not alone! It is great that you are trying to stay active, I am glad it is making you feel better. We are here for you and you are welcome to share or vent when ever you need. Jill, <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, team member
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi <inline-mention username="lindaw" user-id="2462627"/>, and thanks for your post. I see my colleague, <inline-mention username="Jill.Brodie" user-id="4603105"/>, has already responded to you and I do hope you have an opportunity to look over her response. I also have something to contribute. You shared with us that, when you have 'thrush', it's not easily discernible since it is not readily visible in your oral cavity/oropharynx. This is understandable - there are cases of this fungus being deeper in the body which is difficult for some physicians to diagnose. My concern is when you shared that you cannot always convince a physician this is what you have. Do you think it might be beneficial for you to see the same doctor all the time? The consistency of always visiting the same physician might make diagnosis and treatment much easier. What do you think? Leon (site moderator COPD.net0
white4938 Member
Hi lindaw, a few years ago I, too, experienced issues with thrush; fortunately, it was in my mouth. I started holding Hydrogen Peroxide in my mouth for about 5 minutes each day and have not had thrush since. Because yours is in your esophagus this wouldn't help; however, perhaps if you experience it in your mouth it might or it might help others in the community.
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="white4938" user-id="2480878"/> thanks for sharing this tip. I'm glad to hear you have found something helpful to you but I would definitely recommend for anyone to check in with their doctor before trying anything new, even with home remedies, sometimes what works for one may not work for another. All the best, Sam S. (<a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, team member).