Double Pneumonia
- I recently went to the emergency room and the triage nurse said I was wheezing. She took a stethoscope to my lungs and they took me right in. I went into x-ray and the Dr. told me I would be staying at the hospital because I had double pneumonia. And, it turned out I also had carbon dioxide poisioning from the new stove top. I was taking breathing treatments approx.4 times a day and was put on oral ind iv prednisone and antibiotics.I was in the hospital for two weeks and then went to the convalescent hospital for approx. two weeks. I was told I had COPD also. I decided to quit cigarettes the day I couldn't breathe when I went into the hospital. My sats were at 67 percent when I went in. If I walked anywhere my sats would go zooming down. My life is different now I am on O2 24-7. I am lucky to be alive. Breathe easy, I am 54 and young, Darlene
- —Guest Darlene Lindstrom
A Trip to the Dentist
- Maybe totally unrelated, but I went to my dentist on 3/3 and the very next day my problem started. Three weeks later I am still dealing with the cough and mucous. Can not lay down to sleep. Any ideas about sleeping with this?
- —chuckles42
Triggers
- The cause of my last exacerbation was when I got very upset about something. That that seems to trigger my COPD.
- —Guest donna
Call Your Doctor Right Away
- I have had a lot of exacerbations. It seems like it takes so long to get over. The last time I had one I figured it was going to be my last. I will not let anyone in my house that has anything going on with colds or anything I can catch. I have also learned that as soon as things change or any signs or going downhill appear call the doctor. Just can't stress that enough. I used to think I could get over it myself but have since learned that doesn't happen.
- —Guest Toria
BLEEPIN WASP
- At 40yrs of age and smoker past 25 years I was unaware I had underlying COPD, until I was stung last summer and had a allergic reaction to the protein in the sting, mucus plug caused breathing problems, wheezing which got worse over 4 days until I rang NHS helpline. Prescribed steroids and antibiotics wasn't until spirometry exam I was told my lung age was now 86yrs. On a purple long acting bronchodilator and blue one. No wonder my fitness level plunged to a fraction of what is was literally overnight, very frustrating.
- —Guest jo
Exacerbation
- It started with the odd feeling in the back of my throat. Most around me had the sniffles. Tried Vit C, most homeopathic to stop but 4 days into this cold I felt the chills. Then shorter of breath than usual. I waited an extra day thinking I could beat this on my own. This bout was my first experience with wheezing, I thought strange because I usually have extra mucus. Wheezing has been frightening. Can't move the plugs with the extra narrowing. So, I have slowed my pace, loaded up on the water and continued my treadmill at 1/2 speed and 1/2 time. This is my 4th day on Prednisone and it's starting to ease but this one has been a reality check for hand washing and avoiding anyone that has the sniffles.
- —Guest kspf
My Mom's Experience With Exacerbation
- My mom is in ICU and has been there for 8 days. COPD lead to exacerbation and she does not seem to be improving. Two weeks ago she was driving to stores, laughing and enjoying life, with help of portable Helios. Some nurses and doctors are upbeat about her chances for recovery and return home while others seem content to begin alternatives which will lead to much less quality of life. Nursing homes, tracheotomy are two examples. While I try to keep an open mind to all the health care professionals, I chose to 'warm up to' those with a more positive attitude toward my mom's healing. Is there a time period whereas family should give up and let the AMA decide her fate?
- —Guest Dave Hiller
Cigarette Smoking
- My co-worker came to work sick, I caught his "cold" and had pneumonia. Then my COPD flared up big-time, I've lost over a month of work. No end in sight. I would say to everyone, Learn all you can. If you smoke, QUIT NOW. Learn new ways to do the things you want and need to do. Most of all try to keep a good out look.
- —Guest Rose
Pain in Lower Lung Lobes
- I am having stabbing, catching pains when breathing or moving. What is causing this? Please, can someone tell me?
- —Guest monica
Anticipation
- I keep an emergency red steroid/penicillin pack for when the unexpected strikes! COPD very prevelant here in NW England - also 14F this morning!
- —Rodski499
COPD Exacerbation
- I just left the hospital with the diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. The experience has scared me too much -- it's painful, scary and debilitating. You feel like someone just started jumping up and down on your chest and body, the feeling of whole body ache is horrible. Thank you for this website. I have a better understanding of my disease and how to try and prevent this from happening again.
- —Guest DENICE
COPD and Being Intimate
- Being afraid of exacerbations, can you have an intimate relationship with someone? I am afraid to try.
- —Guest cherry
Over 55 and What to Expect
- Am I even capable of a sexual relationship with someone????
- —Guest cherry
Exacerbations
- Did not know what was or is happening to me. Left an altitude of 5800 down to 1600 and every couple of days I simply can not breath. Yes still smoking.
- —Guest cherry
COPD Exacerbation
- I've had two bouts with pneumonia this year. Taking 3 weeks to get over each time. Very sick thought near death a couple times. Keep fighting -- don't give up.
- —Guest
