I get winded going up stairs...going up a slight incline outdoors, I CAN'T go for my beloved walks outside anymore because I get too short of breath and my heart rate goes up over 150...likely partially related to panic. My pulse ox is usually in the mid to high 90's but if I am feeling particularly short of breath, it is not unusual for it to drop into the 80's...sometimes LOW 80's. When I went to my pulmonologist in August, she was THRILLED with my pulmonary function testing, she was also THRILLED with my breath sounds. I was having a pretty good day and had been doing water workouts every day. Now that the only way I could work out in the water would be inside, I can't deal with the chlorine. I am so sensitive to any chemicals, even ones that others say they can hardly smell. I work out regularly and I work a job one day a week, considering the fact that I am 68 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis and degenerative disc disease, I think that's pretty good. I haven't had an exacerbation for months, knock on wood, and I just got my annual flu shot. I eat a healthier diet than I ever have in my life. My COPD has made me more grateful for the time I DO have, whatever that may be. I appreciate the good things more now than I ever did when I thought I was immortal.
