question: 67yo woman recently diagnosed with Hashimotos and COPD. Quit smoking 15 yrs ago have been very active biking, hiking, walking. About 9 months ago I sarted noticing a slight shortness of breath. Now I have severe trouble breathing when I Stand up and try to walk. Two months ago I was walking around a little slower but still had quality of life. due to feeling tired I went to a dr who did a blood test and discovered the Thyroid problem. I was put on 50mcg of Levothyroxin. I had two stents put in ten years ago.EKG 2mos ago showed a normal heart for my age. 81% on the Bruce Protocol. Over the last two months my breathing has worsened to the point that I can t take more than 2 steps without severe loss of breath. As soon as I lie down I can breathe again. Have very little appetite and have lost 25 lbs since May.