Do you suffer from C.O.P.D.?
By commanderxo
@commanderxo (1494)
Canada
September 1, 2008 8:48am CST
Chronic Obstructive Pulminary Disorder...the smoker's nightmare.
If you too suffer from this, what type(s) of medication are you taking for it?
My doctor has put me on a monthly regime of: 1-200 dose Salbutimol (Ventolin) puffer, 1-200 dose Ativan puffer, 1-200 dose Flovent puffer, plus a box of Spiriva (the 24hr. dry active inhaler)which I optionally take in case I run out of the Salbutimol.
I've been told by my doctor also, that my lungs are working at about 85% efficiancy, and that I should definitely quit smoking, if I want to live any longer.
My problem with the idea of quitting is this...I have been smoking for over 35 years now, and well, what can I say? ...I like it! Of course it's the nicotine that I'm enjoying, but I'm not crazy about the nicotine chewing gum. To me, there isn't enough nicotine in one piece. I'd have to chew the whole box to get the same effect as one cigarette, as far as I'm concerned.
I did try quitting once before. I even tried using the arm patches. What a waste of money THAT was!
Two years ago, I had to be hospitalized...spent 6 days in bed without a smoke.
When I got back home, I grabbed a smoke immediately! Ahhhhhh.
O.K., so I'm cookcoo. What can I say? I'm hooked. But what really gets to me though, is that I know many smokers who are way older than me (I'm 57) and NONE of them have this condition.
My doctor says: "It's your funeral." Yup...true. Yet even as I write this commentary with a cigarette in hand, it's somehow a comfort to me. (cough,cough)
Smoking is NOT a disease, it's a choice.....and if that's the way I'm going to "go", then...well, so be it.
cdrxo
1 response
@shell94 (990)
• Canada
21 Oct 08
I totallu understand where you are coming from. I have been ill for the past month and have finally seen the doctor, well if she does not want to have me fo to a lung specialist and be tested for COPD. Frankly, I am quite scared about this as I feel so crappy most of the time anymore. I would not be surprised to find that I am positive for this disorder like yourself. I am also like you in the fact that I really enjoy smoking and know that this wikk be one of the first things tha they try to get me to cut out of my life. I have smoked for over 25 years, and like it as much now as I did in the beginning.
Time will tell I guess. I go to the specialist on Nov. 5/2008
How long until I get my reults from the Pulmonary function testing....any idea?
@commanderxo (1494)
• Canada
22 Oct 08
You should get your results after the testing...at least I did anyway.
Let's just hope that you don't have C.O.P.D.
Really, it's not all that fun being on 3 puffers a day.
However, I can give you a suggestion, which will help ease your suffering a little bit. Prop up your pillows in such a way, that when you lay down, your head rests at a 30 degree angle. This will help keep your airway open and clear while you are sleeping, and will also help ease your coughing in the morning. Drink hot tea. It has a natural theopheline derivative, which is one of the main ingredients used in puffers, for clearing mucus build-up.
Best of luck on your test.
cdrxo
@commanderxo (1494)
• Canada
22 Oct 08
One other point I might add.....
If you ARE diagnosed with this disorder, and your doctor puts you on puffers...there is one side affect you should be aware of. These types of medications are known as a CORTICAL steriods...NOT the same kinds that athelites get caught using. Those are something altogether different. No, C.O.P.D. medications won't increase your muscle tissue...but the WILL make you constipated.
Just keep some laxative handy, but please, DON'T overdo the laxative either, or you'll dry out your system, and wind up having another problem you certainly don't need.
Remember... M O D E R A T I O N, is key.
Cheers;
cdrxo
