| Pps & Copd
Hello, I’m trying to find a correlation between PPS and COPD?
I am 70 years of age and contracted lumbar polio in 1940 at age 4 paralyzing both legs and my right arm. After about 18 months, other than permanent atrophy in the arm both legs seemed to reignite with treatment. Everything seemed normal until about 20 years ago with the onset of extreme muscle weakness and nagging pain in both arms and legs. At that time I was diagnosed with PPS.
About 5 years ago upon effort I started experiencing an abdominal squeeze taking away my breath. After 20 or 30 seconds of rest, normal breathing returned. After examination and pulmonary function test I was diagnosed with COPD. Yes, as with many my age I smoked and quit over 20 years ago. The doctors feel smoking is the primary cause, I’m wondering?
The medications prescribed are Spiriva (once daily since April) and Advair (twice daily for about 2 years). Prior to medication and to this day I'm able to deep breath with good lung expansion and had never coughed, spit phlegm or other symptoms I’d associate with emphysema like problem.
To date, the meds don’t seem to be of much help, however I’m reluctant to discontinue as the pulmonary doctors seem convinced. My opinion, it’s more than a guess the primary cause is PPS pulmonary muscle deterioration aggravated by the consequences of smoking. Unfortunately, doctors are mired in their profession and are unable to agree.
Today, as my overall PPS condition is degenerating with aging, etc. I’m most curious if any of you may be experiencing a similar problem, and what measures you may have been taken for relief?
Best regards, and good health,
Flat37
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