There's something I think we need to recognize. Being on the ventilator is not responsible for your reduction in functioning; the bug that put you on the ventilator is what's responsible for additional damage in your lungs. Being flat on your back when you're our age and already deconditioned is what's responsible for the incredible deconditioning we feel when we do get off the vent and the fact that sometimes we have to learn to walk all over again. That's the major reason I suggest exercise programs for everyone with COPD. Talk with your doc about Pulmonary Rehabilitation or beginning an exercise program on your own. If you get yourself in better shape, you're far more able to manage being on the vent in the first place, and have a much better chance of coming off of it without the terrible deconditioning and weakness many see. You're also much less likely to get so sick that you have to be on a vent in the first place.

As for not being able to do surgery when your FEV1 is at 30%, that doesn't need to be the case at all. After all, they do lung transplants on people whose FEV1 is in the teens and they come off the vents (granted with new lungs, but it's major surgery). I know many people who have had surgeries with FEV1s much lower than 30%. Part of the decision is based on what sort of shape you're in before the surgery, even with an FEV1 of 30%. Part of it also depends on both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. If both are experienced in working with people with COPD, the chances of getting the surgery done is much greater because they understand how to proceed with people with COPD. Don't just give up; see if you can find other surgeons who have experience working with people with COPD.

If you're very de-conditioned, begin an exercise program and get in better shape. You'll be amazed at the doors that can open for you.

Cruse are inhalers,since I started using them my breathing is 50 percent better,I am glad That I have this medication,

I was intubated after surgery in August 2016, I had to go to rehab to get back on my feet, I was in a wheelchair for 20 days, I came home with a walker, I am back to normal now, I don't use a cane or Walker, I am going up and down stairs in my home, however I am still not going out on my own. I use my oxygen when I sleep,and sometimes during g the day if my level drops.

Walk in the house, but really, get outside or go to the mall. Join a gym, do something. Ask your doc if there's any reason you shouldn't exercise. If not, make sure you have the supplementary O2 you need to exercise and get moving. Walking around the house is a good start, but you need to be working up to being able to walk a couple of miles every day. Start slow and add time until you can walk 30 minutes without stopping, and then add time distance or speed.

You need to talk to your Dr. about raising your O2 to 8, that sound pretty high and can induce oxygen poisoning (sic)