I was diagnosed with COPD about 20 years ago. Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Both of these illnesses seem to make the other one worse. Breathing takes so much energy that it compounds my MS fatigue. I don't know if the constriction I feel sometimes in my chest is a "MS hug" or a COPD exacerbation. The medication I take for my MS causes a reaction that makes it difficult to breathe for about a half an hour each day. Both cause depression that makes me want to stay in my temperature and humidity controlled home. When I go out I have to be concerned about the heat affecting my MS and the humidity affecting my breathing.
Does anyone else have a similar problem? Do you have any coping mechanisms? I will appreciate your advice.