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Recently Diagnosed Very Severe COPD
A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭

I’ve been a smoker all my life of course no longer smoke. I had been being treated by my pcp for chronic bronchitis he would give me steroids and a Z pack it would last about8 weeks until the next time it happened mean while my cough was getting worse and worse. I was sent to the pulmonologist by another dr had a ct scan and the dr was very blunt he said you have severe COPD your lungs are destroyed I’m going for a PFT tomorrow but in the meantime my question is : everyday at some point I have a… read more

posted November 17, 2020
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A MyCOPDTeam Member

Your experience is, unfortunately, pretty typical, and the symptoms you're experiencing are also typical. You need to learn about COPD. I suggest you go to www.copdfoundation.org and click on the Learn More tab. Everything there was written by docs and reviewed by patients so it's factual information you can use. You can find out exactly what COPD is, what the meds are, how you use O2, breathing techniques that will help and most importantly what you can do for yourself.

What you're describing as a flare-up is really just a coughing episode. That's not to say it's not scary or hard to get through, but it's not a flare-up. A flare-up is what you're experiencing now, when you're really sick. The coughing is simply your body trying to get rid of the excess mucous it's creating because of the inflammation in your bronchial tubes and lungs. All the meds you're on right now are designed to reduce the inflammation and make you cough up the gunk. In addition to what you're using, I would get some mucinex from the pharmacy and drink a LOT of water. Water helps thin the mucous out and makes it easier to cough up. Google the "huff cough" and follow the directions. It'll help.

Once you get over this exacerbation and are feeling better, talk with the pulmonologist about what YOU can do to help yourself. Ask about Pulmonary Rehab and take advantage of that it it's offered. You should learn about daily exercise, diet, weight control, flu and pneumonia shots, meds, staying away from people with bugs and setting up an action plan with your pulmonologist so you know what to do when you do get something respiratory. It's very possible to live quite will with COPD or to exist with it. Living with it takes some determination and hard work, but it's better than existing with it and waiting to die. Your choice......

posted November 17, 2020
A MyCOPDTeam Member

@A MyCOPDTeam Member covered a lot, @A MyCOPDTeam Member, but I can’t emphasize enough how important regular, gentle, exercise will be, as well as using pursed lip breathing for reliable pacing to try and avoid the coughing spasms when you’re trying to be active.

When things get better, look for a “Better Breathers Club” in your area, either on line or in person, and also check the American Lung Association for educational resources in your area, too.

I used to go through some incredible coughing spasms to the point where I could see stars trying to catch my breath, and @A MyCOPDTeam Member is right about the importance of hydration and anything helps - warm or cold - although many hospitals recommend starting the day with a warm drink. Since I dislike coffee and tea, I often start the day with chicken soup broth, especially on chilly Winter mornings, to help feel my best.

Welcome to this site, and I hope you find the suggestions helpful.

posted November 17, 2020 (edited)
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Hi Mamasita. I want to be the first to welcome you to this Forum. Most of what you describe reminds me of my early experience too. Coughing is normal to help clear out the extra mucus our lungs make when they are inflamed. Being short-of-breath is par but can be disturbing too. Drinking plenty water and hot drinks will help loosen the mucus. Learning different breathing exercises will overcome the SOB episodes. Try to breathe a bit harder before you get up to move or do activities. Your meds look good, keep an even timing cycle for the nebulizer especially. Rinse after using the Trelegy. Others will share more tips I'm sure.
Your comment "everyday at some point" is also curious to me. Share more when you can.
Stay safe during this trying time and Be well.

posted November 17, 2020 (edited)
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I don’t cough much I but have panic attacks which we are trying to get under control. Hope you can find why you flare up every day.keep in touch

posted November 17, 2020
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Oh yes...I get this everyday...scares others with me also...but my puppy is used to it...she will move over in bed though when I get bouts in a row...funny...it's like she's saying "oh mu god...I can't even sleep!" But she'll come back to my side when I'm relaxed and asleep...

posted December 15, 2020

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