My @A MyCOPDTeam Member is to start small. Something as simple as out your front door and in the backdoor. After 3 or 4 days add a walk down yr front walk and back then. To the back door. The idea is to add a little distance more every three or four days until before you know it you’re walking around the block. This method sets you up to be successful. Keep adding a little more until you reach your goal . You don’t need to walk every day. Three or four times a week is good. Hope this helps.

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A MyCOPDT...

This fatigue is so frustrating I do go out but it takes time.When I return I always need to sleep.I don't have the energy like I had in the past.Does anyone else feel this way I am exhausted!

Thank all of you for your tips to avoid fatigue and build strength. On a previous stay in the hospital, it was discovered that I had 3 times the amount of carbon in my blood thru a ABG and have been using a BPAP at night ever since. It was agreed upon several of my Drs that my ideal O2 level should be 90-94 and I'm on 2lpm on my concentrator at home. My outlook and spirits are always high (I'm a very optimistic person) but my body just can't keep up sometimes. That's what is frustrating. I realize this though...so I just do what I can, when I can. One thing about this disease...I don't sweat the small stuff, worry about things that I cannot change or fail to express my love and gratitude to someone.

Hi Wanda! I used to get panic attacks so bad I would end up in the ER. I took up meditation to avert the negative thinking that comes when you have difficulty breathing. The best thing I did was to stop myself from overthinking my symptoms and just learned to breathe. I'm sure you learned deep-breathing exercises, so take some slow deep breaths deep into your abdomen. I'm sure they have instructional videos on you tube for both deep breathing exercises and meditation. It sounds simplistic but it works for me.

CathyHealy , most people may not want this advice. But I can assure you the best thing you can do is get on a regular exercise program. It makes a big difference. I have been going to an adult wellness center for almost 3 years now. I was told my lungs are 23% better now than they were a year ago. I was told this right after my 2nd year of exercising. My doctor told me that was uncommon and that I should be proud of myself. I told him I was. I have a lot of faith in God and I go to the wellness center. Believe me, I don't know of anything else that is going to make your breathing better. You will feel better too. We have a group now that shows up to work out. Some 3 days a week and the others 5... It is by far the best thing I have done and I really enjoy working with the other guys and gals too. It keeps me going. I hope you will find a place that you can do this too. It gets easier as you go along... I am stage 4 COPD/Emphysema and I have been on life support twice. The weather can make this rough as you know, but never stop believing... We can help ourselves if we just make the effort.