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Post by lindyrig on Jun 7, 2007 14:21:19 GMT -5
I've had COPD for 10 years now and have done pretty good until about 4 months ago. In these 10 years I hardly ever coughed but now I am hacking more and more and coughing up a lot of icky stuff. I've been to the doc twice and they did x-rays for pnemonia which were neg.
I was put on Asmannax a powerded inhalant of the steroid type. I was thinking this was the problem but the doc said no.
Looking on the internet today one thing I found out that this could be a natural progression of the disease which means I might be bying the farm pretty soon. I'm 71 and never expected to make it this far. Has anyone had a similar situation?
Lindy
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Post by cheryl on Jun 7, 2007 14:33:33 GMT -5
Lindyrig - A big welcome to the forum. We've been having a bad day today. The angels came to take our forum founder home. Please bear with us. I'm sure one of our more knowledgeable members will be along to try and help you with your question. Again welcome to our friendly group.  |
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Post by morningstar on Jun 7, 2007 14:44:44 GMT -5
Hi Lindy,
Welcome to the forum. I am afraid that I too am like Cheryl. I don't know the answer to your question. But , I am sure we can help. Like Cheryl said please hang in there with us as we have lost our founder and friend Phil just this morning Please don't be discouraged there is much help out here and here for you. You are not alone please join us but allow for the grief we are all feeling now.
Hope to talk with you soon.
Rosemarie aka morningstar
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Post by larrynz on Jun 7, 2007 15:10:21 GMT -5
I think you need to get back to your doctor, I have no idea what meds you are on, I am like that when my meds are due, take them and I'm right again, I refer to Symbicort which I find a great help, I think we all have a med that works best for us.
Symbicort is available in Canada, not the US yet.
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jun 7, 2007 19:23:11 GMT -5
Lindy; it's hard to suggest or think of ideas for you to check or ask your Dr. about w/o knowing a lot of what you take, what your FEV 1 is and a whole bunch of other issues. Even down to what Larry suggested re: close to meds time. Come the evening and close to mine, I sure get "gunked up" and do the cough routine. BTW; other than Asmanex, what meds are you on? Is the coughing constant? Is it unusual in color for you? You get the idea.
Somehow I don't think you're anywhere near "buying the farm", at least from the sound of your post and if you';ve been living with this for 10 years...that's WONDERFUL! Whatever you're doing, keep doing!!! You're on a roll!!!....Many with COPD do live that and MUCH LONGER I assure you.
Perhaps you could share a bit more about yourself?
Jackie
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Post by the bear on Jun 7, 2007 19:48:51 GMT -5
Do not panic. And do not abandon ship. We are rudderless with the loss of our leader today but we have a very knowledgable and willing crew. We will be here for you in the days to come. Welcome aboard. This ship will sail on. Hugz, as ever, bear
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Post by lindyrig on Jun 8, 2007 14:36:29 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies, my wife said I'm overreacting. I use Albuterol, Atrovent and recently this Asmanax which if for inflamation in the lungs. I also have oxygen in the house. Licquid and I bought my own machine which was made in Brittan and has been a real workhorse. On my best days I could walk a slow 1/4 mile. Or go 15 mins on a treadmill with 3 liters of oxy.
Lately I can't walk 50 feet. I'm coughing up awfull looking gunk yellow to green.ugh!!
Thanks again for your input.
Lindy
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Post by lindyrig on Jun 8, 2007 14:39:39 GMT -5
OH, I live in Woodbury Minnesota which is 380 miles south of Thunder Bay, Ontario!!
Lindy
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Post by morningstar on Jun 8, 2007 15:13:26 GMT -5
Lindy,
None of us here are doctors but it sounds like you have a infection. And would need Antibiotics from your doctor. Please give him or her a call or go to a local ER and tell them this can be a matter of life and death it needs handled. That is the best thing you can do go tonight don't put it off another day.
Please keep in touch and let us know how things went.
Blessing to you and yours
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jun 8, 2007 15:21:19 GMT -5
Lindy; I know you've had x rays and been checked over BUT; you're NOT over reacting in my opinion. It sounds like an infection. Please see your Dr or visit the ER; I think you should, at the very least, be on antibiotics right now. Please DON'T wait. Please. Many of us would rather err on the side of caution...
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Post by LindaNY on Jun 8, 2007 15:56:38 GMT -5
The color of your sputum does indicate infection. Please call your doctor or visit a walk in clinic ASAP and get on an antibiotic.
Please don't let it go.
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Post by lindyrig on Jun 8, 2007 19:43:17 GMT -5
Not to worry, I was on Levathan or some such for 10 days a month or so ago and also Prednisone!! It doesn't seem to be in my chest!! I'm on a new inhaled med to clear the sinus's!! Later, Lindy
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Post by morningstar on Jun 8, 2007 19:47:53 GMT -5
Lindy,
I don't know how we can stress this to you enough. And just because you took Levathan last month or whenever Even last week. You need to see a doctor you sound like that is a infection . And the Predinsone even though good it is not a antibotic. See your doctor or visit your ER. And we can't tell you enough to Run don't walk with infection.
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Post by bobbioh on Jun 8, 2007 21:02:32 GMT -5
Lindy, There have been times I was on antibiotic after antibiotic before I was cured,When you throw sinus trouble in the mix you have a real mess. If left untreated you could end up in the hospital. You need to try to catch this as it first starts,To insure you dont get it in your chest and cause further damage,Each time we are sick are lungs are scared. There have been months straight I have needed antibiotics When sinus were involved,Thats how I generaly do get sick please get to a Dr or a ER room ASAP.You dont want to end up with a long stay in the hospital when it could be a short trip to the ER. bobbioh
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Post by cocojax on Jun 8, 2007 21:07:19 GMT -5
These are from the Regional Respiratory Rehabilitation Program that I took last November...
TEN WARNING SIGNS
1. Increased breathlessness.
2. A fever (temperature > 38 degrees Celsius/100.5 degrees
Fahrenheit or other cold-like symptoms.
3. A change in the color of your mucus ( either green, yellow or
brown).
4. An increase in the amount, thickness or stickiness of mucus
(sputum).
5. Generally feeling unwell.
6. Sleeping upright to avoid shortness of breath or using more
pillows.
7. Increased use of your rescue inhaler.
8. Pain with taking a deep breath.
IF THESE SYMPTOMS GO ON WITHOUT IMPROVEMENT FOR ONE DAY OR MORE, CALL YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR, OR GO TO THE NEAREST URGENT CARE ( IF YOUR DOCTOR IS NOT AVAILABLE).
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Post by larrynz on Jun 8, 2007 21:54:11 GMT -5
From what you have said Lindy an infection is almost certain as the others have said.
You mention sinus problems, this could be the source of infection, very difficult to beat some infections in the sinus cavity.
Back to the doctor. Please
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Post by lindyrig on Jun 10, 2007 19:35:43 GMT -5
I'll get hold of my doctor Monday, am!!
Lindy
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jun 10, 2007 20:13:43 GMT -5
Great News Lindy. Let us know how you make out alright?
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Post by morningstar on Jun 10, 2007 20:23:06 GMT -5
Lindy,
That is good news. None of us here are doctors. But all of us here have had more than are share of infections. Please let us know what the doctor has to say.
Best of Luck to you,
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Post by lindyrig on Jun 13, 2007 21:25:47 GMT -5
Saw the Doc and he put me on Agumentin which is a penicillin variation. If not better in 10 days I'm to go back. I've taken 3 pills so far. Luckily its not in my lungs yet!!
Lindy
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Post by larrynz on Jun 13, 2007 23:24:00 GMT -5
Good chance that will put you right, I have a 10 day pack of augmenten at home always, then if I have a lung infection I can start it with no delay.
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Post by maryaz on Jun 13, 2007 23:26:18 GMT -5
Hi Lindy; I thought you were a woman until you mentioned your wife. Sorry about that!  The last Lindy online was a lady. Now I have that straight. I had been reading your posts. Glad you are on another antibiotic. I have to agree with everyone that you need to keep on top of this. I would suspect in 10 years maybe some downturn but should not be dramatic with what it sounds like you have been doing. When you are feeling better maybe we can compare more information and see what else you do and what we may add to it. You should be able to still exercise. Is your doctor a pulmonary doctor. There are other medicine options too. Just let us know when you feel better and share some more. Glad to know you might be on the mend. BTW, here is a little song you might enjoy. If you want to see some more, just click on Contents at the bottom of the page. The rest that I looked at are pretty corny. www.rtlyrics.com/BrownSputum.htmGet well soon. |
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Post by cheryl on Jun 14, 2007 8:26:05 GMT -5
Lindy, So glad you had the doctor check you and now you are on the mend. Better to have these things checked, just in case.  |
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jun 14, 2007 11:19:01 GMT -5
Good news Lindy; Thanks for going in and then letting us know. Hoepfully you'll feel right up to par soon....
(BTW Mary; I'd forgotten all about that jingle)
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Post by LindaNY on Jun 14, 2007 20:25:56 GMT -5
That is wonderful news Lindy. Why don't' you ask the doctor for an emergency prescription to have handy in the event the infection kicks up again.
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Post by lindyrig on Jun 21, 2007 21:56:15 GMT -5
Well I'm on my last pill and I have improved. My sputum is clear now and my cough has lessened. My shortness of breath is not very good. I will keep in touch as conditions warrants. Thanks for your support!!
Lindy
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Post by John on Jun 21, 2007 22:03:04 GMT -5
Hope you feel better in the am  |
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Post by cheryl on Jun 21, 2007 22:05:18 GMT -5
Lindyrig, I'm glad to hear that you have improved, but please keep on top of the Shortness of Breath. It's not something you want to ignore. Keep us updated please.  |
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Post by morningstar on Jun 21, 2007 22:17:57 GMT -5
Lindy, I think your breathing can be improved. Our late Administrator Phil Cable wrote several great ways to improve your breathing with PLB and he broke it down in words we could understand not Dr. talk. The link for them is here on the site please read them. He helped thousands with his words and ways. philns.proboards46.com/index.cgi?board=newbies&action=display&thread=1175015102Please read them and feel free to copy them because he wrote them to help. And start breathting better. And don't feel you can only come here when your down come all the time we would love to have you. I will look forward to seeing you post maybe with us Over the Back Fence each morning. I will be looking for you. Rosemarie aka morningstars |
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Post by cocojax on Jun 21, 2007 22:34:20 GMT -5
I am so glad you are feeling better, I know sometimes we feel we can wait awhile cause we think it will get better, but deep down I think we know when we need help. I have a prescription for Biaxin waiting at the drugstore just in case I need it and then I don't have to go to the Dr. Take Care we are here because we care and want to help |
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The last Lindy online was a lady. Now I have that straight. I had been reading your posts. Glad you are on another antibiotic. I have to agree with everyone that you need to keep on top of this.
