Rodfullerf's COPD Story

By rodfullerf

1 min read

I am 78yrs. In Jan 2017 I was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. It was the first time I had experienced shortness of breath. Knowing that part of my lungs was dead, I believed my breathing would get better after my doctor gave me pills that would thin my blood. My breathing never got better and after another 2 episodes of breathing difficulty it was determined 2weeks ago I had COPD. I'm learning many ways to help my lungs ex. take Advair twice a day, go to therapy learning to breathe properly. Joining your community, thank you.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi rodfullerf and welcome to our online community. It sounds like you've had quite the rough time of it, but you're starting to adjust to managing your condition in conjunction with you physician. If there is anything we can assist you with, please let me or any other moderator know. Keep up the good work! All the best, Leon (site moderator)
grandmalin Member
Hi. I'm 58 and was diagnosed with COPD in 2016. One week I was working 40 hours a week as an overnight stocker and the next week I was let go and in the hospital diagnosed with COPD and congestive heart failure, CHF. My brother had passed in 2010 due to a massive heart attack brought on by COPD taking a toll on his body. He did not take care of himself. So I knew a tiny bit about COPD. The symptoms of COPD and CHF are similar so still guessing which one is being a problem much of the time. I am still a smoker, haven't been able to let that go even knowing how much I should. I see a therapist due to depression and it is such a relief to have someone to talk to that gives me good advice. Family thinks I'm exaggerating my condition and one of my kids acts oblivious to anything to do with my health. I try to do what my therapist and doctors tell me even if I haven't been able to quit smoking. Exercising, watching what I eat, take my meds, do breathing exercises, and avoiding my triggers. Mostly I am taking life and its surprises one moment at a time. I am learning to smell the roses and enjoy what I can still do. I planted flower beds while sitting in a chair and taking lots of breaks. Prettiest flowers I've ever grown. Can still do things but just do them differently. Hope more people share their experiences here. Thanks for letting me share.
luvmylife1948 Member
You are such an inspiration. I was blessed by reading your story. I suspect I have CHF because my legs and feet are MEGA swollen and I am concerned I can't get my doctor to check CHF out because GP surgeries don't have the funding to give a referral. I have COPD and I am not too bad at the moment. So many meds don't agree with me. I get the bad side effects so I only take Blood Pressure Medication because my blood pressure is so high I am a candidate for a stroke. I have no control over this because I am careful about diet. I have bad Vertigo. My GP thinks a lot of it is due to the natural aging process. So just like you I learn to live with what I have and adjust whilst also doing research to help my condition. I make my own cough meds and because I can't tolerate a lot of anti-biotics I make my own. Ginger root, Garlic, and lemon juice. I process the ginger and garlic. Add lemon juice (e.g. 500grms of each and 3 lemons. Boil this for 10 mins. Cool down and refridgerate for up to 4 weeks. You can freeze one batch. This also has healing properties for health. I take this every so often when I am feeling unwell. 2teaspoons in a tiny bit of water and swallow quickly. Taken for appx 2 weeks then put away till needed later. Can be taken every 3 months or 6 months as you feel the need. I feel better for it. I also have healthy fruit and kale smoothies which cut through mucus. With 2 glasses of water each morning first thing. This cuts through mucus also. One just has to do the best they can to enjoy life where they are and to learn on this site strategies for helping oneself plus the support of others here to encourage each other. Thank you for sharing your story.