@bucslife Hi Jerry - I am glad to hear you are finally getting insurance coverage! It will help you find the care you need. I do second @cookierockwell suggestion that you get on and stay on a specific COPD inhaler.
I have asthma and bronchiectasis, but not COPD and it has taken me from easily winded and fatigued to almost normal... Symbicort is now the "standard of care" for long-term asthma and COPD. It used to be very expensive, so many docs would just go with an asthma inhaler. BUT there is now a generic version (mines costs $5 month on Medicare) - and I cannot tell you how much better it makes my breathing - 2 puffs, twice a day, with a midday booster if I need.
Being short of breath really does bring on anxiety, it is definitely not "all in your head" - it is a protective response by your body, telling you to get help.
Do you have an initial appointment yet?
Sue