Hi, @A MyCOPDTeam Member:

Pull up a chair, as I feel a soapbox moment coming on.

Your pulmonologist or respiratory specialist or even GP may have written you off, but you need to look beyond their shortfalls because they are telling you the truth as far as CURRENT medicine and technology goes, and we know there are improvements and medical breakthroughs all the time.

In 2014, when my doc pushed Anoro Ellipta across the desk to me (I was about to travel to Australia), he ticked me off for his timing. Seriously?!!? I was about to go swim in the Great Barrier Reef for 7 days and have New Years at the best hotel in Sydney, and I was out of options?!?!?!!! No way.

I stormed out of his office madder than a wet hen at the messenger, but he was only telling me the truth as he knew it.

I ignored his opinion and had a wonderful adventure - despite Australian customs confiscating my Xopenex inhaler - while also being madder than heck at what he’d said to me.

I still have the same excellent pulmonologist, and I don’t hesitate to do battle with him as new treatments such as stem cells, zephyr valves, bulletectomies, etc., come into and out of fashion as the “best” treatments for each of us, depending on our circumstances.

We’re fighting over my quality of life for the last couple of months, and we’re both being stubborn, but I’m still here and I’m still bringing a variety of options to his attention for consideration in my care choices.

Put on your exercise hat and get out there and keep doing your best to move. Read up on what the National Institutes of Health (or, country-specific research experts) recommend, and look at what Russ Winwood, the COPD Athlete is doing, and pursue anything that looks possible and viable to you.

Your doc may be out of options, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend your spare time researching what’s been successful for others and trying to see if anything they do for diet, supplements, exercise or other medical interventions might work for you.

Hugs, as I know it’s hard to be exhausted and still have to be your own best advocate, but that is your reality.

Saturday night, 31-AUG-24

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A MyCOPDT...

Absolutely, diabetes is a definite concern ,I've not heard of COPD affecting your circulation, but I'm not 100%,I'm only 64 but I was diagnosed with COPD 16 yrs ago ,never give up,my elderly neighbor 84,( I think ) has had cold feet & hands for the longest time, and she's fit as a fiddle. Sometimes I feel lucky to have universal health care ,but other times I think it's a detriment. I actually wouldn't mind dying, but I gotta stick around for my granddaughter, I'm all she's got. So I'm doing my best to stay healthy, I promised her [late] Mom 😓 Stay Safe &Breath easy ❤️

Thanks Joanne,it's just that some knockdowns are harder to get up from than others,in Canada we may have free Healthcare, but choosing a doctor is a bit tricky, my lung specialist was supposedly the "best" in the area. I will most definitely heed your advice as I have much to live for . I'm raising my granddaughter by myself and she's worth fighting for,,thanks for your kind ,but straightforward advice,,❤️🙏 this is Ryelyne

Thanks, @A MyCOPDTeam Member - may they all find each other in whatever next adventure awaits us all.

Hugs,
Monday, 02-SEP-24

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A MyCOPDT...

Jerkman truly Doctors are only human beings and they cannot cure you. Only the Lord Jesus can do that. So my recommendation is to run to Jesus and seek him for the answers you are needing to help your body to heal. Look up Jeremiah 29:13 and Acts 3:19... these are the directions to him!