I went to the emergency room when I could not breathe in January, 2015. To my surprise I was diagnosed with stage 4 emphysema. That was the only exacerbation I have had. I am on oxygen 24/7. I take low dose prednisone. I also use Advair and Ventolin. All of these things keep me going, but the reason I have not had another exacerbation or hospitalization is because I take really good care of me. I do not allow anyone with a cold or flu symptoms in my home. I avoid crowds. Mostly I remain calm and have a technique that I use to bring my heart rate down if I get upset over something. If my chest gets a little tight I don't panic, I just lay down and breathe slowly until it passes. Remaining calm under all circumstances is just as important as medication. Another important ingredient is laughter so I don't suffer depression. If you feel like watching a movie or reading a book, do it. A positive attitude makes a big difference..

I think you probably need to. Predisone is a quick fix..I felt like I could do anything while on it...you may need to be on oxy 24/7 if you have problems functioning without. Do not be afraid because there is life after 02.. it is just an adjustment! Take care and breathe easy today!

Anytime you have an exacerbation my doctor told me to get to my doctor or better yet to the Er. You can end up with pneumonia which isn't good. So far I have been to the Er 3 or. 4 times. I don't like it but like the er doctor told me last time I went. No one likes to be in the hospital but we can take care of your lungs better then you can. Please take care of your lungs because I didn't and I wish to God I could do things all over. Please go to Er when you feel real bad. Sob, wheezing, coughing

I think you need to talk with your doc about the frequency of your exacerbations and see what his plans to treat you are. One thing you could talk about is Pulmonary Rehab which would probably help you enormously, because part of your problem is being extremely deconditioned. I would ask why the continuous SOB; do you need O2 all the time? Will that help? If he has no plans to treat you, then you might consider another doc.

I think you should differently go back. Anything below 88 is not good