I'd suggest that you find a good pulmonologist and get a good diagnostic done, along with appropriate education of what your condition is, and how to treat it. You need to be talking with a pulmonologist about your problems because s/he is the person who can do something that will make a difference. My guess is you need O2 for exertion and things like trimming the bushes (which takes a good deal of O2 and energy, which you clearly don't have).You probably also need a good pulmonary rehab program to get you exercising and gaining strength (which you clearly don't have either).

I thought a lot about your son's reaction to your COPD. I don't know how old he is, but if he continues with his thinking, then he needs a real dose of reality (and courtesy toward his mom). Does he live with you? He may be scared because having your mom not able to breathe is scary! Maybe he needs some training in "what to do in case". Try to include him in your care. If he doesn't live with you he may be afraid of how he'll find you if he comes over at some point. I lived with a sick hubby for 14 years (Crohn's) and I never knew when the next shoe would drop.

If he lives with you, he's old enough to be assigned some things to do around the house. You need to stop worrying about him and care for yourself. I don't vacuum any more because I just cannot do it. My hubby does it and he most often does the laundry. He also does the dishes and I've never really asked him to. When we have someone eating with us, he loads the dishwasher.

Your son, in so many ways is your medical advocate and, if he isn't willing to go with you to doc's visits, you do need to have a close friend or someone you trust go with you. Literally ask them to sit in on the conversation. I ask my hubby to because, especially with low O2, I just can't always remember everything. My doc also prints out a summary of our visit for me, any changes in meds, etc. Get really assertive and just tell him and anyone else that you are not well, you're hardly ready to sign out yet, but they need to take your word for it. Love yourself.

I wish I could find a pulmonologist that could shae some Ideas with me and stop yelling at me. I just asked if some of my SOB could be an asthma flare up and even though I've had asthma in the past, he said I have COPD and he would see me in a yr, Good physicians are hard to find in a small town.

I spent all day putting support rings around six flowers. I sat down when I was winded and waited a while and started back again. I was pleased with myself that I finally got finished with it. I still try to do most things but housework I hire done. It makes me feel good and I can sit in my chair and not be winded. I have just started feeling good about accomplishing something and if it takes me a lot longer then so be it.

Same happens to me. I'm stubborn, and love yard work. When I weed whack, I wear a respirator mask from the Hardware store. It filters minute particles of dust and fiber. I can do more with the mask on, although I put off doing more now, 'cause the mask is cumbersome. Worth it though. . I live alone, and my yard looks like no one lives here. :o) I don't let that bother me anymore. I say that I'm "naturalizing" my landscape.