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Seeking help and understanding
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An_189811 posted:
Hi, I hope that there is someone out there to give me some advice. I went into an ER(1) on 3/27 with shortness of breath,was kept until 3/29,diagnosed with COPD and released. The next day, I had an appointment at a urologist office,the urologist did not like the way I was looking,so she had two of the young ladies of the office wheel me to the ER(2) across the street.My oxygen level was extremely low.Unaware of what was happening with me, I was admitted,now this was the 29th of March,when I woke up, it was 4/4/10.I had been placed on a ventilator,so then I knew that this was something serious.As time went on,the the pulmonologist said that I had double pneumonia plus the COPD.
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2subduded replied to cannotfindaname's response:
I've been having this sweating thing for years. I just found out about 6 months ago I had COPD and I got on this website today to see if anyone else had this same problem. I was in the store the other night and I got so hot and was real red in the face and sweating so bad the people in the store had me set down and theywheeled me out in a wheelchair to my daughters vehicle. I was so hot it made me real nauseated. This was the worst episode I've had. Is there anything You can do for it? Thanks
 
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dancer86442 replied to 2subduded's response:
Hello 2subduded,

From what I have read this is a symptom of COPD. But, there are other causes. Treatments range from clothing to avoid, foods/additives to avoid, to herbal teas. As w/ any treatment, what works for one may not work for another.

Use your Search engine 'COPD & excessive sweating' to Learn More.

For me, I don't have this problem very often, but, when it does occur I grab a wet Cold wash cloth & apply to pulse areas. Then lay on back of neck. And/or find the nearest Fan. Maybe a hand-held fan would be useful/convenient for You.

As w/ any disorder/illness, do your 'homework'. It really does Help to learn All you can. If you would like to visit another site w/ a support Group for COPD, I recommend DailyStrength.com. They are kinda Crazy PPL but, share some good Tips/info.

Love Candi
 
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84_jenn responded:
My mother has COPD and its bad. we almost lost her three times with in the last year. recently she was hospitalized and put in intensive care and her oxygen wouldnt come up it was very low. she was transferred two days later to another hospital and they got it under control. its very scary because weve been there when she had her attacks. and come to find out, it caused her to have a minor heart attack and two anxiety attacks. we thought she was gone. But i was wondering can anyone tell me if it is hereditary??????? the doctor did say one of the test they ran on her that all of her kids should be tested but it wasnt a copd terst it was something else. but please tell me if you know if it is hereditary or not
 
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dancer86442 replied to 84_jenn's response:
Hello Jenn,

Yes, it is! Here is more info: What is COPD?:

http://www.copdguide.com/what-is-copd/jsp

So far, COPD has affected my Uncle (Dad's side) Me & now my youngest Brother. Join for Support & advice: Dailystrength.com

This page does mention genetics as a possible cause, but, no name of test. http://respiratorydiseaseinfection.com/copd.html

Definitely Get Tested!

Love Candi
 
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84_jenn replied to dancer86442's response:
candi,
Thank you for replying so it is not caused only by smoking like the doctors are saying it is. i dont get it. i was confused by day one and i still am i just know it can get really bad. they did tell my mom to have us tested for certain things. but i was just wondering

thank you,
jenn
 
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dancer86442 replied to 84_jenn's response:
Hello Jenn,

Genetics are just a part of it. Same as smoking. But, smoking & second hand smoke is the Leading cause. Other factors are The introverted? air (pollution) we breath. I was entering a city in Colorado & had a view of 'brown' air ahead. Yet as we entered the City, you couldn't see it. Asked Hubby what it was I saw? I noticed I had a Real Hard Time breathing & walking. But, was fine once I got into the store or car. Other possible contributing factors: Chemicals on our newly purchased items or foods. I know a woman who worked at JCPenney in the clothing dept, never smoked a day in her Life. Her COPD was caused by handling the bags/boxes/clothing, that were stored in Warehouses. They were treated w/ Poisons to keep Varmints out/away. A Good Reason to Wash new clothes B4 wearing. Can tops B4 using. Then, there is Exposure to Smoke (any kind) Dust, mold, mildew, etc.

The missing Alpha link they test for, concerning genetics, makes us more susceptible to developing Bronchial Disorders &/or Emphysema from any of the above sources. Which can lead to COPD.

Hope this Helped you understand a bit more. Like all disorders it can be confusing. Especially when DRS Don't take/make the Time to Explain. I have learned over the YRS to do My Own Research to find Answers. I educate myself so I can be a Better Advocate when dealing w/ Health Issues.

Love Candi



Love Candi
 
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4halfpint responded:
You may want to get checked for alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency.look it up on line .Its a free test
 
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4halfpint replied to keynin01's response:
Check out Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Everyone with COPD need to get tested its free!!
 
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4halfpint replied to cannotfindaname's response:
Check out Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
 
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4halfpint replied to DYINGWITHOUTO2's response:
Get tested for Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency!!! Its a free test
 
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4halfpint replied to billiejeanabc's response:
Get tested for alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency its a free test
 
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Davidg2011 replied to 2subduded's response:
does anyone know how fast this progresses as i was diagnosed with this today 2/8/11. web MD has been very Informative.
 
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dancer86442 replied to Davidg2011's response:
Hello David,

Progression depends on changes you make in your Lifestyle. If you smoke, quitting today Stops progression. Your lungs will remain as they are. But, I would say it, also, depends on other factors, too. Indoor/outdoor pollution can cause progression or at least trigger symptoms such as shortness of breath. Diet can be a major factor, also.

I know you didn't ask for 'homework'. But, I firmly believe, as w/ any disorder, You should Educate yourself about ALL aspects of COPD, in order to be your own Best Advocate!

Here are some sites I found useful.
http://www.health.com/health/copd?pkw=...1855&gclid=CNqLrJ7n_1ACFRsVawodLjE5uA

Foods to Avoid Weight Loss:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art>asp?articlekey=110394

Although most ppl, from what I have read, do tend to Gain weight. I guess I am one of the 'rarities.

Tracking Diet and Treatments
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=110402

COPD & Household Hazards: Wood smoke from Indoor/outdoor fireplaces need to be avoided, too
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=110396

Causes, symptoms & treatment:
http://respiratorydiseaseinfection.com/copd.html

Living Well w/ COPD
http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/copd.aspx

Saved the best for last: What is COPD & how to live w/ COPD
http://www.copdguide.com/what-is-copd.jsp

Bookmark or save as Favs all these links for future ref or to just browse at leisure.

A support group I found; Mainly PPL trying hard to cheer others up, but, w/ occasional Info.

dailystrength.org Just clik on the Letter C Like WebMD it has support groups that cover numerous illnesses/disorders


Love Candi
 
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dancer86442 replied to dancer86442's response:
P.S. David, I was diagnosed over 10 Yrs ago. I haven't quit smoking, I live in a Dust Bowl (AZ) & in those 10 yrs my meds have kept me breathing well. But, my Spirometer test, last YR, showed 1/3 of my Right lung has deteriorated.

And your Pulmonary DR should be testing you Every YR. Mine Doesn't. My family DR did the Last test. I'm searching for a New specialist this Yr. So, seek more than 1 DR if you feel you aren't being treated rite or your questions remain unanswered.

Good Luck. HUGS! Candi
 
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saralees replied to billiejeanabc's response:
I was recently diagnosed with COPD and have never smoked in my life .My doctor said she did not know how some one could get it and never smoke .I am at the beginning of this .and am am worried I wont get to see my children grow up I am only 39 years old how do you handle something like this?


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