COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Advice and Support?

[Ewan]

So, I have a preliminary diagnosis of COPD from a very alert Dr.
I have to go to hospital Tuesday next for tests. Having never heard of it I googled on returning home and concluded it explained everything going on with me currently.
So the question is, anyone have information outside the regular sources (controlled) that might be of value?

COPD = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease = Smoked too much!

[ThePythonicCow]

Posted by Ewan (here)
So the question is, anyone have information outside the regular sources (controlled) that might be of value?

COPD = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease = Smoked too much!

Based on what I read in Unbekoming's "The Hydrogen Peroxide Book", specifically regarding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as the general biochemistry of hydrogen peroxide, if I had COPD, I would nebulize hydrogen peroxide.

See further my post yesterday on Unbekoming's work in general and this particular book in specific: MMS - tasteless and odourless. the new CDS -- Post #112.

[Paul D.]

Ewan, this is what I got with a search on my 'go to' health site
https://www.earthclinic.com/search.p...&ie=ISO-8859-1

https://www.earthclinic.com/mobile/

Good luck 👍

[ThePythonicCow]

P.S. to my above post:

Unbekoming mentions COPD just once in his book, as one example of various forms of emphysema, to which he refers several times, such as in this quote:

=== ===

Question 20: What success has been seen with emphysema treatment?

Emphysema patients have shown some of the most dramatic responses to H2O2 therapy. Many patients who were wheelchair-bound and oxygen-dependent have regained mobility and eliminated the need for supplemental oxygen. The therapy helps clear airways through the AlkaSeltzer effect while improving overall tissue oxygenation.

Success stories include patients gaining weight, sleeping flat instead of propped up, and returning to normal activities after being severely debilitated. The treatment often triggers productive coughing initially as airways clear, but this typically leads to sustained improvement in breathing and overall function.

=== ===

[Ravenlocke]

Hi Ewan,

Yes I have been aware of COPD for many years, mainly because it is quite common in Oregon. I attribute it mostly to our bad air quality in summertime because of the smoke from the fires, we always have fires in summer. When the air quality is really bad we try not to go outside.
(From TV commercials they say smoking causes COPD directly or through second hand smoke).

I don’t know of any cures but I do know to keep an N95 mask handy for smoky days.

Since you mentioned it I had to look it up online especially about Oregon.
The following article describes diagnosis and treatment. Also I just found out that in the US, November is awareness month for COPD.

The article,


https://stcharleshealthcare.org/serv...-and-treatment

Living with COPD in Central Oregon

Roughly 24 million Americans live with COPD, a condition marked by increasing shortness of breath due to damage to the small airways, as well as changes to lung tissue where oxygen enters the circulation.

In Central Oregon, St. Charles Health System is recognized for its expert work in diagnosing and treating COPD patients whose symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath
Frequent coughing
Tightness in the chest
Wheezing
Excess mucus
Fatigue
Bluish color to the fingernails and lips
Smoking is the most common cause of COPD, but it can also be caused by long-term exposure to second-hand smoke, dust and chemicals. People with a disease called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency can also develop COPD.

Diagnosing COPD at St. Charles Health System

Pulmonary specialists at St. Charles Health System diagnose COPD by measuring how much air you can breathe in and out, how fast you can breathe air out and how well your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood. The most common COPD tests include:

Spirometry, a painless test in which you blow as hard as you can into a tube connected to small machine called a spirometer that measures how much air you breathe out and how fast you can do it.
Chest X-ray or chest CT scans create pictures of your heart, lungs and blood vessels that allow St. Charles experts to detect damage.
The arterial blood gas test measures the oxygen level in your blood using a blood sample taken from an artery.
Treating COPD at St. Charles Health System

While damage to the lungs caused by COPD can’t be reversed, it can be slowed, so it’s important to stay away from anything that can irritate your lungs. Smokers are urged to quit their habit with help and support from St. Charles specialists.

People with COPD may also receive medications to open airways, allowing air to flow more easily. They may include:

Bronchodilators and cortisteriods: Taken with an inhaler or “puffer,” these reduce swelling or inflammation in the airway. They can be combined into one inhaler or taken separately. Short-acting bronchodilators act immediately. Long-acting bronchodilators work for a longer period.
Oral steroids: They reduce swelling in the airway, but usually are given for a few days at a time.
Antibiotics: People with COPD are prone to lung infections, so you may need to take antibiotics to fight infection.
Preventing COPD

Unless you have AAT deficiency, COPD is often preventable. If you smoke, quit. This will limit the damage that may have already occurred. If you work in an area that is heavily polluted or you are exposed to airborne irritants, be sure to wear masks or other protection over your mouth and nose while in that environment.

COPD is a serious diagnosis, but by making lifestyle changes and working with a St. Charles specialist to find effective treatment options, you can slow the progression of the disease and maintain a full life.

If you think you may have COPD, don’t wait. Symptoms are a sign that the disease is progressing. Please consult your primary care doctor right away at St. Charles Health System.

In Central Oregon, St. Charles Health System strives to help people with COPD lead normal, healthy and happy lives.

[Sue (Ayt)]

Check out these videos, Ewan.
It's a fellow named Dan's story.
(the channel has other stories about DMSO on it too.)

Another suggestion would be NAC. I have read actual medical journal studies saying that this substance may actually reverse the process.

1 year ago

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=bk8dcpTQZq8

7 month follow up and instructions

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=DqEul32LzcE

1 year follow-up

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=lbUpcI8IEjw

[Sue (Ayt)]

Ewan - Below is one of the medical journal articles about NAC. You can order this on Amazon. They removed it from the market during covid, which really shocked me at the time, as the alt. docs were recommending it for lungs during covid, and my husband had used it for several years daily. I had always heard it was a really good thing for pneumonia, too. We had always bought it on Amazon, and suddenly the gov't prohibited its sale! GRRRRR
(luckily, it is one supplement I had stocked up on to keep on hand)

But now it is back on Amazon again.
Recommended dose is 1 600mg tablet a day.

N-acetylcysteine in COPD: why, how, and when? (from Pub Med)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4744393/

[ThePythonicCow]

Posted by Sue (Ayt) (here)
Check out these videos, Ewan.
It's a fellow named Dan's story.
(the channel has other stories about DMSO on it too.)

Unbekoming also recommends DMSO, and another of his books covers that: The Dmso Book

[Bill Ryan]

A very kind non-member read about Ewan's problem, and asked me to share this:

~~~

Hello Bill, Not a member but saw the COPD thread. I have severe emphysema so know a bit about it. If you could post the following it may help Ewan:

**STOP SMOKING** - Number 1. No prevarication. It's a must do. Severe Emphysema is BAD news.

Investigate diet – carotenoids/provitamin A and lung health. Look at colourful fruit & vegetables, especially beta-carotene-rich foods.

• Red peppers — exceptionally good source of vitamin C and carotenoids.
• Strawberries — vitamin C and polyphenols.
• Tomatoes — lycopene.
• Carrots/sweet potato/pumpkin — beta-carotene.
• Spinach/kale/rocket — carotenoids plus other micronutrients; rocket is also nitrate-rich.
• Broccoli — vitamin C and various phytochemicals.
• Nuts and seeds — vitamin E, minerals and healthy fats.
• Oily fish — omega-3 fats and vitamin D.
• Beetroot — dietary nitrate.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) has traditionally been used for coughs and respiratory complaints.

Thyme and Ginger tea can help the lungs especially to clear up mucus.

Clinical research has found NAC can reduce COPD exacerbations.

DMSO - https://www.midwesterndoctor.com/
Some very interesting and detailed information about COPD here.
I am just starting experimentation with this myself.

Colloidal Silver may be of interest.

I use a Fingertip Pulse Oximeter.
I have a nebuliser.
I do use inhalers but try to keep it to a minimum or not at all.

I am no fan of pharmaceuticals but sometimes it seems to be necessary with emphysema.

Catching pneumonia is how I ended up being diagnosed. I went from being reasonably healthy living on a narrowboat to totally knackered in the space of 4 days. The point being - be careful about environmental contact with ill people. You REALLY want to avoid catching Cold's and Flu etc.

Exacerbations - flare ups of breathing diffculties - can happen without catching anything.

Exercise. Keeping fit is possible depending on severity. Pulmonary rehabilitation.

Air trapping/hyperinflation, deconditioning, weak respiratory/peripheral muscles, anxiety, cardiovascular problems, etc. Treating those can make someone feel dramatically better.

Emphysema can make you become eligible for a Lung Transplant.

Consultants may advise you to consider Lung Reduction Surgery. I have heard from people who regretted having this done. It does help some people though.

Do not blindly trust doctors. There appears to be much they do not know so be informed yourself.

There are advancements being made but it's not like a Med-Bed. I have hope we are in an era where breakthroughs could accelerate to a remarkable degree. Then there's the spiritual possibilities. Who was it talking about the power of 'Faith'? This is a remarkable time IMO.

If you use AI for research you might like to prompt it to ignore 'official' sources at times.

Hope that helps.

[Ewan]

Many thanks for all the feedback and advice. I've taken it all onboard.

I've ordered a nebuliser from Amazon and some NAC as I had run out nearly a year ago. I had some concerns that the nebulisers are all plastic components and neither DMSO nor H2O2 should be stored in plastic. Then I reasoned that if the ready dilutions were only in the plastic for a couple of minutes you would probably get away with that without causing additional harms.

The cessation of smoking will take some work/commitment but if a life ending condition can't provide the much needed impetus I think we can all agree I'm an eedjit.

[Johnnycomelately]

Hi Ewan. Am wishing you good fortune in dealing with this new challenge.

Am glad for the help offered to you in the above comments, and I will cherish any more that may be offered. Because I am a smoker too.

It’s been 8-odd years since my doc said I should quit smoking. I told him no, I like smoking cigs. My problem then, which I still have, was reduced blood circulation in a lower calf, called Venous Stasis, which has had various non healing “wounds” over the years. Present one is abt 2-3 years in, and since going back to the doc a year ago, have been getting medical treatment (Canada, =mostly “free”) and now monitoring and supplies.

I still smoke cigs, and Sativa flower, and every day I feel like I’m holding my life in my hands. But I’ve recognized for decades that I’m an adrenaline junkie.

The thing that bugs me most, is, I don’t want to die from this go as an addict. That aspect seems to be one of my main challenges in this lifetime, and I want to put it in my past.

All the best to you sir.

[RunningDeer]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
A very kind non-member read about Ewan's problem, and asked me to share this:

To the very kind non-member:

[grapevine]

Firstly, Ewan, well done for giving up smoking, and the best thing to take your mind off that is to get a new hobby. I was told by a hypnotherapist that it's very common for people who give up one habit to adopt another, so make it a good one! .

Secondly, regular exercise, like walking for instance, will be a great complementary aid and a useful time to count regular breaths, nothing strenuous, in to the count of 4 and out to the count of 6. As an asthma sufferer breathing exercises have helped a lot over the years and I'm sure you'd find it beneficial too, even though asthma and COPD aren't quite the same thing.

Let us know how you get on at the hospital

[Brigantia]

Hi Ewan - I'm feeling that I can't inhale as deeply as I used to - smoked thin rollies for a long time - so I've been getting NAC from Troo for the past few years, based in the UK and quite reasonable.

[Inversion]

My mother died last year of complications from COPD. She was diagnosed some nineteen years ago after smoking for fifty years. Back then she drove herself to the hospital because she was having breathing problems. We went through a cycle for years where every 3-4 months she would have to go to ER and get an injection or drip of prednisone. It's a steroid and does damage to the body as seen with bodybuilders and it thinned and dried out her skin. If she bumped against something she would bruise or rip her skin open. As Bill posted the must do is to quit smoking, exercise primarily cardio and maintain a healthy diet. Had she not died she was looking at amputation of her feet or legs due to poor circulation. The sad aspect of that is they won't take any action until your skin turns black. Avoid any cholesterol or blood pressure medication such as statins. Some of the meds she wouldn't take because of the side effects. On her last trip to the hospital a paramedic dropped an oxygen cylinder on her shin removing several layers of skin. Because of her age and the severity of her condition they wouldn't do anything about that injury. A couple of days before she passed, she had a grand mal seizure then slipped into a coma. Like George Floyd her last words were, "I can't breathe."

[Inversion]

One of my mother's pulmonologists had her try a High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) device. It's a vest containing air bladders you wear, and it's designed to break-up fluids in the lungs. She only used it a few times and had me ship it back. If it gets to the point, you need a nebulizer device the only good one is by DeVILBISS with everything else on the market being underpowered. If we didn't properly rinse and sterilize her mouthpiece she would get thrush. I would buy four gallons of vinegar at a time at Walmart.

Link


07/11/17 (0:57)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=v4nh68K1184

[Mike Gorman]

Posted by Ewan (here)
Many thanks for all the feedback and advice. I've taken it all onboard.

I've ordered a nebuliser from Amazon and some NAC as I had run out nearly a year ago. I had some concerns that the nebulisers are all plastic components and neither DMSO nor H2O2 should be stored in plastic. Then I reasoned that if the ready dilutions were only in the plastic for a couple of minutes you would probably get away with that without causing additional harms.

The cessation of smoking will take some work/commitment but if a life ending condition can't provide the much needed impetus I think we can all agree I'm an eedjit.

Those of us who enjoy smoking Tobacco and yes I am among them, have to confront this condition very often, so far I have not developed the actual condition but my lungs were assessed as being at the stage many 80 year old people have: I would not be able to run very far, but I do walk a fair bit and I am never breathless doing this. I am very sorry to hear of your COPD Ewen. I have been smoking since I was about 14/15 I am now 68 so it probably is time to think of quitting but then again we all have to go sometime, I am conflicted, so I know exactly how you must feel.

[Anchor]

Posted by Ewan (here)
So, I have a preliminary diagnosis of COPD from a very alert Dr.
I have to go to hospital Tuesday next for tests. Having never heard of it I googled on returning home and concluded it explained everything going on with me currently.
So the question is, anyone have information outside the regular sources (controlled) that might be of value?

COPD = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease = Smoked too much!

There is a big difference between a preliminary diagnosis and really screwed.

The way you write this implies to me that you are not currently aware of symptoms.

What triggered the Dr? Did you get a spirometry test?

Everyone says give up smoking and I agree with this. Its pretty much non-negotiable. See what the doctors say, but you definitely can self manage this going forwards. NAC is a really good idea (like others have said - its not all that expensive either). I take it daily and its one of the cheaper supplements per day. I am healthy but NAC is a good general antioxidant, but especially good for helping lungs with mucus issues as it can act like a mucolytic and thin that stuff and help you get it out. (Some times its even prescribed for that). Its role as an antioxidant may help with the COPD afflicted lungs which are inflamed and in a state of oxidative stress.

[John Hilton]

My neighbour (80) had COPD and sarcopenia and passed on last week. Sarcopenia (severe muscle loss) is common with COPD and the corticosteroids prescribed to combat the inflammation are at least partly responsible, in my opinion.

I agree with the suggestions already provided but I would add that COPD Might Respond to High Dose D3 + K2 + Magnesium + Boron.

https://jefftbowles.com/copd-is-incu...se-vitamin-d3/


D3 depletes your body's magnesium, hence the need to supplement with magnesium glycinate. D3 also affects how your body handles calcium and K2 is necessary to steer calcium into the bones, not the arteries. I don't recall why you need boron but I personally take a trace amount of boracic acid every day in my coffee.

I take 10,000 IU of D3 every day, with the aim of getting my blood level between 50 and 100 ng/mL. Your body will tolerate up to 120 ng/mL. When taking more than 10,000 IU per day, it's best to get your blood level checked periodically.

I don't have COPD and I've never smoked. However, I've lived a sedentary life and I've had a few health problems. So two years ago I started to do a steep uphill walk every morning before sunrise. After a few months I noticed a considerable improvement in my lung capacity. Also, I haven't had a single infection in two years. (In previous years I had colds, flu, covid-19 and epididimitis.) So the vitamin D3 and exercise are definitely helping me. I'm 75 and fairly fit now.

[Ewan]

Posted by grapevine (here)

Let us know how you get on at the hospital

They did one test on my lungs/chest in the shape of an x-ray. Other than obvious signs of smoking there were no other problems there.

Turns out they were more concerned with Transient ischemic attacks that I had mentioned. Basically mini-strokes that affected my vision, very fleeting, less than a minute. I had a CT scan on my head and neck, they did an echo sound test on both my carotid arteries and my heart. The heart test revealed I had atrial fibrillation, which I've never noticed in terms of a 'flutter' or missed beat etc.

They've put me on a blood thinner to reduce chances of a clot; apixaban. List of side effects are depressing reading including thinning of skin and bruising. Well I already have that permanently thanks to too many steroids including prednisolone.

If I was a car I think I just failed the road worthiness test.