Thomas Byars

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6 minutes ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Does an exacerbation mean I am getting worse? First one

Oh yes, if you catch and stop your flare ups quickly, you minimize any lasting harm you get from infections. I was diagnosed with COPD in 2000 and until recently, was having exacerbations 4-6x most years. It still didn’t cause my to have my lung function …
clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain Gina Bradshaw-Arkansas State Captain Carolineand 1 other also answered the question clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain and 3 others also answered the question

6 hours ago

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

Here's a small but significant little study I have done on certain food items, in particular chicken or beef Patties definitely can be a cause of very uncomfortable bloating, I believe it's mainly mechanically separated foods and I've noticed this from a very popular hamburger restaurant right down to frozen nuggets and patties from your grocery store. Just throwing it out there! Love you guys Bill66

9 hours ago

  • Jean IA State CaptainProcessed foods often contain chemicals and preservatives that could contribute to the bloating.  If you're buying patties that have been processed, you might try buying meat that's not been processed.  It will probably be a bit more expensive, but shouldn't have the effects you're experiencing.7 hours ago
PatO

PatO

Hi Everyone, I am new on this board so trying to find my way around. I haven't figured out how to put my profile pic. on here yet. I belong to other support groups, & I find this one very helpful. I was asked about pressured cabin in an airplane, is it the same as the air at the same altitude? This person only needs 02 sometimes but when he travels the altitude bothers him. Could someone help me with this question? Thx so much.. 

13 hours ago

olbetsy

olbetsy

Good Morning!  Has anyone had acupuncture treatments?  I have read some good things and have a friend who offered very reasonable treatments.  I start  Monday and will keep you all informed.  

17 hours ago

Harrysmom

Harrysmom

Obviously I am not a proof reader.  I would like more than one friend, please!

1 day ago

Harrysmom

Harrysmom

Good evening.  New to the group and looking forward to making new friend.  What a roller coaster this ride with COPD is.  My goal is share what I know and become better educated by your knowledge. Thanks 

1 day ago

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain

Sitting here waiting while my car gets serviced watching a local news channel. They are talking about the Top Medical Mistakes. Number 1: not communicating with your doctor. Number 2: Not exercising


That’s how important exercise is, they ranked it nbr 2. Earlier today I was at the fitness center for 2.5 hours, got exercise covered for today. 

1 day ago

Liz Berger - Maryland State Captain

Liz Berger - Maryland State Captain My sister and I at our COPDF Fundraiser last night, in memory of our dear mother who we lost from COPD in December. And if you look closely at this pic, it contains a special message <3

1 day ago

PennyH

PennyHanswered the question Anyone else using silicone instead of vinyl cannulas?

Since my comment a month ago I've had issues with Tonopahmed's silicone cannulas. Beverly no longer runs the company. My recent order of three cannulas were an old lot# matching my first order 3 years ago. The have a strong odor which isn't degrading …
JastroBill Clark - Community Manager also answered the question Jastroand 1 other also answered the question

1 day ago

LFAOMGA

LFAOMGA

Beautiful weather today, 70 degrees and plenty of 🌞sunshine, for
The Royal Wedding. An American bride and a British groom. Loved the hats!!

1 day ago

ellyann

ellyann

Well I did what you all told me to do. I have been sleeping with the window open. Sore throat and sneezing.  Yesterday the cough started. So I called my pulmonologist. I had left over prednisone because the pharmacy gave me to many. So I started 20mg. If my cough becomes productive to call him back. It's the weekend.  Any positive thoughts? 

2 days ago

Kelseytwo1

Kelseytwo1answered the question Emergency Tanks and POC

I am not sure what state you are in, i am in Calif. Inogen has a battery operated small tank that you can carry with you outside. Medicare does cover iit here, thank goodness. INOGEN is the company so you can check.. the battery is good for about 3 1/2 …
di545Whylene McCrayjudg69and 3 others also answered the question di545and 5 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Cmturner489

Cmturner489

My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 Adult Tcell lymphoma/ leukemia in March, but had been suffer symptoms of the rapid growing cancer for over a year. She has been going to chemo three times a week. She has suffered from COPD since the For 30+ years and suffered a collapsed lung due to HELLP syndrome in ‘89. 
This week (Wednesday) she had been feeling weak and tired so her and my dad ended up in The ER instead of her oncologist office. Her o2 levels were at 70 and they found what was assumed to be pneumonia. She was admitted to the ICU. The oxygen mask wasn’t working as well as they hoped so they tried a more stricter mask that she wouldn’t be able to remove but that one failed too. The ICU doctor on call asked her her thoughts on ventilation and she said if the situation was severe enough then she understood. Not even ten freaking minutes later she was vented and now that machine is doing 75% of her breathing for her. They have found a fungal infection and MRSA in her lung suction cultures (not surprising for how much time cancer patients are forced to spend in hospitals). 
They tried to wean her off yesterday in order to get a cat scan but she wasn’t strong enough on her own to breathe without the vent and they can’t take the vent into the cat scan machine. (Small rural hospital we are working with here)


I guess this post is part venting part what should I be expecting next? I didn’t think we were this close to the end but I feel like she won’t be able to come off the ventilator bc her lungs were never strong in the first place. She’s unconscious but can still clinch up and shiver when she is feeling pain or running a fever. 

2 days ago

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

I've kept an extensive journal on my activity, food and rest! We all know that basic exercise and good eating habits makes a difference in how we feel about ourselves, however I believe it starts with a Good Sleep Pattern, average out your bedtime and the time you wake up and stick to it, after about 3 weeks it becomes a pattern and you will see great results with it, I'm 11:30 to 6:30 give or take 20 minutes, dont let anything stand in your way, Remember you make your time pattern so if it's a show at 11pm make your bedtime after the show. Give a try one or 2 days and see how more productive you are for the day? 

2 days ago

Bill Clark - Community Manager

Bill Clark - Community ManagerI think I found my dream mobility scooter !!!!

2 days ago

Angie67

Angie67asked the question: Does an exacerbation mean I am getting worse? First one

COPD Exacerbation

2 days ago

Bill Clark - Community Manager

Bill Clark - Community Manageranswered the question Does CPAP help with COPD?

I have found a Ni-pap invaluable in helping with my COPD especially during or after an exacerbation. It is especially helpful if you are a CO2 retainer. I use a Bi-Pap twice a day for 20 minutes each time and it really gets rid of the CO2. I is also …

2 days ago

Turtlrunr

Turtlrunrasked the question: Does CPAP help with COPD?

Im struggling with my CPAP MASK and was interested in how helpful it is with my COPD exacerbation recently and increased SOB . Does anyone know information about how helpful CPAP can be? Thanks

2 days ago

cynthiajk

cynthiajk

Hi Caroline! I don't think lazy is the problem! I am still working part-time as admin to two political boards in a rural township. Do you think that not working will be a trial for you? Will you miss the contact with the public? I think I would altho I would not miss the stress! Thank you for friending me and I look forward to connecting with you. Be well, Cynthia

2 days ago

Tracie Sullivan COPDF Staff

Tracie Sullivan COPDF StaffHappy Fluffy Fridays! Zoe got a bath this week and is looking extra fluffy from the blow dryer haha! What is everyone up to this weekend? Fun plans?

2 days ago

Stephanie Williams, RRT

Stephanie Williams, RRT

Pretty exciting weekend for us - Hayden had his last day of school this week and we are planning a nice, relaxing trip for next week.  We haven't had a vacation in a L-O-N-G time, and we are really looking forward to this.  My Dad, who had been so sick for several months, said he wanted to go to Florida - so we are going to Florida.  No more putting things off, because you never know what the future holds.  We are going to have fun, relax, and make some memories.  
I can hardly wait!

2 days ago

cynthiajk

cynthiajk

I am feeling very well today! The weather is a big factor, I think, and 25 mg. of Zoloft has improved my frame of mind. I'm feeling optimistic about the future and my ability to cope. Have two pulmonary rehab sessions to go and I'm finished with the 36. Considering joining the open gym which I can do as my schedule allows. I think the group camaraderie will help. I'm also finding the COPD blog to be a positive in my life. Hope you all have a sunshine day!

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments6 comment(s)
  • clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain There is no reason why you can't do both Cynthia.  I would definitely give the gym a try.  If nothing else I do think it is healthy to get up and get out, going to the gym on a regular basis is one way of doing that. Can you tell I am very enthusiastic about the whole gym idea. I love it, I think you might like it as well :) 2 days ago
  • Caroline
    I am glad that you are feeling more optimistic.  Clipper has extoled the benefits of exercise so let me give a plug for attitude, diet and rest.  It is very  important that you keep a positive mental attitude.  Everything moves along more smoothly if you can stay positive.  I have some positive affirmations that I refer to in order to help me remain positive.


    You will need to eat a well balanced diet in order to maintain your physical strength and boost your attitude.


    The last item is rest.  I have noticed that most of us here have been overachievers in our life prior to COPD.  Overachievers probably do not give much thought to rest.  We must get enough rest to restore what the previous day has taken from us.


    Here is wishing you the best of luck and health in your journey.2 days ago
  • cynthiajkThanks to all of you. It's like having my very own cheerleaders! I have to give much credit to Michelle my RRT at Pulmonary Rehab. She has given me countless hints and tips on deal with COPD and just making life a little easier. I wouldn't be feeling as well as I do (right now, anyway) without her. She is a blessing! Cynthia2 days ago
Michael55

Michael55

Well, after much procrastination, I'm finally going to start Pulmonary Rehab. I had to get a fresh script from my PCP (my one from last September was not acceptable) and a fresh medication list. I have been postponing and rescheduling all of my appointments with my Pulmonologist since about, last October because I hadn't started PR. I didn't want to go in and say that I hadn't started yet. And, I was afraid he would drop me as a patient. I see him (my Pulmonologist) this coming Tuesday. The rehab. facility is sending him and my PCP, letters regarding my PR intake yesterday, and my schedule. My insurance is too costly to do co-pay, so I will be paying out-of-pocket for PR. 2 sessions per week (Mon. & Fri.) for about one hour each session. I am terribly de-conditioned, so I am a bit anxious about it. I begin June 1st. I kind of dread seeing my Pulmonologist this Tuesday. I feel he may judge me and think -- "I'll believe it when I see it" -- as I see him before I actually get started. I'm excited, yet anxious about getting started...FINALLY. 
I think it's good that I will be starting on the first day of a new month (June)...sort of a clean slate.
Anyway, just wanted to share that with y'all. I haven't posted anything recently because I haven't been doing ANYTHING. Time for a change.


Peace

3 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments6 comment(s)
  • di545At least you are going and that is good. I am starting next week and anxious to. I had a bad infection and set me back big time. I am kind scared cause it doesn’t take much for me to get SOB. I hope it goes well for you. 2 days ago
  • LFAOMGAWith everything that you are dealing with health wise, you are setting a good example for all of us. Thank you. More power to you!2 days ago
  • CarolineIt is great to hear that you are doing PR.  I wish you well and hope that you continue to be active after you have finished rehab.2 days ago
Jastro

Jastroasked the question: Emergency Tanks and POC

Before I call Lincare, I would like to be prepared with information. A recent storm left us without power for 3 days. Was supposed to be longer, but thankfully, it was not. I use my compressor plugged into the wall, and i have a POC. I have about half …

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

I’m very happy!  Had the good news from my insurer that they’ve finally retroactively approved my liquid oxygen so I can keep using it from when I was prescribed it 7/2016 to 7/2019, and then have to get re-pre-authorized. 


I also was told again by my pulmo I’m doing everything right and should just keep doing what I’m doing. He’s very pleased to learn I’m rowing every day for 20 minutes and is happy I’m using my liquid O2 at 4 LPM while exercising so I can push myself. He says that for me, this is my only way of getting cardiovascular fitness. He’s approved me going up to 30 minutes daily of rowing, plus whatever walking we do (up to 5-10,000 steps/day).   I’ve noticed my resting saturation rates are improving and are now 95 instead of 90-93!

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question What inhalers are generally used for COPD together?

I’d be concerned about taking any two medicines that both have LAMAs or both had LABAs at the same time. I’d want to be sure a lung specialist, called a pulmonologist called and helped me re-evaluate my lung condition and treatment plan. Taking a …

3 days ago

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Medical Advice

It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.