Newbie with COPD -- Bronchitis and asthma

But I see there may be some support for me here also.

For the past 7 years I have had a COPD diagnosis, ever since I got sick on vacation in Arizona. We had gone to visit Sedona and the Grand Canyon, etc.  One evening I had flu symptoms at dinner time and went to bed early. IN the middle of the night I had Mike take me to an ER because I could barely breathe.  I had 105 temp and they had a heck of a time getting me calmed down. I am surprised now that they didn't intubate and I was in desparate shape.  I had a second episode of impaired airway for whatever reason and 105 temp later that same day.  They started me on all kinds of meds...antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals as they didnt know what was happening to me. 

I spent 5 days in ICU, never having any lung problems like this before this.  They never gave a firm diagnosis, said I had some kind of valley fever that is not uncommon out there and sent me home.  We couldn't travel home for a while as I was too weak.  I needed to use an inhaler all the time to get through the days.

Now, 7 years later, I get these horrible bronchitis episodes and need to use a rescue inhaler often.  I went up north (I live in Florida) early in October to visit family and got a bad cold and then bronchitis while up there and I am a total mess now.  I feel like I'll never get over this episode.

Two years ago they did a full allergy battery on me and I reacted to EVERY allergen.  So they just fluffed it off and said I was allergic to the medium they use for the allergens.  What?  Even the control spot.

I have had a couple of PFTs and they tell me that I have 60% diminished capacity in my lungs, but that is because I am over weight.  What?  And that my diaphram is high on the right side for some reason. (What reason?)

Before all this, I did have some problems with odors...some perfumes or aerosols would make my throat feel closed up and my voice would get wierd. It also happens if I am very anxious.  That still happens.   Albuterol usually makes it stop.

I use Symbacort daily and Veramyst nasal spray daily.  I use the Albuteral as I need it.

Does anyone have any ideas about what I can do so as NOT to get these bad episodes? 

I already know I need to lose weight!    I try.  I really do.

Have a great evening.

Mama Lama from Florida

My doc has written an order for the test you mention. But wants me to be finished with the pred for 4 weeks before doing it.

Today is day 10 and I'm not barking or bringing up goo anymore, even slept 4 hours in a row last night...ahhh.

But I feel like the inside of my chest is ON FIRE.  I have a bit more energy, so will do some laundry!  Glad I am retired as no boss likes their employees out so long!

ML