I guess what I really want to know is if there are meds to help a person breathe better, other than the puffers? I've been taking Spiriva for years, and it helps. I was given Symbicort and it helped at 1st, but then not so much.
For the past 2 years I've had extreme exhaustion, and I didn't know what caused it. I'm now pretty sure it's coming from the emphysema.
I have so many problems I take close to 10 different meds a day.
My real big problem is I don't have money for Docs. I have Medicare, but I don't have supplementary insurance. So I have to try and figure out what's wrong, and probably my PCP will give me what I need.
Another question is at what point does a person with emphysema need oxygen, how would I know?
Please don't anyone guess. If you don't know don't answer. I already suffer from extreme anxiety and I don't need to be scared.
What's the difference between a Nebulizer and an inhaler? Why do you think they're better?
I think they benefit people more because most people have trouble using inhalers correctly and they don't get all their medicine. Also the nebulizer pushes the medicine down into your lungs more. And now they have small portable ones, its not like in the old days where they weighed about 5 pounds and were pretty big. The best part is medicare paying for them. I've been a nurse for 50 yrs and sometimes I think the old ways were better sometimes just because I see the effects of both.
Just adding some detail (kaismama will know all this). Inhalers you puff on a couple or a few times (with Spiriva, until the powder is gone in that funny machine you use) while a nebuliser has a reservoir and a face mask; they used to use steam but now probably use ultrasonics to create a microfine mist that is pumped at very low pressure into your airways over a more extended period so that your lungs are fully permeated.
Oh, also in my experience, a nurse of 50 years experience is possibly better than a doctor for advice. They spend far more time with the patients and consequently develop a wealth of knowledge.
Yeah, I have also always found a nurse's advice to be invaluable. I used to have some friends in person who were nurses. They all moved away. So I'm glad we have the Internet. My big problem is debilitating exhaustion. The Doc's really don't know why. I also become short of breath very easily. So I'm assuming the exhaustion is coming from the emphysema, and maybe better meds will allow me to accomplish minor tasks. I have no family nor anyone to help me with cleaning and food shopping. I have to do all these things myself, and it's getting harder & harder.
Kaismama, since you're a nurse maybe you can help me with a related question. My big problem is exhaustion. When I use the Spiriva & Symbicort, I can breath fairly well. But I still feel exhausted. I have problems staying asleep, so I get 30 Provigil a month. A few years ago even half of 1 used to give me plenty on energy and now even 1 whole pill barely gives me enough energy to clean my apt. I'm wondering if maybe I have a clogged artery? I have a cousin who's 10 years older than me, and 5 years ago he said he needed 4 stents put in due to exhaustion. Maybe I have a lung and heart problem? I'm only 62 and I feel like I'm 90 with this exhaustion. I can't live like this. Any opinions?