Anyone else here with COPD?

[Ineeda]

5. I have it and I was a (stupid) smoker for years.

Chronic bronchitis, diagnosed in February. I'm on inhaled meds and the side effects suck: extremely dry mouth, increased appetite and screwed-up taste. I've not been enjoying flavors so I eat more to find satisfaction! Add that to lack of stamina and adequate breath for normal physical activity, so I've put on some weight, which exacerbates all the problems. I just purchased an elliptical machine so that I can exercise at my own pace inside in the air conditioning. (I'm an older widow-woman. I have RA also, so joints and fatigue are additional issues.)
My only advise is to be patient with yourself, pace yourself, prioritize your activities, and if you need help, ask. For the first time ever, this month I paid someone to wash my windows and to scrub my six ceiling fans. What a relief it was to just let those once- or twice-a-year chores go!
Good luck.