COPD anyone?

[sgluckadoo]

Just curious about peoples experiences with COPD. My father has had it for years and has recently had several bouts of pneumonia that has left him with 25% lung capacity and constant oxygen. The doctor basically told him nothing else could be done, but I have heard worse cases of him doing quite well. Thoughts or advice?

[Nancy5]

I have COPD and have had it for 5 years.  I was in the hospital for 11 days until it was 'controlled'. My pulmonary dr sent me home with oxygen 4 leaders and told me I would be on it 24/7 for life.  I came home with a compressor and 5 canisters so I could use them when I went out. There was no way I was going to accept this.  I started using a treadmill 30 minutes a day and did my breathing excerises.  I took the 2 meds he sent me with.  After a few weeks I gradually lowered my oxygen level to 3 and did fine. Later I lowered it to 2 then later 1 then only used it when sleeping.  Finally I shut it off. Then I went to the dr. To say he was mad was mild until he listened to my lungs, did my plus ox and it was 96, when admitted it was 84!  I then had a breathing test, which I passed. So he now calls me a person who beat COPD.  I still take the meds daily but the weight loss and breathing excerises helped me and I haven't been on oxygen for 4 years. Good luck and if I can help please ask 

[nannycoe1]

I have moderate COPD and use 2 inhalers and 3 liters of oxygen at night. I have a pulmonary appointment in May for a checkup. I have had COPD for around 12 years.

[gsdoss]

Thank you for the bright side of this COPD. I have it and now I know there is more that I can do for me

[sgluckadoo]

I have COPD and have had it for 5 years.  I was in the hospital for 11 days until it was 'controlled'. My pulmonary dr sent me home with oxygen 4 leaders and told me I would be on it 24/7 for life.  I came home with a compressor and 5 canisters so I could use them when I went out. There was no way I was going to accept this.  I started using a treadmill 30 minutes a day and did my breathing excerises.  I took the 2 meds he sent me with.  After a few weeks I gradually lowered my oxygen level to 3 and did fine. Later I lowered it to 2 then later 1 then only used it when sleeping.  Finally I shut it off. Then I went to the dr. To say he was mad was mild until he listened to my lungs, did my plus ox and it was 96, when admitted it was 84!  I then had a breathing test, which I passed. So he now calls me a person who beat COPD.  I still take the meds daily but the weight loss and breathing excerises helped me and I haven't been on oxygen for 4 years. Good luck and if I can help please ask 

Thanks for sharing. Definitely gives me hope. I told my dad it didnt sound right when the doc said nothing more could be done. He didnt even advise my dead to try and move around and work his lungs some, i researched and found that! My dad, like most, thought the oxygen was what made him breathe better which the doc also didnt explain.

[12amos]

I have COPD and have had it for 5 years.  I was in the hospital for 11 days until it was 'controlled'. My pulmonary dr sent me home with oxygen 4 leaders and told me I would be on it 24/7 for life.  I came home with a compressor and 5 canisters so I could use them when I went out. There was no way I was going to accept this.  I started using a treadmill 30 minutes a day and did my breathing excerises.  I took the 2 meds he sent me with.  After a few weeks I gradually lowered my oxygen level to 3 and did fine. Later I lowered it to 2 then later 1 then only used it when sleeping.  Finally I shut it off. Then I went to the dr. To say he was mad was mild until he listened to my lungs, did my plus ox and it was 96, when admitted it was 84!  I then had a breathing test, which I passed. So he now calls me a person who beat COPD.  I still take the meds daily but the weight loss and breathing excerises helped me and I haven't been on oxygen for 4 years. Good luck and if I can help please ask 

Congratulations Nancy5 on beating COPD, this is wonderful! Keep up the good work.