Depression & lung conditions

Reply

Wheezy Posted: 02-21-2011 2:53 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi all, there maybe a thread on this already but I couldn't find it. Sorry if this has been discussed before but is there any research on this? How have others come to terms with their conditions? Since my own diagnosis of severe asthma I am struggling with depressin which I have suffered on & off for years. Thanks for reading.

Wheezyrie

Reply

Tracey Newton replied on 02-21-2011 3:36 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi Wheezy

I am sorry to read of the problems you are having with the depression.

I have had a quick look around the internet but haven't found any specific research relating lung conditions and depression.

Depression can be extremely debilitating and coupled with a lung condition can make it even harder.

We have some very good information on our website re depression and lung conditions - click on the following link to go straight to it:

http://www.lunguk.org/you-and-your-lungs/living-with-a-lung-condition/dealingwithdepression

It is though, well understood if you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition how this can affect  your mood and general outlook. as ever please call us on the helpline - we are happy to listen - 08458 50 50 20.

Cheers

Tracey

Reply

Wheezy replied on 02-24-2011 12:56 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi all, I have had afew better days. As its half-term I have been able to go at a pace I am happy with & no awful school runs to contend with! Am resting today as my daughters want to go shopping tomorrow so the portable neb is on charge & I have planned which coffee shop I will have a pit stop in! The sun is shining too here so that has made me feel better! Thinking of you all.

Wheezyrie

Reply

Ian replied on 02-24-2011 1:26 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi, Wheezyrie understand what you are saying, it catches up with us all at times but you are not alone we are always here for each other. Have had some time out in the sunshine and now doing the rest and relax bit to re charge my batteries, happy because I managed to tick some things off my to do list.

Previous thread on this was  http://forum.lunguk.org/forums/p/1965/15628.aspx#15628

look after yourself

Ian

Reply

Wheezy replied on 02-24-2011 1:45 PM

rated by 0 users

Well done Ian for getting some of your to-do list ticked off. It is so nice to see the sun today as yesterday I couldn't see my hand infront of my face for thick fog! Thanks for the link. Take care.

Wheezyrie

Reply

Wheezy replied on 02-26-2011 2:22 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi all, got my blood test results back yest & my thyroid is behaving even if my lungs are not! Took my D's for a nice shopping trip yest but had to have a neb whilst out & then had to crawl on my hands & knees to bed when I got home. I had no energy left whatsoever! This is what gets me so down. [:'(] I am only 39, I shouldn't have to feel like this. Sorry, Wheezy is tired & its all self-inflicted so I'll shut up now!

Wheezyrie

Reply

Ian replied on 02-26-2011 3:03 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi, Wheezyrie like the use of retail therapy , when the going gets tough the tough go shopping but sounds like you have taken shop till you drop a little too literally . Only you know where your limits are and what your body is telling you , shooting the messenger does not change the news you are getting. It is never easy slowing down when you have demands on your time and energy that you feel you have to meet but a viewpoint that works for me is would I ask somebody else in my condition to do what I am demanding of myself , if the honest answer is yes you can carry on but if it is no, be kind to yourself and treat yourself no worse than you would treat others.

ps occasional trips to the limit are allowable as long as you can rest up afterwards after enjoying them.

take care

Ian

Reply

kimberley replied on 02-26-2011 3:48 PM

rated by 0 users

hi wheezyrie im new to the site and im like you i get so tired i end up crying which makes my breathing worse no 2 days are the same. when i get a good day i go mad getting everything done , then i pay for it because im zonked on the settee 4 three days ok rant over i hope your feeling better today thinking of you kimberley xx

Reply

Wheezy replied on 02-26-2011 5:59 PM

rated by 0 users

Sorry about the self pity earlier. Ian I know what you are saying about limits & I am trying to be nice to myself. I should practise what I preach! I wonder if sometimes I push myself just to see if I can, not healthy but I am still learning to live with this! I haven't done much today but rest my aches & pains in a hot bath! Kimberley, nice to meet you! Sorry that you have days like I had yesterday. Its so hard to plan anything isn't it? Hope you are both having a restful weekend. Take care for now.

Wheezyrie

Reply

Edith replied on 02-26-2011 6:09 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi,

I find that just sitting at the computer can often be very theraputic and restful, finding the right balance as regards activity and rest is something we have to all have learn gradually.

Edith

Reply

Ian replied on 02-26-2011 6:17 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi, Wheezyrie there is no need to be sorry for anything , I only hope to be able to help and stop you making the same mistakes I made as we are always learning then help and support works for us all and if you find a way of coping that helps you it may help others so we learn from each others experience.

take care

Ian

Reply

harry replied on 02-26-2011 6:19 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi Edith, good to see you, I also spend a lot of time on the computer these days.....I just wish I could get paid for it .....or get paid to stay away in my case...ho ho......but yes, it also helps to beat depression etc.

harry

Reply

Dave replied on 02-26-2011 6:21 PM

rated by 0 users

harry:

.....or get paid to stay away in my case...ho ho......

How much??

Reply

Wheezy replied on 02-26-2011 6:22 PM

rated by 0 users

Thank you Edith, I agree about sitting at the computer. Yes balance is a good word.

Wheezyrie

Reply

Wheezy replied on 02-26-2011 6:27 PM

rated by 0 users

Harry, I'd like to be paid to keep the sofa warm! Maybe I should shop online in future. Ian, I appreciate you thinking of me. I learnt a hard lesson yesterday. Guess its better though to learn from others really rather than the hard way!

Wheezyrie

Reply

harry replied on 02-26-2011 6:28 PM

rated by 0 users

Dave:

harry:

.....or get paid to stay away in my case...ho ho......

How much??

difficult one that is ?

your up late dave.....get to bed.!..you've got work in the morning

Reply

Ian replied on 02-26-2011 6:30 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi, Kimberley and welcome to the community , the temptation to do all the things you had been planning at the first hint of some energy is always there but as the old saying goes more haste less speed always applies.

Learning to live within your limits can be a slow and difficult process but has to be done, not ignored and hoping it will go away.

best wishes

Ian

Reply

Dave replied on 02-26-2011 6:30 PM

rated by 0 users

Sorry dad, but it's Sunday tomorrow.

Reply

harry replied on 02-26-2011 6:41 PM

rated by 0 users

...oooops, I really thought it was Monday tommorow, sorry  vicar......

Reply

rita replied on 02-26-2011 11:11 PM

rated by 0 users

Wheezerie, Edith and Kimberley - welcome to you too

You have to learn the fine art of  "poodling".  It sounds very efficient if you tell someone that is what you are going to do/are doing.  Works for me most of the time. "Poodling" consists of sitting a bit to decide what you are going to do; then breathe a bit with or without your friendly o2; stand up and do a bit - put a few clothes away or a couple of dishes in the dishwasher or iron a coupke of pillow cases; then sit a bit; get your breath a bit; decide on next bit; stand up a bit etc.etc.etc.  Whilst doing all this you have the tv/radio/music on so you are concentrating on this at the same time.

It is a bit like multi-tasking as well and surprisingly you get an awful lot of bits done.over time - NOT all at once!  Mind you am still trying to get my head round some clothes ironing - its been in the basket since October!!!

On a more positive note there is some good/interesting reading on this link:

http://www.mindpub.com/PanicAttacksinCOPD_chapter9.htm

You can visit MIND - there is usually one locally and they do offer a lot of help and not just for Mental Health sufferers.  We had a talk from them recently at BE group and they had us doing breathing techniques too.  Doesn't hurt to try them out?

Most of us suffer from some kind of depression from time to time, we wouldn't be human otherwise and it does make it difficult when having trouble breathing and there is no-one around to help.  Sofa's are good especially if you are tired, but take care and see your doc if you can just to check there is nothing else compounding it.  Cripes - hark at me being all serious and head girl-y!!!!

Reply

Pollyanna replied on 02-27-2011 11:56 AM

rated by 0 users

Hi Rita

I'm having a poodling day today. Just back from holidays where it it is very difficult to do effective poodling when away with a group of very active people. Anyway I'm getting quite good at loosing then and doing my own thing and they are now understanding that I actually like being on my own. It's so hard to poodle when someone is waiting for you or thinks they should stay behind to keep you company. It can get lonely sometimes though and that's when you start to think too much about why you can't join in with everyone else or why you're never up and dressed with the others. Just need lots more holidays to get used to it I think. 

Reply

Wheezy replied on 02-28-2011 11:31 AM

rated by 0 users

Hi all, I hope your days are going well? I am 'poodling' today, hope this includes staying in pj's?! I am just so tired. Getting up for school was such hard work! Luckily hubby was off work today so he did the dreaded school run & even washed the floors for me before they left. He's a gem. I think I could get used to this poodling lark!

Wheezyrie

Reply

Pollyanna replied on 02-28-2011 12:18 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi Wheezy

Yes poodling is good. I went back to bed after the kids left for school. I thought I'd have an extra hour, but slept for 2 so I must have needed it. Decided that the gym wasn't a good idea today and am trying to gather up enough energy to go to Sainsburys later. That'll be me finished for another day.

Happy poodling.

Paula

Reply

Wheezy replied on 02-28-2011 2:41 PM

rated by 0 users

Paula, hope you got to Sainsbury's & didn't wear yourself out? I was happy in my poodling until two relatives turned up & stayed for three hours drinking tea that I stupidly kept making for them! I kept hinting that I was not too well & was trying to rest. I need lessons next in being nice but firm with visitors. Any ideas would be most welcome? Thanks in advance.

Wheezyrie

Reply

Ian replied on 02-28-2011 3:28 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi, Wheezyrie one of my less subtle methods came about by accident , I just fell asleep in the chair so tea and conversation dried up at that point. Think it is another problem like dealing with doctors we think they can tell we are ill so do not actually tell them about the problems and with friends and relatives do not want to be seen as not appreciating their interest in our health but some times they need you to be honest with them so they can help not hinder you.

hope it helps

Ian

Reply

Wheezy replied on 02-28-2011 5:34 PM

rated by 0 users

Ian, that is such a good idea! I will start to nod off next time & see if they get the hint then! They probably wouldn't even notice till I started snoring!

Wheezyrie

Reply

Pollyanna replied on 02-28-2011 7:07 PM

rated by 0 users

Back from Sainsburys, pizza shoved in oven, it's the final count down not long til bed time and we've got Coronation St to help us get there.Hope you feel better tomorrow Wheezy. Just practise Ian's tricks on your guests and you should be fine.

Paula

Reply

Ian replied on 02-28-2011 7:33 PM

rated by 0 users

Try and make sure you are comfortable before nodding off , I hadn't done this and woke up to find my neck had disowned me, for sleeping without any head support, just a little tip but worth knowing about. Wonder if we could persuade Rita to make a pooodling DVD, it might take a while in the production stage but if it could be poodled through invaluable.

Ian

Reply

Wheezy replied on 02-28-2011 7:41 PM

rated by 0 users

Paula, glad you got on ok. Hope you enjoyed the pizza. Sleep well tonight. Ian, that would be one DVD worth watching! I certainly need some lessons & poodling, as well as how to tell visitors when I have had enough!

Wheezyrie

Reply

SusieQ replied on 02-28-2011 8:42 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi Wheezy -  how about not making the pots of tea? Might they get the hint then? Or even if they do stay, asking them to make the tea.

Paula - how about letting Mr Sainsbury come to you?  That way poodling can continue unabated.

Sue

                        POODLING RULES OK   

Reply

Wheezy replied on 02-28-2011 8:49 PM

rated by 0 users

As my Dad allows says when something does not go according to plan, 'You know what to do next time Rie!' So next time I wont be making the tea!  As for getting shopping delievered I certainly recommend it, get mine delievered every Tuesday!

Wheezyrie

Reply

rita replied on 02-28-2011 10:07 PM

rated by 0 users

Yes Wheezy pj's are most certainly part of poodling, nighties in my house!.  Having the shopping delivered is brilliant but has a big X against it too - you don't get to see any "reduced's" and I do like to look at that section.  Got a huge bunch of banans today for 19p.  Wouldn't have if I had been delivered to.  Mind you I would have saved money too by not buying extras.  Dammit there is always something to take the joy out of living!!

As to unwanted visitors.  Do you have a community police person?  We have some lovely stickers from ours on both front and back doors - back door looks like a front door so we always get two of everything including the wretched takeaway leaflets!!!!! - and they say :

"I DO NOT ANSWER DOORS TO ANYONE WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT"   Very useful.

Unfortunately none of my family can drop in without phoning first as they live too far away plus they are all too aware of the danger of infection so will let me know if there are sore throats or sniffles surrounding a visit so I can say yes or no.  So you could let people know "drop - ins" are not always convenient because...................

Reply

Wheezy replied on 03-01-2011 9:26 AM

rated by 0 users

Rita, the stickers sound great! We also have a back door that look like a front door so I can understand what you mean about double junk mail. I am going to speak to our local community police lady, she is lovely & would be pleased to help. Its ok when my hubby is here as he wards off potential visitors for me! I know what you mean about the bargains when shopping. I do really miss that but had to forfeit that to have it delievered.  I also miss looking at the clothes, DVDS ect... Sometimes I pop in just to look at these if I am out. Anyway I am dressed today as I had to do the school run. Will poodle for the rest of the day though! Have a nice day.

Wheezyrie

Reply

Pollyanna replied on 03-01-2011 3:28 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi all

Just to say Mr Sainsbury does drop by here from time to time, but it does mean I have to be organised for that. I also find that my trip to Sainsburys is a link with the real world and I can poodle quite well in there as long as there's not too much to get. It's a ritual that gets me out of the house on a Monday.......drop kids at guitar lessons...... 1/2 hour in Sainsburys....pick kids up.......put pizza in oven......eat watching Corrie........Survived Monday. It's the same every week and it seems to keep everyone happy. Poodling at home is all very well buy sometimes a change of scenery helps.

I know you're going to tell me you can think of better scenery. Today I poodled round BandQ!

Paula x

and yes Rita you have to be there to get the bargains!

Reply

Wheezy replied on 03-01-2011 4:06 PM

rated by 0 users

Paula, sounds like a good routine to me & half an hour in Sainsburys is fair. I know what you mean about a change in scenery, its doesn't really matter where you go its just a change to home. I'm waiting for my shopping to arrive & its all hands on deck to put it away & then the kids eat half of it!

Wheezyrie

Reply

Ian replied on 03-01-2011 4:09 PM

rated by 0 users

Hi, Paula retail therapy is suitable for poodling a good source of indoor exercise on the flat in the winter especially  so when getting the heavy items delivered and poodling for bargains and the shopping experience.

I shop therefore I am , to paraphrase a well known saying. Some of the larger super markets have areas for people who do lunch so  if there is a lot of retail therapy you can recharge your batteries and take it in manageable doses.

Hi, Wheezyrie how many people would understand understand the simple things that can be so valuable when they take so much energy from a small supply.

best wishes

Ian

Reply

Wheezy replied on 03-01-2011 6:53 PM

rated by 0 users

Ian, I agree.  People are sadly lacking in understanding of lung conditions & their effects. I am finding that people assume a couple of puffs on my inhaler & I should be right as rain! Oh if only it was that simple! Hope you had a nice day.

Wheezyrie

Reply

rita replied on 03-01-2011 9:29 PM

rated by 0 users

Am with you there Wheezy...................I would even have  a dig at the "professionals" so - called too!!  

Bit parky up this neck of the woods today, which rather belies the beautiful sunshine so didn't  go as out  couldn't be bothered.  Some days the thought of having to get into and out of the car and the equipment just for a wander round looking at food....................grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Reply

Mandy Goodman replied on 03-01-2011 11:56 PM

rated by 0 users

I had a really good day today.....I tidied up for the prospective buyer to look at our house........I went to my dressmaking class.........I even had 5 of my young grandchildren visit for an hour........and I cooked the meal tonight.  You think I'd be on top of the world but no I felt low tonight.  Luckily a cuddle from my husband and an evening of TV watching has lifted my mood. 

I know what's bringing me down its was my last hospital visit when the registrar said my gas transfer wasn't as good as usual and that they would like to take me into hospital for a day of scans and lung function tests.  However, being the good old NHS I have to wait 8 to 12 weeks for my day in hospital.  They suspect that the scarring on my lungs may have progressed (i.e. got worse).  So I have 8 to 12 weeks of worry, possibly for nothing.   

The professionals do save our lives but they can go about it in the most insensitive way.  So Wheezy and Rita dig away at the professionals as much as you like.

Kind Regards

Mandy

Reply

jaynerb replied on 03-02-2011 8:30 AM

rated by 0 users

HI Mandy,

Don't get me started on insensitive professionals. I currently have a formal complaint going through the system at the way my local hospital treated me during an admission in January. The senior doctor refused to make eye contact with me and addressed everything to my husband. I also had to repeatedly justify why I have COPD at age 40 and was made to feel absolutely crap becuae I started smoking so young. The doctor was so judgemental!

I am not a big fan!!

In my neck of the woods I have had to wait 4 weeks for an urgent appointment at the respiratory clinic!! How can that be urgent so I sympathise with you.

People treated for obesity related conditions are not treated like this!!! Makes me mad!!!!!!

jayne