Nothing helps

By deborahk

1 min read

I've had COPD for many years and take Ventolin, Symbicort, Prednisone, Azithromicin, DuoNeb, Spiriva Respimat and now have been put on oxygen. Nothing lasts like it should. I am still trying to quit smoking. I retired this year because I kept getting coughing attacks at work. I'm embarrassed to use the oxygen and only use it at night, occasionally. I'm tired. All the time.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi DeborahK and thanks so much for sharing your current situation with COPD. Without knowing more about your condition, the medications that you are taking indicate that you are being treated thoroughly by your physician. Others in our community are on various treatment regimens that help to keep their COPD under control. If you continue to try to quit smoking, that is clearly the direction you should go in. Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can accomplish for yourself. I thought you might find it helpful to look over this article: <a href='https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/lifestyle/quitting-smoking/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/lifestyle/quitting-smoking/</a> For people with COPD, coughing is one of the characteristic symptoms. When the coughing persists, it can be troublesome to deal with. This article is all about coughing and you may find it interesting as well: <a href='https://copd.net/symptoms/persistent-cough/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/symptoms/persistent-cough/</a> Being fatigued is also characteristic of people who have COPD. This article underscores that specific challenge - you are not alone! <a href='https://copd.net/living/tired-vs-copd-tired/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/tired-vs-copd-tired/</a> Having 'oxygen embarrassment' is another challenge that many people with COPD face. I think you'll find the comfort you feel when utilizing supplemental oxygen, far outweighs the embarrassment you feel. It may take a little while, but I'm sure you will get over it once you realize how much easier it is to breathe and function when you are wearing your supplemental oxygen. In this article, one of our contributors, Mary Utles, tells that story quite well: <a href='https://copd.net/living/on-oxygen-on-the-go-part-2-oxygen-embarrassment/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/on-oxygen-on-the-go-part-2-oxygen-embarrassment/</a> I realize I've provided you with considerable reading material. Please, take your time and read them when you have the time. I think you will find them beneficial based on your personal experiences which you have shared with us. If there is anything we can assist you with, please let me or any other moderator/team member know. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator)
1. sillyboo Member
 Thank you for the valuable information Leon! My fellow COPD warrior you are in my healing thoughts! As Moderator Leon says, this is the stuff we endure.
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 It's our pleasure, SillyBoo - hang in there! We will look forward to your continued participation in our online community. Hang in there! Leon (site moderator)
dondo747 Member
So I'm a 68 year old male who got a CT scan through my primary care provider because I was a long-term smoker. I quit 20 years ago, but now am told I have centrilobular emphysema. I had the breathing tests at my pulmonologist and found out I'm at a severe level. I knew for years that I was never going to run even a mile, but didn't realize I had this disease until now. Thought I had gotten away with all that smoking, but of course I didn't. It could have been worse. I could have gotten cancer. I wonder how many people with COPD get a bloated feeling in their stomach? Since I have had gall stones for years, I'm not sure if I'm having problems with my gall bladder or this bloating is common with COPD. Any insights would be appreciated.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi dondo747 and welcome. Thanks for sharing your history, experience and concerns with us here. While others in our community may chime in with their own responses, I thought you might find it helpful to look over these two articles on COPD and bloating. First, part one: <a href='https://copd.net/living/bloating-part-1/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/bloating-part-1/</a> And next, part two: <a href='https://copd.net/living/bloating-part-2/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/bloating-part-2/</a> Please be sure to check back with us and let us know how you're doing. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
queencitywalker Member
I'm 72, female.. Dx'd more than 20 years ago. Was at 39% (severe) then and, with my commitment to daily aerobic and anaerobic exercise, I am now back down to 39% because of the progression.. It is possible to quit smoking, I did. It is possible to improve your FEV1 numbers, I did. It is also possible to be stable for long stretches, I have <a href='http://been.Tomorrow' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>been.Tomorrow</a> I am going to push mow my yard (a city lot and 1/2) as well as a ditch. Watch some wellness videos on YouTube with Dr. Noah Greenspan. They are educational, entertaining and available at your convenience. The choice is to do, each day, something that empowers you for THIS day.
1. Casey Hribar Community Admin
 Thanks for sharing your empowering spirit with us, queencitywalker! I'm so glad you have such a strong and positive attitude in regards to everything you've had to <a href='http://endure.Congratulations' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>endure.Congratulations</a> on quitting smoking! That's amazing! While we are so happy for you, it is important to note that not everyone is in the same situation in regards to quitting, and may need to take things at their own pace. But we're so excited to hear you were able to do it! Great advice on the educational YouTube videos! Thank you for sharing with us! Best, Casey (COPD.net Team)
bin there and dunit Member
 Saw a comment a month or so ago (can't find it now) about WHEN to take Spireva, morning or night so I decided to experiment. For a decade or so I used to take it in the morning but for a month, perhaps longer, I have taken it at night. Previously I always woke up at about 4 am, read emails and went back to bed. Now I rarely wake up early, the alarm clock is earning its keep. Might be an idea to garner experiences of others. This might not include sleep problems but anything goes

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