what now?

[Aqua girl]

)
Everyone,
I am another new COPD member. Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with COPD and Emphysema. For over 50 years I have been a Cardiac patient with an Artificial Valve, Pacemaker, AV Node Ablasion and several other severe cardiac diagnosis. But, with a strong will, and positive attitude I have beaten the odds and I am still here today.

Seven years ago I started Aqua classes and my life turned around! I went from spending time in a wheelchair and on oxygen to walking around and moderately exercising in water. This has been my life 4 times a week since then. But today I must admit I am a little depressed about my future. My breathing has become so laboured I have to rest for hours after attending my aqua class or performing any normal daily activity.

My ability to do the physical exercise needed to maintain good breathing is stifled by my cardiac limitations. Does anyone else have similar situation? Can you suggest any common sense things I can do to keep active?

Each day I wake up I am thrilled to be here and enjoy every moment of my life. I do not take any day for granted!!!

[bobbioh]

Dear Aqua girl First I want to welcome you and invite you to become a member if you wish. I really dont have a answer to your question but perhaps a suggestion. Maybe your Cardiologist and plumo can get together and figure things out so you can get around better. What medicine if any are you on for your COPD? Have you had any breathing function tests yet? Maybe with a little more information someone can come along and help you a bit better. Its such a new DX for you maybe all you need is a medication tweek. Good Luck To you. Bobbi

[Deleted]

Thank you Bobbi for your reply. Presently I am taking Spiriva and Pulmacort for my COPD along with about 20 cardiac meds. It was after a recent breathing function test I learned about my COPD. My breathing was not good and my oxygen levels were poor. I am waiting to see the Pulmonary Specialist who will consult with my Cardilogist. In the meantime I want to get on top of the situation by learning everything I can to try to improve my situation.

Learning everything I can is what has allowed me to beat the odds with my heart so far and I am not going to change my approach at this time. Every little bit of knowledge helps!
Thank you.

[John]

Hi Bubbles 1! I have to say I like your attitude. I'm sure you will find a solution .You don't seem like the type to give up easily . Glad to have you join us

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

I LOVE your attitude as well! You hit the nail on the head Bubbles....... Education. The more you learn the better equipped you'll be. There's a few folks here who also have cardiac problems so I'm sure they can relate to your situation. It also sounds like you've got a "take charge" kind of mentality as it relates to your personal situation. WTG lady!

When do you expect to see the Specialist?

As for "common sense" things to do from an exercise perspective; we'll certainly help you out in that regard but I think first you should clear things (and ask what your limitations are due to your heart situation) before you embark on more strenuous exercise. The aqua classes are GREAT; it's much easier to move around in water becasue of the buoyancy. Unfortunately it now appears to be "zonking you" so to speak. Have you considered (in t he meanwhile); every 2nd day and maybe a bit shorter duration?

Incidentally; one of the things you ultimately want is "endurance" not necessarily speed etc. The tortoise won the race!

Either way you do need to get a clearnace then we can all work together helping you get the best bang for the buck!

[Deleted]

Hi Bubbles,

I think we go into shock when we learn we have COPD, most people here have other medical problems on top of copd. I am very happy you came here, there is so much good information, and everyone is is kind, I always equate Copd Canada to a bridge , that we meet each other, so many countries are members here, but we are all on the bridge, the bridge is filled with friends, everyone here cares about each other, not because were Ill but because we are like a family, a group of friends. I look forward to getting to know you, I wish you a great breathing day and every day, and above all I wish you peace. ((((((( Hugs)))))) Linndie

[Bubbles 1]

:)Thanks Everyone for being so responsive to me. I am a fighter and will not let this COPD destroy me.
For those of you who are interested just check out AQUA Classes on the web and you will read how the water automatically increases your oxygen level and improves your flow of blood while in the water. Our ability to move comfortably increases substantially just being in a pool chest deep. This is why I was able to continue to function for so long without a definite Dx.
I am following up with the Pulmonary Specialist Tues to arrange for my appointment ASAP. They told me they were now making appointment for the end of October. That's not good enough!!! I'll get one sooner because my Cardiologist wants to do a followup to check my improvements in Sept.

Because I was on oxygen before I realize how to improve my low blood oxygen. Right now I can't walk more than about 10 feet maximum. There is no way I could do the 6 minute walk test that was mentioned. I have started to use the electric carts in the major stores to do my necessary shopping. I am unable to walk around any store now.

So now the only way to go is UP!!

Bubbles1

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

That's a substantial drop/change Bubbles; sounds like you've got more going on. I also think you're doing the right thing by "taking charge"

Let us know how you make out.

[aero63]

Bubbles
I am catching up on some reading so I just now read your story.
I admire your "go get "em" attitude. I can see you are a fighter. Sorry to read about the decline in activity levels that you are experiencing. Please let us know what happens.

[mary57]

Welcome Bubbles, I too am just catching up on line. Glad you joined us, you will/have meet/met a great group of people with a lot of experence to share with you.