COPD exacerbation: How long does it take to feel better?

@mrbill- lol, I know what you mean, especially taking it first thing in the morning! I take it on a full stomach. I found that it made me shake. Food helps cut that down, as advised by my pulmonologist.

You have it right on how to raise your O2 level. Relax, sit back, and take several inhales. I've raised mine up quite a bit after exercising by do thing this.

Have you experienced shaking from this or an increase in shaking that you already had?

No problem with shaking. Dr. has me on 5 mg Prednisone . That was prescribed by medical oncologist and goes with Zytiga. Respiratory Doctor at clinic said she would not object to 10 mg. Tried that and had a hard time sleeping. In hospital they had me taking 30 mg. Of course they had these nice little pills that helped you sleep. Only time I was shaking then was when nurse, who ran needles over sandpaper before giving injection, came in.

I started on 15mg for wheezing and congestion (also very winded). It worked great-completely cleared up the wheezing. Now I’m on 10mg- ehhh I have a little congestion and wheezing again, but tolerable. I’m suppose to go to 5mg in a week. I’m scared this will not be strong enough yet I also don’t want to be on prednisone forever. What is this wheezing and congestion about?? Maybe this is gonna never go away. I haven’t been able to go to the hospital for follow up ct scan (I can’t wear a mask) soooo I don’t know. My pulmonologist said maybe it’s allergies- which I would love this to be true but.... unlikely. Nebulizer doesn’t do much for me. I also have this weird thing when I’m about to fall asleep I start to cough. I’m not laying flat.. it’s almost like a gasp. Once I have a “cough attack” I can fall asleep normally. Is it a change in breathing pattern, idk. Anyone else have this?

@mrbill- Hospitals, double-edged swords, eh? I hate needles. A lot of times they hurt and then the nurse won't re-position it thinking that she did a great job. I once had a nurse out a needle in a vein near my tricep because she couldn't find a good vein anywhere else. I had another nurse take it out and put it where it should have gone. I have great veins. lol

So how are you doing in general? What are you doing during the day?

Wow, you really have had a lot in a short time. They sent me home with O2 only at night. They claim that it was caused by a panic attack. Have never had one before so I thought it was my heart. Going to Rehab next week for the first time. Hope you get stronger every day.

Marley,
I wish you the best with rehab. Have you been told how often you will have to go? Or for how long? It will surely be good for your lungs, muscle tone, etc. Not too mention the fact it will give you some tools to work with at home.
Take care,
Mr. Bill

Merry,
In general I am not doing bad at all. Considering the COPD, Cancer, and a few other health concerns. I just go about my day trying to keep up. Like mowing the grass, weed trimming, etc. Went to grocery store for curbside, drugstore, swept the garage, and cleaned out inside of two cars today. So I try and keep up. I can't sit on my duff unless I have a good book, maybe a glass of wine to go with it. It really bothers me though when the kids tell me to sit and take it easy. I dunno, must look worse than I feel.
I really do not need rescue inhaler unless it is one of those muggy days. Then if I take it easy I am ok without inhaler.

Fracturedd,
The Nurse told me they had to wean me off Prednisone. Was taking 30,they dropped me to 20 for several days, and on till I got too five. I had some issues when they went from 30 mg to 20 mg. But it cleared.

@mrbill- Good morning. Kids will tell parents to sit even if they have a cold, lol. I don't venture out on muggy days, it's like walking through water. I live in southern New England and our summers are not fun now because of increased periods of high humidity. A few years ago we installed a new heating/cooling system that has HEPA filters from CARJON. When I'm inside and the air is turned on it's as if I don't have COPD or lung cancer and that I'm not missing so much lung tissue. When we have the heat on I don't get stuffed up and it's the same feeling and I'm toasty warm.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Yes, our heating/cooling system had something similar. it is an active filter we bought for our daughter's allergies. It operates with electric energy passing through thin strands of wire. Worked pretty good for her. I was also told it produces a small amount of ozone which cleans the air. Now our daughter is off on her own, and the air cleaner is broke. Been using Merv13 filters that fit into the filter cabinet. You have a good weekend as well.

Just going to orientation then I will get more information.