Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

SHOUT OUT TO ORLAN, spreading the word! 

26 minutes ago

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain loukat here is Bear, slighty ignoring me, sorry for not posting on Fluffy Fridays!

30 minutes ago

Orlan = State Captain - Indiana

Orlan = State Captain - Indianaanswered the question What are your COPDCOPE'ing tips?

I set alarms on my cell phone to go off every time I need to take medications. I learned to lay all my clothes out the night before, so I don't have to hunt for them in the morning. I learned to slow way down. That is very hard for many people, but it …

2 hours ago

@james

@james

😑

8 hours ago

Ashok PLB

Ashok PLB

I feel much better today. No SOB, thank God. Have also done my breathing exercises. My wife monitors my condition by my temperature. By long experience she has determined that a temperature above 97.7 leads to a possible exacerbation. So, as someone here said, she stomps it like an elephant. I go under the Bipap Avaps for two hours in the afternoon, and the temperature comes lower.
My pulmonologist advised me to buy a Bipap Avaps, when I informed him of wishing to buy one. Can someone here tell me what this Avaps feature is? How is it more helpful to me? I have shelled out about 20% more for this feature.

9 hours ago

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain answered the question I am recenly diagnosed with mild COPD/Emphysema

GBStock007, Keep in mind that the Stage first requires a diagnosis of obstruction. The diagnosis of COPD requires a FEV1/FVC of 70% predicted or less. So technically yes, if a person had obstructive disease (FEV1/FVC 70% or less) and had FEV1% of 100% …

9 hours ago

Clarissa Jan

Clarissa Jan

I had a CT scan Thursday and got the results yesterday. The scan showed no cancer, thank god, but does show moderate Emphysema, and the pulmonologist said the breathing tests results FEV1 36% indicate stage 3 copd. I know that’s good news on the cancer front, but I think I was secretly hoping that they’d say it was all a mistake, and I just did the breathing test wrong. 
My dad died of emphysema. I don’t understand why my breathing got worse years after quitting smoking, and I’m mad at myself for ever having smoked. 
This all sucks, but I’m going to keep going. I’ve learned that if I slow my pace I can still do most things. 

10 hours ago

  • NewestOldest
  • clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain Yea it does suck especially having quit smoking so long ago. Unfortunate we are predisposed and you have probably had this for a long time. Most people didn’t have symptoms and get diagnosed until they have progressed to severe or very severe.


    Exercise, I am convinced it’s exericse that keeps me going. I am having morning coffee then heading to the fitness center. I am 28%,  65 yrs old and quit 3.5 yrs ago. I will do 30 mins on the stationary bike then weight training. Strength training is extremely important for a ton of reasons. Maybe the most important one: healthy muscle metabolizes O2 more efficiently. I would suggest you talk to your pulmonologist about getting into pulmonary rehab so you can get started on a safe exercise program. That’s what I did and it’s been working for me. 


    Leave the past behind you, focus on what you can do. 9 hours ago
  • JeanO53Welcome Clarissa.
    I too quit smoking years ago and was just diagnosed with Emphysema in January. Years ago the message I remember hearing was that if one quit smoking the lungs would recover from the damage caused by smoking. Turns out that wasn't true, still I'm glad that I quit.

    You have a great attitude - making the decision to keep going is probably the most important first step. The 2nd and 3rd steps and then all the rest, can follow from there. Clipper's advice is great - on the exercise and leaving the past behind!7 hours ago
loukat

loukat

Hi Everyone,  I miss Gimlet and the crew of Pups that post on Fluffy Friday!  Oh where oh where are those cute lil pups👀

16 hours ago

Donnavan

Donnavan

I am not feeling good today. I have been very tired lately. 

16 hours ago

Ashok PLB

Ashok PLB

Hello to everyone.
Day before yesterday I had walked over to my barber, for a long overdue haircut. Was feeling on top of the world. Yesterday I went for a visit to my pulmonologist, but came to know that he is absent since three weeks, as his maternal aunt is in critirepeatetion. So had to get my prescription repeated by a GP. My Uber app had not been working, so I used a battery rickshaw to go to and fro. That's what got me in the end. By the time I got home, was heavy in the chest. Grab the emergency inhalers, and the spacer, and suck it in. Oh heavenly. I used to keep the spacer and inhalers all neatly in the cupboard, just like Hercule Poirot 😂. But my wife has finally drummed it into my wooden head that they are to be kept next to the pillow. I had to unpack the nebulizer and use it. By night, I was thankful for the Bipap Avaps and the O2 support. That O2 feels very sweet when SOB.
Today morning I am much better, but confined to my bed. I didn't want this exacerbation to lead to hospitalization. No way buddy.

16 hours ago

  • NewestOldest
  • DebbieB.Glad you are feeling better.  I always keep my emergency meds on my headboard and I have a small table next to my bed with my nebulizer set up and ready to use. I keep a drinking glass in my bathroom to rinse and gargle after using meds. I use a glass because I can sanitize it. I keep my Albuterol ampules next to my nebulizer in case of an emergency. Yes....I too try my best to stay out of the hospital. Take care of yourself and have a good day! 😊12 hours ago
  • clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain Maybe when going out and about you can take your emergency inhaler with you. 


    My pulmonologist was very clear about that with me, always have it with you at all times. Just recently at a different doctor the nurse asked me if I had my emergency inhaler with me, yes I do. She said to me, you can leave your money at home but never leave your inhaler. 
    Glad you feel a little better today. 9 hours ago
Pam0823

Pam0823

How am I doing today.  Wishing I could say great... getting a handle on this but instead the handle has broken off.


One year ago I was told I have COPD.  One year ago.  Doctors have been scratching their head over the rapid progression.  Today I was told I have Alpha 1-antitrypsin.  A genetic lung disease.  Also told today I have chronic respitory failure.  


In a single year my life has dissolved.  


Trying to research this and find a glimmer of light anywhere.  

20 hours ago

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain answered the question I am recenly diagnosed with mild COPD/Emphysema

You are right, the more air you can exhale in one second the better, this is the measurement of obstruction. Nobody can blow out all the air, even the healthiest person does not completely empty their lungs. The question is really if you are able to blow …

20 hours ago

edpe77

edpe77answered the question When can you accept the pulse/ox reading?

Your comments have been very helpful in explaining proper pulseox usage for me and others. Hadn't considered bright sun being an issue. I don't wear nail polish! I suspected movement, as with the grocery cart. The car presents 2 issues - bright sun, …

22 hours ago

Ben A

Ben A

***** START OF RANT *****


I just got back from a TOTALLY pointless and unnecessary appointment with a "stand-in" pulmonologist, who spent the entire time ignoring virtually everything I said, talking over me, and treating me like an infant. Everyone told me that Portland was great for medical care, but so far my experience has been awful. I get handed around from one "stand-in" physician to another, none of whom are in any way familiar with me or my case. This 13 I saw today insisted on a chest x-ray (when I was there for a medications consultation) and the first words out of his mouth were "This looks bad." Immediately I feared the worst, until he triumphantly continued "You have emphysema." I responded, "I was diagnosed with stage 4 COPD three and a half years ago and you're acting like I am unaware of that." Then he insisted that I stop using Ventolin and return to nebulizing large amounts of albuterol. I pointed out that the Ventolin was working fine and that I had tried nebulizing in the past and had had a bad reaction. He ignored me.

I'd find a new doctor, but so far EVERY physician that I've seen in this damn city has been exactly the same. Patients are nothing but charts and insurance forms and we're shuffled around like merchandise in a warehouse.

If I could return to my house and physicians in PA, I'd be on a plane tonight.

***** END OF RANT *****

23 hours ago

Well-Wishers State Captain for PA

Well-Wishers State Captain for PAanswered the question When can you accept the pulse/ox reading?

As a respiratory therapist, there are four common factors that I always look for when I seem to be getting an inaccurate pulse oximetry reading. 1. Is the patient wearing nail polish? The nail polish will interfere with the reading because it absorbs …

1 day ago

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain answered the question I am recenly diagnosed with mild COPD/Emphysema

The link that Mobal posted that explain PFTs is great, that is my favorite one. It has enough information to make it useful. I will let the video explain what things mean. This link is to the GOLD pocket diagnostic guide. This talks not just about …

1 day ago

Mobal

Mobalanswered the question I am recenly diagnosed with mild COPD/Emphysema

HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=WYHOJR8BTCS Here is a link that explains PFT and results.

1 day ago

Jean IA State Captain

Jean IA State Captainanswered the question I am recenly diagnosed with mild COPD/Emphysema

GBStock, Clip's given you some very good information. I guess I want to go a bit further and fill in some of the backstory on COPD. Everyone, whether you smoke or not, begins to lose lung function at some point between age 20 and 25. So lung function …

1 day ago

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain answered the question I am recenly diagnosed with mild COPD/Emphysema

You didn't mention what types of doctors, I'm going to guess one was a pulmonologist. If not then you should make sure you get a referral and find a good pulmonologist. I think generally when a spriometry shows obstruction a full pulmonary function test …

1 day ago

DebbieB.

DebbieB.

After doing some reading I had a thought. 💡  I just made a list on a scrap piece of paper. Heading is Friday. The list is comprised of all the meds I take in the order I use them. After each use I will cross one off. This way I will know if I used that med.  It can be easy to get confused if you are having an off day.  I will make a new list for each day  the night before after using the last med of the day. It will help me to stay on track....just in case.

1 day ago

DebbieB.

DebbieB.

Good morning all!  First, a little dash of hope and a pinch of inspiration along with a hint of caring to all of us....... Just remember James Taylor's song You've Got a Friend. We all have many friends here. I know that in my home I am the only one that understands my illness. Here everyone understands. How wonderful is that!?!  You all are very much appreciated and I thank you for being here. ❤😀

1 day ago

das

dasanswered the question I am recenly diagnosed with mild COPD/Emphysema

Hi GBStock007 That's THE key- Quit smoking- You can do it. 7 months for me- I didn't think i could do it. You can slow the progression considerably by doing the things your dr tells you. The people on this site have a lot of good information-you're in …

1 day ago

GBStock007

GBStock007asked the question: I am recenly diagnosed with mild COPD/Emphysema

I am 50 yrs old with no symptoms other than slight shortness of breath after some heavier exertion like moving wheel barrels full of stuff on a humid day. I can walk briskly for multiple miles no problem. I have given up smoking about 3 weeks ago now …

1 day ago

gramateesa

gramateesa

I am new to this site. I have been on O2 for 1 week. I only found out about my COPD this last March. It seems like everything has been happening very fast and I am feeling very overwhelmed. I have seen 2 doctors and they gave me 3 different inhalers and a nebulizer and now this O2 that has me tied to the house. I am so confused as to which inhaler to use first and how in the world do I schedule the nebulizer in there. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain I understand feeling overwhelmed, it’s a whole lot to adjust to. You will adjust :) 


    You mentioned 2 different doctors and it sounds like they all prescribed different inhalers. That is too confusing. I had that problem at one point. I told my primary care not to prescribe anything for my COPD and I have my pulmonologist do all my COPD meds. It’s important when you talk to your pulmonologist that you understand each one of your medication; what they do, when to take them, and how to take them. The pulmonologist office should have a nurse or a respiratory therapist that will work with you, don’t leave until you understand. Can you call them tomorrow and ask if you can go there to get it all sorted out?


    What are the inhalers and what is the med in the nebulizer? We are not doctors but we might be able to help until you see your pulmonologist. 


    There are portable oxygen units so you can get out more. I don’t know much myself but others here do. When they see this they will help.


    One suggestion I have is to talk to your pulmonologist about pulmonary rehab. Exercise is so important and PR is the best place to get started. They will also help with questions and suggestions. You will also meet others with COPD, that alone will help you to feel more comfortable. 


    Try not to worry, there are people here that understand and can help.1 day ago
  • PDeNardoAnother place to go for information is the COPD Foundation's Information Line.  You can call them and they will be able to answer a lot of questions.  They also have educational material that can be sent to you free of charge.  All the associates on the Information Line are either patients or caregivers so they will understand how you are feeling.  The Information Line is available from 9 am to 6 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday with the exception of holidays.  Their toll free number is 866-316-2673.1 day ago
  • Jean IA State Captain
    Debbie really gave you great advice.  Do call your pulmonologist about the meds and the order of each.  It's possible that the three inhalers are all necessary and complementary, but then I would ask about combination inhalers, so you don't have so many to worry about.  If all the inhalers are single meds only, there are some combinations that could make it simpler.  The nebulizer may be designed to help you clear your lungs using a short acting bronchodilator like albuterol.  The nebulizer meds are usually available as inhalers as well, so they can be used alternatively.  What the nebulizer often does is because you are breathing in deeply all the time you're nebulizing, the meds get further into the lungs than they sometimes to with an inhaler.  You may find that after using the nebulizer and getting your lungs cleared over a couple of weeks, you won't have to use it as much.


    Pam's suggestion of the help line is also a good one.  Those folks can be very helpful and answer questions right now, rather than typing back and forth.1 day ago
John-C

John-C

Hello360 Socialites! 
I have been reading for a decent while now as it is about all I am able to do, figured I would jump in and participate.  
To start out, I am a 47-year-old male. Have always been in the construction business since I was 21. 
Always in good health for the most part. 
I smoked 34 years almost 2 packs a day. Stopped on June 5th, 2018. 
For the past 3 years, I began to develop very bad bouts of bri=onchitis spring and fall. 
Starting in November 2017 I had my usual fall bout. Although I starting coughing from deep within and coughed up a large stone. My Dr had no idea what was happening and sent me for an X-ray. Says everything is fine, go back to normal daily life. 
I will also add that in the same time period I developed a serious burning fire feeling and closing up of my left sinus. (still no answer to that)
Thru the month of December, I coughed up 3 more stones, not as large as the first but large none the less coming out of your lungs.  My DIL is an RN and looked thru her medical books to find these are called Broncholiths. 
I had my usual spring bout of Bronchitis, not a biggie just a norm now, or thought. 

June 5th I awoke to not being able to breathe, gasping for air I rushed to my family doctor. 
He ordered another X-ray, which was again clear as well as a PFT. 
My PFT diagnosed me with Chronic Bronchitis and late Stage 2 COPD. 
Sitting I am at the late stage and any exertion I start falling fast to Stage 3. 
Also non-responsive to Bronchodilators. 

July 15th I woke and couldn't breathe again but, was hospital-bound and not the doctors.  
They ran me thru the complete mill that day including a full CT scan. 
So on top of Chronic Bronchitis, the CT reveals I also have Emphysema and 16 nodules on my lungs and yes, another stone. 

1 day ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments4 comment(s)
  • John-CI will add. I have not been outside in the fresh air (cough cough) since June 5th.
     Any longer than 5 minutes and the burn is extreme and I lose my voice. 
    So, I have an event I cannot miss in October. My son is graduating from Navy Boot Camp. I do have a mask to wear that is wonderful and filters down to 1 Micron. But, not moving much for almost 3 months and a constant fire and pain in my lungs I know I cannot walk the distance needed and stand in the sun and breathe, we are hoping a mobility scooter will help.
    I have an O2 monitor and am always in the upper 90's. Would breathing O2 help for this event if under my mask? This is something I cannot miss. Should I rent a portable machine?1 day ago
  • Jean IA State Captain
    You should try to see a pulmonologist ASAP.  Call the doc's office and let them know you'll be ready to take any appointment that's cancelled.  That may get you in a lot sooner.  Your PCP has really done you no favors at all, so do whatever you can to speed the process along.


    Has O2 been prescribed?  If your oximeter is accurate, you don't need O2, but it wouldn't hurt to have a six minute walk done to be sure you don't desaturate with exertion.  To check, get up and walk for five minutes in your home and see what your O2 sats do.  If they fall below 88, you need O2 for exertion. 


    How will you travel to where your son is graduating? if you're flying, you may need to see if you'll need O2 to fly (which wouldn't surprise anyone).  If you're driving, you may be just fine. 


    I have rented a scooter from a company called Scoot-Around.  They have been exceeding reliable and easy to work with.  They have had the scooter at my hotel when I needed it, it's always worked exactly as advertised and the price is reasonable.  I do recommend them highly based on four years of experience with them.1 day ago
  • John-CNo, oxygen has not been prescribed.
    And yes, I am trying to expedite the process ASAP.  Cancellation lists and all. 

    I was just wondering if O2 would help at all with trying to process the outside air when I have to be outside for his graduation. 
     I can do the O2 walking test as we do have a treadmill here and then test my levels. (will report back)
    We will be driving to Chicago. We'd thought about flying but did not want to risk the possible germs or possible lack of O2. 
    I will look up the Scooter Company you mentioned, thanks. 1 day ago
Caroline

Carolineanswered the question When can you accept the pulse/ox reading?

I think that tony and clipper are spot on. If you are still for a while you will get a good reading.

1 day ago

Lmacalister

Lmacalister

I have a question about doctors.  When I was diagnosed it was through tests requested by my regular doctor during my yearly physical.  She told me I don't need to go to a specialist/pulmonary doctor.  I find this odd because she is not a specialist. I feel I need to see someone who knows a lot about COPD.  Has any of you been told this by your doctors?

2 days ago

Kandy State Captain of South Dakota

Kandy State Captain of South Dakota

Had a follow up with my PCP here after hospital stay in ND and I wished I never would went I was so down when I left there. He has no clue to anything about copd.  I feel sorry for any copd patients he has.  He should be reported.  He even is a internal dr.   No faith in him at all anymore. 

2 days ago

RobinAllenSmith

RobinAllenSmith

Judt hanging out at home getting informstion about COPD which i found out i have

2 days ago

MissyH

MissyH

I have a friend who is very ill in the hospital. She has c-diff from an antibiotic, pneumonia and then will have a pacemaker put in after they clear those things up, so she will be there awhile :(  Poor thing has been so very sick.
She said I could visit but all visitors must wear masks and gowns.
I am concerned that it might be too risky for a COPD patient to go visit under those circumstances. What do you all think?

2 days ago

MissyH

MissyHFYI, I have an app on my phone where you can check pulse and oxygen just like on your oximeter. I sometime use them both and they are with 1 point of each other, so the app seems quite accurate and free. Here it is:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=comm.cchong.HealthMonitorLite

iCare Health Monitor - Apps on Google Play

iCare Health Monitor--Mobile measuring heart rate,vision,hearing iCare Health Monitor--Mobile measuring heart rate, vision, colorblind, hearing. It does not require any peripherals, only use a mobile phone measure heart rate, vision, hearing, colorblind etc, and provides targeted health programs …

2 days ago

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain

clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain answered the question When can you accept the pulse/ox reading?

I have seen instructions explicitly say not to use the thumb. And if you are moving around and using your hands (pushing a cart) the numbers will jump around. Stop, stand still, hold your hand steady and give it a few seconds to dial in. It’s nothing but …

2 days ago

Tony

Tonyanswered the question When can you accept the pulse/ox reading?

After decades of using an oximeter, trust it. Give it some time to settle down, but trust it. I have never heard of checking blood saturation using one's thumb. Over 25 years of having my saturation checked by professionals, never did any check my thumb …

2 days ago

PDeNardo

PDeNardoI have been really into the nutrition aspect with COPD and found this information on carbs, Since they can play a significant of our diet and impact on those of us with COPD I thought I would share'

https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-carbohydrates-overview?ecd=wnl_spr_092018_REMAIL_LeadModule&ctr=wnl-spr-092018-REMAIL-LeadModule&mb=umfDJqpgjNU%2f%40W3Zr6GQ3ng0WleHxvIqXnYaXqMaGj4%3d

Slideshow: The Truth About Carbs

Carbohydrates are a common source of energy for our bodies. Find out what they do for you and the best ways to get them.

2 days ago

PDeNardo

PDeNardoanswered the question Suffering from anxiety over possible emphysema diagnosis.

Bill is correct and anxiety is certainly not rare for people with COPD. Information will help with the anxiety because you will know what to do. Education is power over whatever doubts you have. See a pulmonologist to get the correct diagnosis. And of …

2 days ago

Suever

Suevercommented onWith COPD Is There a Limited Number of Hours it is Healthy to Fly?

 People with COPD should always check with the specific airline. Some airlines provide the oxygen and some require you to bring your own approved concentrator. Oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen are not allowed. Thanks for all the good tips...

2 days ago

Tommy2lungs

Tommy2lungs

Doing good today so far . I have rehab yahooooo I like it 

2 days ago

Cheryl klein

Cheryl klein

 I have never felt worse. Stage 4 copd  D on gold. 62 , just received SS . now life is pretty much changed for the worse. worked hard all these years.

2 days ago

Ken Benson

Ken Benson

One of my truths:  - The Bay City Rollers got their name by throwing a dart at a map of the United States, which landed near Bay City, Michigan. They made their US debut on this day in 1975.

2 days ago

Elize82

Elize82

Hi I’ve just joined. My husband today was diagnosed with COPD moderate. His reading with 59%. I’m not familiar with COPD. It’s quite a shock and google searches are saying about life expectancy. Is 59% moderate to severe and how do I find out he’s life expectancy. He’s 45 a smoker, well now quitting, very unfit. A little over weight. Sorry to be so upsetting and negative. Is there anyone that can tell me about this life expectancy that google keeps mentioning. I have young children so it’s quite scary 

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments5 comment(s)
  • clipper (Debbie) - NJ State Captain If he stops smoking and if he starts exercising and making other healthy choices, he could stabilize and stay that way for many years, many many years. But as Ken said, it all depends upon him quitting and exercising. 
    I would also make sure you get hooked up with a good pulmonologist, there is a lot more to all this than one reading and a pulmonologist will be understand the various treatment options and the subtleties of the disease.

    The info on the internet is often out of context, leaving out all the ifs, ands, and buts. It is also based on averages but there is nothing average about this disease. My pulmonologist refuses to talk life expectancy with me because there is no good way to know. You will see there are people here in their 70s (sorry) that have long outlived their life expectancies. 

    I am a 65 year old woman. I smoked for 45+ years and quit a little over 3 yrs ago. My FEV1% is 28% and had been in the upper 20s for the past 3 years, I am stable. I still work and live independently. Yesterday I got up at 5:45 so I go to the gym before work. I did my usual 30 min aerobic on the stationary bike followed by 45 mins strengthening. 


    Your husband has to take control and not let the disease control him. 




    2 days ago
  • PDeNardoFirst of all there is no "life expectancy".  At 59% he could live a very long time.  Especially like Ken has said he quits smoking for good.  Pulmonary Rehabilitation would be a great start on exercise.  Ask his doctor for a referral.  I was diagnosed with less lung function almost 20 years ago and I am still here.  Be careful what you read on the internet, it is not all true. Good luck to you and your husband.
    2 days ago
  • Caroline
    This is a very scary disease, but as others have said your husband needs to take  control of his health today.  He needs to quit smoking and start exercising.  He also needs to get his weight within the normal range.  The other two things that he needs to do is to get plenty of rest and get a positive "can do" attitude.


    As my pulmonologist told me he needs to be the poster boy for healthy living.1 day ago
Ashok PLB

Ashok PLBHello friends, A very good morning to you all. I managed to walk over to my barber today, for a long overdue haircut. Did the spirometry exercises before going, and also after coming back. It's explained https://www.beaconhospital.ie/sites/default/files/files/PILS/general_surgery/Incentive_Spirometry.pdf
I am not very happy about the inhalers that we need to use so much. I have been using the so called metered dose inhalers for the past fifteen years now. I find that they work very well for the first week, but then their effectiveness tends to go down, leading to SOB before the next dose is due. So I have changed over to rotacaps for both of my maintenance inhalers. The emergency inhalers (Asthalin and Duolin) have to be used as such, but I use them to their 50% capacity only, because after that, the medication delivery is so less, that it doesn't work. But the rotacaps can only be used when you are very calm and not breathless at all. Anyway I am happy with the rotacaps. No more up and down swings in my health.

2 days ago

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

Heres something people dont realize, I walk 5 miles a day? 15 minutes of walking is approx 1 mile, 2000 steps is one mile, the basic human walks about 4,500 to 5,500 steps a day thats 2+ miles. I have an app that tracks my steps and within the app there is a healthy step counter and it starts counting after I do 10 minutes of consecutive walking. I have a neighbor Gary 74 who walks sort of sideways and can barely breathe due to heart issues he walks 2+ miles everyday. So if you walk 3 - 10 minute sessions a day thats 2 miles and so on. No Excuses. My wife does not have COPD and she parks as close to the front doors of Target as she can and shes out of breath before me. 

2 days ago

edpe77

edpe77asked the question: When can you accept the pulse/ox reading?

This afternoon, in a plseant 72F/65%, enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend. Feeling slightly SOB, I checked my O2, on my thumb as I usually do. 84%! I turned on the O2, and watched it bounce around 84%-87%. I then increased the O2 to #3, still below …

2 days ago

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

I thought at one time we could edit our main posts? Or the feature should be available to remove our own or edit it! Just a suggestion.

2 days ago

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

I was just about to do one of my walks, bent down to tie my sneakers and lost my breath, Sometimes I forget I have COPD, but there always is a friendly little reminder right around the corner!🙍‍♂️ 

2 days ago

Bill Clark - Community Manager

Bill Clark - Community Manageranswered the question Are there any recognized treatments for patients with both COPD and Sarcoidosis

Some of the treatments are similar. There is no known cure but according to the Mayo half the cases go away on their own. There are other treatment options that can be used along with your COPD medications.

2 days ago

Bill Clark - Community Manager

Bill Clark - Community Manageranswered the question Suffering from anxiety over possible emphysema diagnosis.

If anything you are in the early stages which is good! You have a far better prognosis that a lot of us here! Don't panic....educate yourself. Learn about best diets for COPD, learn how to spot an exacerbation (times when you have a flare-up), get your …

2 days ago

Bill Clark - Community Manager

Bill Clark - Community Manageranswered the question Celcept and prednisone

I know how hard it is to admit a decline, but it is very possible that there are other products and therapies that can help ease the decline. You really need to bite the bullet and tell your doctor everything!

2 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.