COPD end stage: Anyone else?

hI @robertjr. I'm sorry to read this post- it hit's home. My Dad has COPD. You are right....63 is young. I wish I could say I hope things get easier but with COPD things don't get easier.
The Mayo Clinic COPD Diagnosis and treatment web page (found here https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353685) mention seeking a support group. Do you belong to one? or do you find that the support on Connect is sufficient? what are your thoughts on this?
For the sake of future readers and if you don't mind sharing- What things have you noticed that make the day easier? What things can family and friends offer someone with COPD for help? Have you had any treatment for COPD?

sending peace your way. 🙂 Jamie

@robertjr Just a couple quick ones. First, you should have two instruments. An O2 Finger gauge with a running graph of heartbeat and signal strength (Harbor Freight sells them), and a very good blood pressure gauge (wrist is good. Just remember to never touch it to your chest while it is reading AND always use it while seated.) Track your readings at least twice per day, EVERY day.

Thanks Jamienolson in a small group,This year seems so bad,been in hospital 4 times for copd troubles and twice for grand mal seizures and after each time condition ended up staying worse,Use to talk about when i feel better but never happens now.

Thanks for info oldkarl ,Use to try and keep a positive attitude but thats getting hard now.

We had to replace our furnace. I looked into a multi stage unit, new AC, a ventilator, a air purifier, a web enabled control, and putting our house into four separate zones. The installation isn't completed yet, waiting for the zone card. It is an all Bryant system (Evolution). and it is not cheap..... but if it saves one trip to the ER, it will be worth it. Too early to tell. I have a finger oximeter, that can record 24 hrs... then print out a report. I would also recommend joining the COPD foundation group... they have a great support group.

Your post gives me mixed emotions, happy that I can still move around w/o oxygen.... just uses it at night, BUT also is a wake up as to where I am headed.

Waterboy,i also own a house but cant do any work on it now,my son has helped a lot.Cant mow or even clean yard anymore,going to have to sell house and get a small retirement place,cant exspect mywife to do the work at home..Seeing what needs to be done and not able to do it really bothers me.Being told by doctors that theres not much they can do besides getting my ox level to normal range doesnt help.never realized how bad copd is.

Thank you for the suggestions.

What do you two suggests as far as help from family? What can we do to help make things easier? My Dad isn't on O2 yet...but should be. Sometimes his nose is purple- but he refuses to resort to oxygen just yet. He just retired this month. His weight effects him but how can you exercise with lungs that don't allow you to move around?

@jamienolson I'll make this quick. I have been fighting copd for many years, use cpap and all that stuff. Exercise: sit in a chair and move your toes around in 2 foot diameter circles, one big toe at a time using your entire leg up to your hip joint. Right then left. Or Left and then right. do it 10 times each. Then more, if you wish. Eventually, after a few days, both at once. Standing, sitting or lying down, tense up your belly muscles and release,do it again and again. Convince your cat or dog or spouse to sleep on your tummy. Tense and release your shoulder muscles. Same with arms and back. and eyelids. Raise your eyebrows 50 times. Close your fists and raise and lower your fingers, one on each hand at a time. Do it 50 times. Same with your jaw. Eventually do all of these in increasing numbers.

Robertjr I understand you saying that every day chores and activities have gotten to be too much. I am single and love alone so I have nobody to help get groceries or run errands or anything. My only support person is my sister but she has a very hectic life. You're not alone!
I am wondering how can you get someone to understand your fatigue and some days just feeling sick? I feel her getting frustrated with me. I have declined rather quickly and I feel terrible having to ask her for help sometimes & I just feel a little like she thinks I'm just faking it at times.