Ongoing Exacerbation

Welcome, @rockingchairsan. I can imagine that you're lost and terrified, especially if you're grappling with oxygen and continued exacerbation will have to be an accepted part of life. I'm calling on fellow members like @gregoryz @jfperrone @gajabri50 @ksg8124 @tinagf @ronap @mrbill to join you in this discussion about COPD and hypoxemia and exacerations.

An exacerbation of COPD is a worsening or “flare up” of your COPD symptoms. In many cases an exacerbation is caused by an infection in the lungs, but in some cases, the cause is never known.

Rockingchairsan, when you were hospitalized in April, was it because of an infection? If yes, is the infection gone?

Thanks Colleen .

First the great news is you have oxygen ! Do you mind telling us more , were you a smoker, have you stopped or trying to stop ? Do you have help at home and can you still do regular things, cook, clean ect ?

I did not have an infection, to my knowledge. I had had a non producing cough prior, it had stopped. And I found myself to be sob. That is when I started monitoring my O2 saturation. Shortly thereafter, I was in the hospital. It dropped to 70 at one time and into the 70’s numerous times. The dr said I have moderate-severe COPD/ Emphysema. She said my lung capacity was 140 which we all know to be so bad. I was going for yearly check ups and knew that I had mild COPD. I am shocked at how fast this has progressed. I’m praying that I will not be O2 dependent but I’m 3 months in now and still need it.
Thank you so much for your reply.

I stopped smoking the day I went into the hospital. I had smoked for 40 years. I am using the nicotine patches to wean me off of the nicotine.
I am 57 years old. I married and my husband has helped a lot. He has had to go back to work but I am doing much better. I just keep my O2 with me.
I also have a son that lives out of state and he is able to come stay with me some/work from home.
I very blessed in regards to that. Thank you for your reply.