30 years of heavy cigarette smoking

Inhaling the salt is supposed to help with SOB from COPD. Doesn't do any good for me.

Wrongo! Dr. said that!!

@joelars– I smoked the same way for 35 years. What happened that you are so turned off by Pulmonologists?

Merry. Doctor gave me Trelegy and I have been doing great. I felt like I didn’t need it but then knew it was the reason I’m good. Am in Florida in the path of the hurricane but have faith and hope. No matter what life throws at us we are survivors. Stay strong. Blessings.

@ merppreb I did see one when I was diagnosed about 13 years ago. He released me a year later he said I didn't need him.He also said they were more for palliative care (similar to boredsilly's doc's comment) and fortunately I wasn't there, yet. He told me what I was doing was the best therapy available.
I do use a non-steroid inhaler and it helps with my runs, but I don't use it everyday. my gp prescribes the inhaler..
I have found something medically that helps. I read in my recent hospital records that I had sleep apnea. I often woke up with headaches and feeling oxygen deprived. No one sent me I went on my own to a sleep specialist and took a c-pap machine. Since using the machine i wake up headache free and feel more oxygenated. Also, for the first time in 10 years I sleep without any sleep aids. I usually needed a light dose of valium.

@merpreb the only reason I saw my pulmonologist last week is because my GP sent me out of concern for contracting pneumonia 2x in 3 years. The pulmonologist said my latest scans are infection free, and he isn't concerned about the recent pneumonia-while I had it 2x in 3 years I have only had it 2x since diagnosed with COPD 13 years ago (in fact in my entire life).

@jo54 Be safe. I postponed my trip (from Buff NY) to look at condo's in Bonita next week until late Sept.

Try going to a "salt cave"

As it has been a year since I asked, I wonder what if any new information has occurred either in stem cell treatment or trials and in general any treatment for COPD ,emphysema and asthma . I currently use Spirivia, Symbacort and Ventolin as needed.

@jo54– Good morning- I agree, we are survivors! Be safe and Trelegy has made my life easier and I certainly can breathe much better. Good luck today!

@joelars– I'm not sure that I've had it, but one of my bronchitis events could have been. Pneumonia can scar lung tissues. It sounds as if you are taking care of yourself with your sleep apnea and everything else. Have you been checked for asthma? Which non-steroidal inhaler do you use? I guess that I don't have to worry about you taking good care of your self, you seem to be on top of it. But as your lungs become more scarred from COPD and emphysema please don't eliminate the thought of a new Pulmonologist or steroidal inhaler!