Sandy you sound like me up until about 6 months ago. If I didn't move around or try to do anything breathing was easy. This was frustrating and depressing.
.
My pulmonary consultant wanted me to exercise more but how was I to do that when I could not walk from my living room to my kitchen.
I started to watch myself like a hawk trying to figure out what was going on and what I could do to change things.
Here's what I found.
My shortness of breath doesn't happen in isolation. It was worse after a poor night's sleep, worse on days when I had acid reflux and digestive issues. And worse when my hiatal hernia was playing up.
I've spent the last 18 months dealing with the acid reflux and hernia and these are now mostly under control. I've worked to improve my sleep.
What I learned is that my COPD is made worse by other health issues and getting those under control has helped a lot.
In addition to dealing with other health issues I regularly use devices that I find helpful for strengthening my lungs. The key word being regular.
I also do stretches from head to toe before I get out of bed and I received shiatsu massage once a week. The stretches and massage help me to get rid of trapped air not only from my lungs but in the cells of my body.

Overtime, slowly but surely I've become able to do a little more without becoming too breathless.
It's slow progress and even a simple cough or cold can be a big set back. Even so I can honestly say that my quality of life is much improved and every week, I'm able to do a bit more without becoming so breathless that I can't function.
My comments here have been purposefully general because my solutions are based on my specific symptoms and health conditions.
My main advice is not to look at COPD or SOB as separate from everything else going on with your health.
Seemingly unrelated conditions have an effect on us.
By addressing those other conditions you will see significant improvements.

Stay strong,
Be attentive to your body.
Keep up the work of self healing and recovery.

I found that pulmonary rehab showed me how to build muscles around the lungs and the breath deeper. Of couse I do not know if that will help. The internet will also show excercises that may be helpful. There are many of us in rehab and I still need my oxygen but I learned alot. I was able to walk farther just on ixygen I now have a portable when I leave my home. This is my is my new normal. Since I need oxygen I have to learn to accept this. I work daily to improve myself as much as possible. I apologize fir my long text. If I help one person I would be so pleased. Myrna

Hi I always find April/May and October/November hits me hard, think it’s the change of seasons, and end up having flare ups. Agree with Jeffrey ref the exercises and have a rescue pack handy. Sometimes, being out of breath can make you anxious and that makes things even worse and you end up in a vicious cycle. Mindful breathing may also help to calm things. These can be found on the internet

I believe the weather has much to do with COPD. A cold can throw us into a tailspin. I'm waiting to here from my pulmonologist as to what he wants me to do

@A MyCOPDTeam Member I do a breathing exercise that works for me. Most of us have Trapped air or Hyperinflated Lung or Lungs which leaves dead air in the Lungs. I exhale as far as I can until I feel like I will Pass-Out, Then inhale as much as I can and hold for 10 Seconds, I do that 3 times. Helps me. Try it!!

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