My Story: Severe COPD
My story is this. Recently diagnosed last year with COPD / emphysema. Smoker for 30 years. So I was mild/ moderate. Now at severe 9 months later. It's hard to breathe at times. Muscles in my back and sides hurt. Shoulder has pain. Always tired. Was depressed by this news. Smell of Ben gay put me into where my chest was so tight I couldn't breathe so had to have antibiotics and prednisone. So on Monday after wallowing in sadness for a week or so. I started walking. Sure at about 1/10 of a mile I can't breathe and my oxygen level is down to 85 but I keep on. I can do that mile in 25 min which is good bc with me struggling to breathe it's a wonder. I have Advair and Spiriva. With pro air and nebulizer which I try not to use. I don't know if I will build up endurance I don't know what is next. I am a little afraid no oxygen yet although I'm afraid to ask when I try to be as active as possible I have a 9 year old grand daughter I am raising I do get tired a lot and don't feel like doing much at all. I read about stem cell but does that really work ? What are some techniques to use when you are having anxiety about not being able to breathe
Join the conversation