Tired

[cheryl]

There are some days that I have no energy and it's not because I've done anything strenuous. Today I feel like I'm dragging myself around. I don't know if it's because I'm out of shape and not exercising enough or is this just a normal part of emphysema? Do you get days that you feel whacked out?

[bobbioh]

I have good days and bad days. On the bad days I just rest alot. They generly dont last more then a couple days in a row foe me thank god. Take Care bobbioh

[morningstar]

Cheryl,

For me and I think you will find many others there are days when getting up at all is a chore in its self. Somedays I can't get enough sleep. A bath wears me out. And exercise is just a flop from start to finish. I don't know if you mean this but my arms and legs get tired and I have done anything to make them that way. I believe it is all part of the disease. We get tired because with bad lungs it makes everthing else in out bodies have to work harder. So we get tired. Some times with me a heavy meal will make me tired, As will sugar. Do you take Vitamin B-12? My doctor suggested that I take it and Vitamin C daily. Might want to call and check to see what you doctor says. I also take a multi-vitamin also. I didn't think any of them were doing any good so I stopped taking them. Boy in about 2 days I was giving them out again I could really see the difference. I will tell you like my doctor told me. Rest when your tired. Exercise just a little even if your tired. Eat good meals 6 small instead of 3 large ones a day and see if any of this helps.
Hang in there my friend.

Happy Trails

[spike99]

.

I have good days and bad days as well. For me, "negative stress" can pull me down faster then the Titanic (after she hit the chunk of ice). To me, there's 2 types of stress in our world. Positive stress and negative stress. Positive stress is when one has to do something because something good will be its default outcome. Like when friends come over at Christmas time but one has to "panic clean" the house first. Negative stress is when something bad will happen or is happening and there's nothing one can do about it. Like a raining day and one is itching to go outside. And the more it rains, the more one wants to go outside.

If "negative" stress is pulling you down, do try to find a way to make a positive out of it. It will be hard at times but do try.... For example.... During our last rainy day and when all of our kids were in school, my wife pulls out the blank Christmas cards and starts writing a few out. Due to lack of dollars, we buy blank Christmas cards after Christmas (when they are on sale). Writing good wishes and happy thoughts in the cards perked my wife up. Come middle this Nov, she only needs to stamp and mail them. But.... Doing this rainy day task (a few days ago) put her into a "postive stress" smile. One of her "happy thoughts" days. Being this proactive for Christmas may sound strange but this approach might work for you as well....

Hope this helps....

.

[larrynz]

Being tired is a normal part of COPD, with emphysema your respiration rate would be double normal, plus as the lungs are not elastic your body muscles have to work breathing in and out, that adds up to a lot of work.
There can be other reasons so check it out with your doctor, as an example my wife had the problem of being tired, it was a thyroid problem.

[cheryl]

Thank you for the responses. My doctor always tells me I'm out of shape. I hate exercise and he is always telling me to exercise more. (This is my general practitioner telling me this) He tells me I should be walking at 4 miles per hour on the treadmill. I think his expectations are a bit high. There is no way I can do that. I walk at 2 miles per hour. I guess I could try a slight incline and see how that goes. I need a personal coach -

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Cheryl; w/o knowing your "physical" abilities or the severity of the disease and your FEV 1; I gotta tell you...4 mph is a bit much.....that's a 15 min mile and even I can't do that and I like to think I'm in relatively decent condition for the severity of my disease.

And yes; just like you; there's days I feel like I'm an ape or something, dragging my knuckles on the ground behind me . Other days I'm at the top of my game. Weather, stress, depression, not enough rest, the disease itself....We tire quicker and easier, breathing takes a LOT of energy.

But yes; you do need to exercise. It really will help you to manage the disease better. I promise.

[cheryl]

Thanks Jackie - I know I can't do 4 mph - I don't know where the doc's brain is -

[cocojax]

Hey Cheryl
I know how you feel, I never really had to exercise before I had Copd, because I was always so active, that I was in good shape. I loved to fast dance so that is the best exercise you can get, because it is enjoyable. I have an MP3 player and I love it. When you are on the treadmill, if you have one, if not I would invest in one as they are great. It makes it so much easier to exercise or just dance. I have always eaten small meals so that part is easy for me. Too hard to eat a big meal. Hope this helps. Get up and shake your booty ....It will make you feel so much better..

[cheryl]

Small meal? I don't know what that is? lolol

[Deleted]

cheryl said:

There are some days that I have no energy and it's not because I've done anything strenuous. Today I feel like I'm dragging myself around. I don't know if it's because I'm out of shape and not exercising enough or is this just a normal part of emphysema? Do you get days that you feel whacked out?

[Deleted]

cheryl said:

There are some days that I have no energy and it's not because I've done anything strenuous. Today I feel like I'm dragging myself around. I don't know if it's because I'm out of shape and not exercising enough or is this just a normal part of emphysema? Do you get days that you feel whacked out?

[Deleted]

HI IM KATHY LIVE IN VIRGINIA usa iM HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE
fAMILY STILL THINKS i CAN DO ALL THE THINGS i USED TOO. SOME DAYS GOOD OTHERS NOT SO GOOD.hOPE YOU FEEL BETTER

[cheryl]

Kathy,

It does seem to be difficult to get families to understand your limitations. My children are just starting to realize that when walking, they have to match their speed to mine. It drives them nuts to have to walk slowly. Hopefully in time, all our families will catch on. One thing I do notice is that if I don't exercise regularly, I get tired more quickly doing things. Please keep us updated.

[John]

Kathy ;
I 'm lucky my wife is very good She will tell me take your time. I'm probably harder on my self than she is . I try to get things done as quick as I used to be able to. I have to be kinder to my self and say you can still do it John, just not like you could when you were twenty . Besides whats the rush anyway? I had to do that most of my life . Now I'm retired & have all the time I need to complete my tasks. Cheryl's right as they say " use it or loose it "exercise is very important Remember you can always come in here to vent & get all the support you need. I wish you well Kathy

[Deleted]

doctor said I need o2 last visit going for test this week too tired to get on tread mill I bought.Husband is a jerk.

[cheryl]

Kathie,

I'm sorry you're having a hard time getting your family to understand your limitations. Would it help if they went with you to the Doctors; then he could explain your situtation to them.
Keep us updated on your situation.

[Deleted]

cheryl said:

Kathie,

I'm sorry you're having a hard time getting your family to understand your limitations. Would it help if they went with you to the Doctors; then he could explain your situtation to them.
Keep us updated on your situation.
Thank you

[Deleted]

on o2 18 hours a day now right side high pressure in heart.THey say something in throat going down for a look scope father had throat cancer

[Deleted]

Turned out it was just swollen glands.I was worried it was cancer.Now they will check heart

[virginia]

Deepcreek..That is wonderful news...Maybe you will have the same good results from the test on the heart...Take care...Virginia

[cheryl]

That is good news. I hope the good news keeps on coming.

[cocojax]

That is Great News deepcreek, hope the news continues to be good...