Facing Frustrating Odds: How to lose weight with COPD?

Your words bring me comfort. Thank you.

Just a word of wisdom?? to those who feel alone or wonder if they are doing the right thing. I cared for him at home about 3 years before my family and I decided I could no longer do it. I am 84 this next week, and he was unable to walk over 6 feet with his walker, and at 80 I was loading his wheelchair in our car every time we left the house.

My church family, DAR sisters, other people who are in organizations that I belonged to and had to set a side while caring for my husband while he was still home with me, were great listeners and givers of support while we have been traveling this journey for about 5 years now. He is now in a wonderful care center in a small town about 45 miles from my home, but I am able to visit every other day, and although he sleeps most of the time I am there, I know he is well cared for. I have been able to go back to meeting with my friends at least once a month for lunch with a couple groups and I try to attend church every week even on the days I visit him. They are great support and gives me a little respite from the cares that could overwhelm me.

I also have always maintained hobbies, sewing, quilting, genealogy, reading, etc. even when I was teaching full time, and when I retired I did visit some places without my husband if he had no interest in them. I'm glad I was able to do that and we both enjoyed may places together. They are always good memories.

He is 89 and has been at the care center for over 2 years now, so I am living a slightly different life, but enjoy each day as it comes.

Hello everyone. Your words make me smile. They give me hope. My husband has more than a few conditions that can go awry in a split second. And me, well, it's a long story. We take care of each other as life comes at us.

God bless you all.

Mamacita Jane

@rmftucker I'm so glad that you shared your experiences in caring for your husband. I'm glad to hear that you kept involved with your own interests and friendships. I'm especially glad that you have good memories to look back on.
Keep "enjoying each day as it comes" I hope you feel fulfilled in what you find to do!

@rjireland It has been several months since you last posted about caring for your mom. I hope your mom is doing better.
Also, will you share how are you doing?

Hello @mamacita,
Your words, "....as life comes at us" is a great word picture of how it feels when a lot of problems hit at one time. Life does have a way of coming at us at times, doesn't it?

Yes, look at Dr. Joel Furhman's book, "Eat to Live" - excellent diet approach even for people who are too obese to exercise! This book could be a life-saver. It's worked for me.

@rjireland I commend you for taking care of your mother and wanting her to get better and more active. Several other members of the group @2011panc and @hopeful33250 mentioned exercise. This would/could be so great for your mom. You might also call the local hospital and see if the homecare Agency would come to the home to help and teach you the proper exercises. If they can come, you would probably need an order from your Mom’s doctor. The doctor can also set you up with a physical therapy group. Getting some physical therapy would sure help with your Mom’s and your safety. Let us know what you can work out!

I didn't read all the posts so this may be redundant but I'm a swimmer (65 y/o) and I see lots of overweight people swimming next to me. When my wife had a broken hip, she went to the PT one time and we never went back. I got her in the pool just walking and she recovered very well. The water will provide buoyancy and you can swim or walk at whatever level of intensity you choose. You can also do water aerobics. I've never done chair yoga so I know nothing about it but this option provide as much motion as you wish, not static positions. Best of luck!

An ortho once told me "motion is the lotion" for my arthritis. Not an MD myself but motion seems to help me so that's why I swim.