COPD end stage: Anyone else?

Cognac, I don't know what State you live in but in Ohio we have a program called Senior Options. They have people that will come to your house that will help you with housekeeping, cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, etc. Depending on your income, you may only pay a very small percent of their services. I use them and they are very good. You can check with your doctor about these services and he/she should be able to tell you who to call to get more information. I live alone too and they've been very good to me. Good luck. I hope you can get in contact with someone in your State like I have in Ohio. God bless you.

Hello, jo54. My Mother had COPD and you're right, outwardly she looked fine. She was also one that had a lot of health problems that we weren't sure if it was real or just an attention grabber. But when she got really sick it scared me so much that I could hardly watch her try and breath. I'm terrified of not being able to breath myself and to watch her try and get a good breath gave me so much anxiety. So it wasn't that I didn't care, it was that it just hurt so bad to watch her suffer. But what I didn't realize was that she was as scared as I was and she just needed someone to be with her so she wasn't alone thinking about it. Maybe your family has the same fears. Have you ever sat them down and asked them how they truly feel about your disease? My granddaughters now won't even talk about my disease. They carry on as if nothing is wrong. They never come over to help me, never call to check on me. I know they love me but they are afraid and they just young and immature. They have their own lives and old, sick people don't fit into their lives. They weren't raised that way, I assure you. Our family took care of one another when each of us were sick. The world has hardened the hearts of people. My prayers is that you could talk to your family and tell them your needs in a way that won't scare them or put them off. Help them understand your disease if they will let you. God will never leave us or forsake us. That's where I get my strength. Maybe I've missed the point of your post. If I have, I apologize. You sound a lot like me now. I loved reading, especially my Bible. I still do but not as much. I don't do enough to take care of myself. Almost like I've already given up and I was just diagnosed.!!!! It's like I'm so scared that I don't know what to do or where to start. But aren't we blessed to have this group to talk to and share our thoughts, ask and answer questions and just vent sometimes? I've never belonged to any kind of group like this before and I'm so thankful I found this group, It has helped more than anything so far. I pray for the people on here and appreciate all they contribute, even if it's just venting or complaining because that gives me some insight of what I might expect to happen to me at some point. Please don't stop reading, try and feel like The Lord is right there with you because He really is. I imagine He's sitting on the couch beside me and it is so comforting. I make myself read so I'm not just always thinking about my disease process. In all ways, try to be at peace with yourself and keep in mind that God will be with you through this and at the end you'll be in Heaven, strong and well again. When I think about my suffering I think about the Passion of the cross and all He went through and suffered. Then I feel better. i pray you can be at peace as much as is possible. God bless you.

Was diagnosed with COPD, bronchiectasis, and asthma a little over 6 years ago by an allergy/asthma specialist after having gone to a pulmonologist for several years and not getting anything done except a CT every 6 months and endless prescriptions of antibiotics about every 3-6 months for "upper respiratory" infection. My pft was at 48% when the new doc tested me and within a month it was up in the 70's%. Now the asthma/allergy doc has me on Brovana nebulized 2 times daily followed by Alvesco inhaler and a rescue inhaler if needed, which has been maybe once a year. I try to exercise daily and do it with a couple of programs on TV-one is Functional Fitness and Body & Spirit. These are exercises that most anyone can do and I am 78 years old. If we let fear take over when we are diagnosed with a new health issue it normally only causes us to feel worse, and believe me, I can sometimes let that happen, then give myself a talking to. When I was 31 years old, I was diagnosed with Lown-Ganong-Levine Heart syndrome, and thought that was the end of the world and look--I have lived another 47 years!!
I wish you well and a much happy life with as little worry as possible. God Bless you! Baz10

What channel is that tv program on? I would like to check it out.

Hi @rits The Functional Fitness program is on one of the PBS stations, and the Body & Spirit is on one of the Christian stations and I see it at 7:00 am and the other one is on at 8:00 am here in Indiana. baz10

Bill, first, good luck on getting all the upgrades done at your home. I sure hope it takes care of reducing the trips to the ER. Since I rent, so the most I can do is have air purifiers. Second, you mentioned joining the COPD foundation group. Is that the official name of the group or are you referring to this group at Mayo Clinic? If it's different than Mayo Clinic, can you give me the name of the group so I can check it out? I love this group at Mayo Clinic but I wouldn't mind joining another group as well just to give me additional people to chat with. Thanks, Bill, and I pray everything gets easier for you once the upgrades are finished. Be at peace.

Shirley

Shirley.... got all the new upgrades in my hivac sys, and added a 7.02 solar array.... my electric bill in 2019 avg $110.... this year $13!!!!

http://www.copdfoundation.org

Bill

Solar array and installation costs just under $17,000. Got $1500 from Focus on Energy, and this year and next get a $4419 tax credit on fed return. That brings it out of pocket to about $6,619, and the value of the house went up $15K to $20K, and that increase is not in the property tax bill.

Bill, that is amazing!!!!!! Good for you. Saving money and helping your health. I'm so very happy for you. And thank you so much for the link on the COPD group. I'm going to go on it as soon as I finish up with this message to you. I look forward to following your progress and wish you only the best. You have such a positive attitude and will do whatever it takes to improve your health. God bless you, Bill. You've got what it takes....determination and a positive attitude. I hope you're a man of faith too. Have a wonderful day and be a peace. Thank you for letting me know that all the upgrades are done. I'm so happy for you.

Shirley

Hi everyone, i haven't been writing lately sometimes just get down. I sleep a lot, don't sleep well at night. End up in the recliner. If any of you can get a lung transplant I am happy for you. My doctor told me i have too may issues that they would not even consider it. My congestive heart failure fights against my COPD. I am like some of you my family has no clue how bad this can get. I live alone like many of you and sometimes at night i wonder if i will see morning come. My daughter realizes how bad this is, she went with me to the doctor and she was shocked. My pulmonary doctor told me to get my things in order. My daughter thought I was being morbid about this. I let her read the email that i asked my doctor not to sugar coat but to be upfront with me with answers and he did give them to me. I wanted to know what was coming i did not want to be taken by surprise. But each of your cases are different. Remember to talk to your doctor and they will be honest with you. Some of you have lesser cases which is good and your time can be extended. Just follow what your doctors say. I have a heart doctor and a pulmonary doctor. I am not losing weight but I am gaining weight. I keep retaining fluids in my feet and legs and fluid in my lungs. I am not wanting to go to the ER anymore. I have been there 4 times this year and do not really want to go back, I hear all of you and I am glad i can talk freely with you guys. It is a blessing to know all of you. TuffStuff