should patient with emphysema clean own apartment?

Question

I suffer from emphysemia and COPD and I live alone and am 60 male. Should I be cleaning my apartment like vacuuming, dusting, washing floors with strong products. I find I get very dizzy and run out of breathe and energy so fast I just can't seem to do it anymore. Any suggestions? I am on provincial disability in Canada

Answer 1

I have pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal lung disease. The disease causes scarring in the lungs and the effects are similar to those that you experience. It is critical that we stay active. I am able to retain my mobility with supplemental oxygen. The dizziness and other symtoms you describe are from a lack of oxygen.

Talk with your doctor to see if supplemental oxygen is right for you, especially when exercising. I use a small bottle (Type C) with medical grade oxygen (99% pure). It is dispensed through a conserving device (it pulses and sends oxygen to me when I breathe instead of a constant flow like some regulators). I use 3 liters when exercising (cleaning house, walking, anything strenuous). I can still walk 2 miles a day (not real fast, but I can still do it).

If some of your cleaning fluids put off fumes that bother you, change cleaning solutions. Remember, the longer you can stay ambulatory the longer you will live. I was given 18 to 36 months to live in March of 2003, and I am still going strong. Don't give up, just look for alternatives. Supplemental oxygen can help you get back to living a "normal life" while becoming sedentary will only shorten your time and create new problems. Good Luck.

Answer 2

I don't know how it works in Canada. But in the U.S. if you need help with household chores you can get it for free as part of your disability. They even do laundry. They can come and work like 2 hours every day or once a week, depending on your disability.

If you do not use supplemental 02 I can't understand how you can do it all on your own. You need to ask for help. Call your place where you collect your money from and ask for their direction in how to handle your problem.

You don't still smoke, do you???? If you are going to continue to smoke, it is going to become worse and worse until you cannot breathe without the 02 supplement.

Answer 3

Depends on the restrictions your Dr. has advised you on. I would not do it to the point of distress. Do a little at a time with a face mask on to filter out dust particles. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I have to assume your smoke cigarettes. If so, giving them up would help greatly. I didn't say easy, just beneficial.
If you're unable to do these things, then get someone else to clean for you.

Answer 4

If cleaning your home makes you dizzy and short of breath, you should definitely take it down a notch. Don't beat yourself up. The cleanliness of your home is not nearly as important as maintaining your health. If you can afford it, hire a housekeeper, or a relative whose willing to help you out for some money (or not).