COPD Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Feb 21, 2022

Welcome to the COPD group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet people living with COPD, emphysema and chronic bronchitis or caring for someone with COPD. Let’s learn from each other and share stories about living with COPD, coping with the challenges, and exchange tips.
Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.

Pull up a chair. Let’s start with introductions.

What's your COPD story? What helps you?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Support Group.

anthony1956 | @anthony1956 | Apr 1, 2022

In reply to @merpreb "You were awake during surgery? Is that what you meant when you said, " anesthesia didn't..." + (show)

No. General. The effects of the anesthesia took a toll on me and my condition

anthony1956 | @anthony1956 | Apr 2, 2022

Just got diagnosed with paradeptal emphysema by CT scan. Recently had total hip replacement surgery and apparently the anesthesia didn't do anything for me. I recently started having upper Left back pain and when I lay down on that side I have shortness of breath. My oxygen levels are high, lungs look clear from an x-ray, no pneumothorax, liquid, or gas was found in the CT scan.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 2, 2022

In reply to @anthony1956 "Just got diagnosed with paradeptal emphysema by CT scan. Recently had total hip replacement surgery and..." + (show)

Hello, again Anthony. Paraseptal emphysema (PSE) is a type of pulmonary emphysema. Emphysema involves damage to the tiny air sacs or “alveoli” within the lungs. In PSE, the outermost parts of the lungs fill with enlarged air spaces. This can cause breathing difficulties and other respiratory symptoms.

WHat symptoms were you having to get a CT scan? Were you a smoker, or are a smoker?

anthony1956 | @anthony1956 | Apr 2, 2022

No. I started smoking cigars 20 years ago on the golf course. I was an athelit. I have not smoked in a year.. I had shortness of breath specially since the surgery. I had larengitis on the day of surgery and was coughing. Maybe they shouldnt have operated. I'm at the clinic now because I have a lot of pain on my left back side and thought it could be heart related. My oxygen level is at 100%, the doctor listened to my chest and back and cleared. The EKG is perfect. They are going to do another CT scan. Will see.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 3, 2022

In reply to @anthony1956 "No. I started smoking cigars 20 years ago on the golf course. I was an athelit...." + (show)

Mainly emphysema is caused by smoking so that's most likely the cause for yours. Do you have any overweight problems?

anthony1956 | @anthony1956 | Apr 3, 2022

I'm overweight. Had total hip replacement surgery. Before, I couldn't even walk so that is going to change. I had another CT scan yesterday and they changed it to chronic bronchitis. Otherwise, my lungs are clear, airways, size. My oxygen levels were 100%

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 4, 2022

In reply to @anthony1956 "I'm overweight. Had total hip replacement surgery. Before, I couldn't even walk so that is going..." + (show)

Have your doctors put you on any inhalers or other medications? I'm glad for you that you have tested very well against any problems that you thought of.

Now for the touchy subject of your weight. I'm petite and even if I gain 5 to 7 lbs my breathing is very labored. And you aren't alone with the possibility of being heavy and having SOB as a result.

Have your doctors recommended that you eat better and bring your weight down?

anthony1956 | @anthony1956 | Apr 4, 2022

In reply to @merpreb "Have your doctors put you on any inhalers or other medications? I'm glad for you that..." + (show)

Yes,
I've always been in great shape. My hip was so bad that if I walked just 1/2 mile, it would start hurting. I just had hip surgery and will start walking next week. I was going to do bariatric surgery but with chronic bronchitis it's not recommended. Anyways, I'm sure I can lose the weight. I will start swimming too I have to start slowly because I've noticed that when I excerpt myself, I get out of breath, so, I have to build up to it.