Asthma

you are lucky i was told 2 yrs ago Ihad COPD and was never told what it was I have had to do my our checking. now i am on oxygen 24/7 lost my job because of it and I still don't really understand what i HAVE

Hi I read this while searching for some answers. Since you have had copd for 2 years I wanted to ask if one of your symptoms was excessive sweating? None of my doctors can figure out what is wrong but I just had a pft which is abnormal. It shows obstructed airways and decreased diffusing capacity (whatever that is). The sweating has been getting worse for about three months and no it's not the heat or hormonal. Please let me know if you had a similar problem. Thanks

THERE IS A MEDICINE CALL XOLIAR IT IS A SHOT THAT REALLY HELPS. I HAVE HAD THIS FOR 5 YEARS AND IT GET WORSE THAN BETTER I AM ON O2 AND CAN;T WALK 3 FEET WITHOUT BEING OUT OF BREATH, I GO TO WVU IN MORGANTOWN AND THEY HAVE GOTTEN ME A LITTLE BETTER BUT ALL THE OTHER MEDS CAUSE MY HEART TO STOP MY KIDNEY DON;T FUNTUIM AND I FEEL LIKE I'M DYING EVERY DAY. JUST PRAY AND DO WHAT THEY SAY THEN MABE YOU CAN LLIVE BUT NOT A HEALTH LIFE I SPEND ABOUT 3 WEEKS IN HOSP EVERY 6 MONTHS

I'm sorry to hear of your illness, and of the fear you seem to be feeling. I went through the same illnesses...in and out of
the hospital for 5-6 months. I stayed at a long term hospital
two times for a month. They finally found a blood clot, and
admitted, that there could have been other clots, that went
undetected.
Needless to say, I was very ill and felt like I was dying at
times. When I was on the ventilator, it was very scary, but
by the grace of God, I have finally gotten over the pneumonia.
Try to think as positive as you possibly can. I know that it is
overwhelming, at times, but what helped me, was prayer,
May God bless you, and give you all the strength you need,
to get through, this illness.

I was diagnosed with COPD in Dec.08. I also had double pneumonia. I spent 6 weeks in the hospital. I never really ever get rid of pneumonia.From Dec. 09 till April 10,I had 2 hospital stays per mth. of at least a week. Do not let anyone ever tell you that COPD is a smokers deiase. It is not. I never smoked.Yet I am in the last stage.I have been on oxgen,24 hrs a day since I was diagnosed............

Billiejean & anyone else reading,

I have been diagnosed for about 5 yrs? My old PC DR claims he told me 7 yrs ago. HA! LIAR! Anyway, I have done my 'homework' since then.

I agree. COPD is not just a smoker's disease. Smoking is just the #1 cause of COPD. I know this, cuz, A Friend's sister has COPD & never smoked. Her COPD was determined to be work-related. She worked as a stocker/customer service rep in the ladies clothing dept of J.C.Penney's. Seems they treat packages of clothes while in the warehouse (to prevent pest infestation) & she, unknowingly, dealt w/ hazardous materials.

Here is an excellent site for everyone to learn more about COPD & receive good support, also. http://www.dailystrength.org/

On this page there should be Alphabet. Just clik on the C & select from the menu.

For those w/ this disorder. COPD is an umbrella term that includes Bronchitis &/or Emphysema. Some say Asthma is under this Umbrella, too. Lung infections are more likely & could prove Fatal. Increase your Vitamin C, keep up w/ flu shots (if you want) & continue to take your meds/treatments as prescribed. As long as you have no serious side effects. Learn about exercises you can do to improve/strengthen your lungs. Yes, exercise, diet can make an amazing difference in how you feel. But, discuss this w/ your Pulmonary/Primary DR B4 starting.

This disorder is, also, known to cause depression. So, be forewarned & pay attn to your body language!

Love Candi

What do you meen, last stage?

Sometimes I have the same problem when my symptoms are at their peak. I don't know why. I find I have to get to a cool place and rest or take a nap when that happens.

WOW! And I thought it was just me! My PTF also shows obstructed airways and decreased diffusing capacity and having gone through menopause already, I know that's not what is going on. I tend to start sweating when standing or walking (usually when shopping) and nothing really stops it except for sitting down and letting time pass.

I found keeping a wet washcloth around my neck Helps during those moments. But, COPDinOhio, didn't Anyone ever tell you? Menopause symptoms decrease, but, supposedly, never go away. I went post meno at age 42. Meno around 48 & still got them Sweats, occasionally, at 59 Shoot, I can be sittin down & feel the heat rush thru me. But, as you said It Passes.

Foxycat & others who are interested in her question: Here is the best explanation I have seen:

http://www.webmd.com/lung-criteria-for-copd?ecd=wnl_cop_08180

Love Candi

Did you get a answer, want to know as well meaning of last stage.
Tks

Hi gailosurfs,

I posted a link in the post above yours that leads to a recent article that will explain the Stages. Hope it helps.

Love Candi

Hello My name is sherry and my husband has COPD heart disease and diabetes, and he is angry all of the time. he curses at me and the children I understand that this disease is serious. what can i do?

Hello Sherry,

All of your Hubby's medical issues are Serious. Combined, even more so. Do you think he would see a Counselor to help him deal w/ his issues? Do you know if your Community/town has any Support Groups for any of his medical issues? Your Local Paper would have the info under Community Happenings. If not, how about the link I posted for Online support for COPD? That site, also, has support groups for Heart & Diabetes Issues. You, as his caretaker, could join, too. Knowledge & support are Essential Tools for coping w/ any/all of his issues. Proper sleep, exercise & nutrition are Important, too. They can Help lower his Stress. WebMD has Lots of Info on these subjects. But, you can use your search engine for More Info.

You do realize that Depression could be part of his problem (Anger/yelling)? All the more reason to seek a Counselor &/or Support Groups. Hope this helped. Find/make/take time for yourself, too. Caretaker burnout can be a very serious issue.

Love Candi