good Morning, I am new to this site and am looking for friends who might share some of the feelings I have as a COPD patient. I am a retired RN and have worked hospice and in a hospital ICU step down. Sometimes being a nurse has disadvantages. I remember telling families to let the person dying know it is ok to go that you will be fine, and other things nurses tell families. The problem is I am on the other side now and having a problem dealing with or accepting what is going on. My pulmonologist has told me I am at stage 3 on the GOLD scale. I am SOB on excertation and have other issues with arthritis, gout, and osteoporisis. I still cook, clean up my house, make the bed and shower daily. It is very difficult at times but if I stop it means I have given up. I have compression fractures and have had some injections for pain. Next week it is back to rehab to get my strength back after a recent exacerbation. I do have a lady come and clean every 2 weeks. people say save your energy for what you want to do, I am afraid to stop in fear of what will happen. I finally talked with my son and daughter last night and told them I am scared. They are supportive and so is my husband. His is a silent support. I am very lucky to have family that cares so much, but I have always been the caregiver. Where do I start. Bonnie
Hello and welcome to this forum. I have been here for only a short time but have found it to be most helpful when I have a question or just want to talk. The first thing for you to do, which will help alot with your fear is to quit "running" from the reality that you have COPD. We all know what it is like and we have all done the running thing until we accept our health condition. Now, accepting that you have COPD does not mean that you should just sit back and wait to die. Go on with your normal life as best you can but just keep in mind that you may need to rest a bit more and pay closer attention to your breathing. Other than that it is life as usual. Your body will let you know what it needs and what you need to do to accomplish that. I was at stage 3 for ten years before I went into end-stage COPD. Even so I can still do quite a bit but do need help at times because I have both COPD and CHF, but even then the attitude with which I choose to have regarding my health is of the utmost importance. So stay busy because you can and not because you are afraid you will fall over if you don't keep going. Hope this helps.
Anneymay