Emphysema sucks

[jjcordone]

My Emphysema really took over my life this last three weeks.
Finally got on a COPD med that kicked me back to being able to breath and I should be returning to work next week.
So after two full weeks of not being able to work - a bottle of steroids, two different types of COPD inhalers and a rescue inhaler latter, I'm finally getting better. I dropped ten pounds and I still feel like I'm in a fog - all from a simple cold virus that went through my workplace and went crazy through my damaged lungs.

No real purpose to this post, just venting.
Having Emphysema sucks.

 

[bruiser]

Glad you're doing better! What did the doc prescribe that helped?

 

[Jenna]

I'm so sorry you got hit so hard ((hugs)) My best friend in the world gets so, so ill everytime she gets the slightest little virus and is still smoking over a pack a day. It breaks my heart to see it. I hope you feel all better soon.

 

[Ryedan]

My Emphysema really took over my life this last three weeks.
Finally got on a COPD med that kicked me back to being able to breath and I should be returning to work next week.
So after two full weeks of not being able to work - a bottle of steroids, two different types of COPD inhalers and a rescue inhaler latter, I'm finally getting better. I dropped ten pounds and I still feel like I'm in a fog - all from a simple cold virus that went through my workplace and went crazy through my damaged lungs.

No real purpose to this post, just venting.
Having Emphysema sucks.

My Dad had COPD. He spent his last couple of years on oxygen full time. It sucks, that's for sure.

Hell of a way to lose weight too . Hope it gets better for you now. Vent any time you feel like

 

[daleron]

{{{hugs}}}

 

[Iffy]

jjc,

So glad you're feeling better!

As a form of encouragement for you and others here, my last x-ray seven months ago, after vaping 2½ years, had no signs of the first signs of Emphysema discovered six years ago.

The last report stated "lungs normal for age". My 'bakky/vaping history in my sig line...

BTW, I'm 67 years young...

 

[RoseB]

Sorry to read you are struggling Few things on this earth feel as horrid as not being able to breath.

 

[Rickajho]

Youse gets likes for support. Not likes for emphysema - that would be wrong. (Liking posts can be very confusing some times.)

 

[Ms.P]

So sorry to hear you've been struggling. But also glad to hear you're on the mend. {{huggles}} from a newbie.

 

[jjcordone]

Thank you all for the support!

On the questions on the meds....
I started with Qvar then to Prednisone - a week like this with no progress.
Then last week he added Spiriva and the effect was dramatic.
I went from gasping for breath to almost a normal breathing pattern by the second day on Spiriva.
I meet with the doctor on Monday and I should get an OK to finally return to work.
I'm not sure what meds will be daily now, but I'll bet at least one will be.

 

[raspberryblu]

What does the doc say about vaping? I'm just curious and so glad you're on the mend.......

 

[PaulBHC]

My wife started on Spiriva about a month ago. It takes a while to build up and then it really helps.

 

[Rat2chat2]

Sending good thoughts your way for the meds to do there thing. My friend with copd improved so much after vaping that she doesn't use her inhaler any longer. I hope it helps you too that much. Good luck to you. Sometimes it just feels good to tell someone that cares. You've come to the right place.

 

[Purplepeeps]

Thank you all for the support!

On the questions on the meds....
I started with Qvar then to Prednisone - a week like this with no progress.
Then last week he added Spiriva and the effect was dramatic.
I went from gasping for breath to almost a normal breathing pattern by the second day on Spiriva.
I meet with the doctor on Monday and I should get an OK to finally return to work.
I'm not sure what meds will be daily now, but I'll bet at least one will be.

I'm really sorry that you've been so sick!

My dad had copd for a long time and was on Spiriva. It worked wonders for him too. If you don't already know: Please make sure you brush your teeth a ton, while on this!

I hope you're on the mend and able to get back to your work routine, real soon!
Take care!

 

[NealBJr]

My Emphysema really took over my life this last three weeks.
Finally got on a COPD med that kicked me back to being able to breath and I should be returning to work next week.
So after two full weeks of not being able to work - a bottle of steroids, two different types of COPD inhalers and a rescue inhaler latter, I'm finally getting better. I dropped ten pounds and I still feel like I'm in a fog - all from a simple cold virus that went through my workplace and went crazy through my damaged lungs.

No real purpose to this post, just venting.
Having Emphysema sucks.

be glad you're doing better. I had two grandfathers and a step father who died of Emphysema. I know all too well the drug "albuterol" (sp?)... I've seen those cannisters everywhere and in my own way, kind of view them as the drug taken before you die. Dieing of emphysema is not pretty... lung collapsing, lack of oxygen to the brain... I remember my step father asking where his surfboards were... he was in his 60's and was hallucinating. I'm glad to hear you're better, That's a horrible way to live.

 

[Joshleeman]

So sorry you have to go through this hell, no one should. Keep positive brother, we are here for you!!!!

 

[ScottP]

Sorry to hear you are having these problems. I am curious though, how long did you smoke, when were you diagnosed, how long have you been vaping, and have you seen any improvements in the disease? I am asking for anecdotal evidence.

 

[jjcordone]

Before this attack, I had still smoked about 6 cigarettes a day - lost all interest in cigarettes now and I haven't touched one since.

I've been vaping since 2011. I had always used vaping as a way to cut down on my cigarette usage.
Smoked for 40+ years - pack or more a day.
Diagnosed with Emphysema about six months ago, but I'm sure the damage was there well before.
I had still felt fine, but all it took was a cold to allow the Emphysema to really take off.

My doctor continues to be very supportive of vaping.

I'll keep you all updated, really hoping now that I'm completely off cigarettes it will improve.

 

[Rickajho]

As someone who just spent the first 45 minutes of the morning - trying to breathe and hacking through a dry cough until I could - my extreme pollen allergies salute your emphysema. (Sort of.)

Damn, the last two years spring pollen season has been brutal. Last year was so bad it was the first time in 10 years I had to resort to a round of Asmanex (inhaled steroid) therapy - on top of the occasional albuterol and daily Rhinocort - to get through March and April. I was hoping to avoid the Asmanex this year but now I'm not so sure about that. The upper respiratory inflammation gets so bad - doing open mouth breathing until I can hack some of the crud out. It's a dry cough and it's painful. Time to schedule with the Allergist for a reality check after this morning.

Can't fathom what it would be like having pollen allergies on top of emphysema. Truly frightening concept.

 

[NicLiq]

{{hugs}} Now that you're off cigarettes completely and on a good med, you should feel so much better.