how do you cope with COPD and a cold

[gingerfeline]

I have moderate COPD ,I have just caught my first cold in a long time ,after a day i have a dry cough which is painful,I presume im going to have to see my Dr, it does'nt help that I also have A/F,

[Enjoy]

Do you have a rescue pack? If so start it before the cough affects your lungs too badly. I have just had the worst lung infection I have ever experienced but it did not affect my AF. It tested the success of my ablation 18 months ago and all was fine. Hooray!

Jump in fast with your rescue pack if you have one. I delayed and regretted it. If not an emergency call to the Docs is needed. Don't leave it to get worse.

[audrey2543 in reply to Enjoy]

What is a 'rescue pack'? I too have COPD, AF and various other heart conditions, including need for pacemaker. Feel abandoned by medics as 89 but quality of life is very low, too breathless to do much.

[Enjoy in reply to audrey2543]

Hi Audrey... your GP will give you a prescription for a Rescue pack. It contains anti-biotics and steroids (prednisolone). Just enough for five days. It really comes into its own if you need treatment at the weekend. Especially Bank Holidays.

I always inform my GP if I need to use my rescue pack and usually have an immediate appointment, when I also get a replacement pack prescription so that I always have some in the house.

Hope this helps. I am currently on Pulmonary Rehab. for 8 weeks. Really recommended do ask if you can have this also.

Evelyn

[gingerfeline in reply to Enjoy]

I was referred to Pulmonary rehab,waited three months,then when I went they would not allow me to do it as I have on going A/F,I have to wait until after my ablation,I can understand how Audrey feels.

[audrey2543 in reply to Enjoy]

Thank you for your info. I'll ask GP tor a pack. I agree the physio rehab course shows NHS at its preventive best. Sadly , my heart problems stopped me making full use of the gym.

Audrey

[gingerfeline in reply to Enjoy]

Yes I do have a rescue pack,antibiotics and steroids,started antibiotics and also talked to Dr,chest feels easier,thankyou

[Enjoy]

Just a quickie gingerfeline... i had quite a bad attack of AF between rehab assessment and starting it last time. I was still able to do all 16 sessions. It is really tough with both heart and lungs being poorly.

[gingerfeline in reply to Enjoy]

Im pleased for you that you were able to complete the 16 sessions,my rehab team would not allow me to start as my A/F was on going ,I was really looking forward to the course.

[gingerfeline]

Had a chat on the phone with my Dr, and she agreed I should take the antibiotic she had prescribed, Doxycsycline, I started taking them Thursday all was well until Saturday,To say I had an upset tummy is an under statement,so i have had to stop until I can talk to the Dr Monday,I always wondered where the saying a day in Looe came from, has anyone else had this problem??.