I was diagnosed with COPD about 20 years ago.  Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  Both of these illnesses seem to make the other one worse.  Breathing takes so much energy that it compounds my MS fatigue.  I don't know if the constriction  I feel sometimes in my chest is  a "MS hug" or a COPD exacerbation.  The medication I take for my MS causes a reaction that makes it difficult to breathe for about a half an hour each day. Both cause depression that makes me want to stay in my temperature and humidity controlled home.  When I go out I have to be concerned about the heat affecting my MS and the humidity affecting my breathing.   

Does anyone else have a similar problem?  Do you have any coping mechanisms?  I will appreciate your advice.