Hi, I was diagnosed with Emphasema last week, i have been reading some info on line :( so wish i hadnt!

[spidersweb]

[kimmy59]

Hello and welcome

First rule don't google, ring the help line here on Monday for great advice. Have you seen a consultant and been given medication, ask your G.P to refer you to a Pulmonary Rehab Course, it's run buy respiratory nurses who teach you how to exercise and breathe properly I do it at home every day now, really was the best thing I've done

Kim

[Hidden]

I first read about COPD in a medical book given me by Lloyds Pharmacy - what a mistake, I am lucky to be no worse than when diagnosed . Joi ning this site was the best thing I did.. Plenty of support and humour here. Joyce

[appyalison]

Hi spiderweb, tricky looking things up on internet generally but you are here you found us! First thing is to give u ciggies if yu can. It will slw the disease progression. Some people here are in the very early days of giving up and are being cheered all the way. You are amongst people who know what you are going through so support is great. You can ring blf nrses by tapping the big red balloon above fr telephone number. Ring weekdays between 9 and 5. They can help with information on cold and benefits. Good luck and enjoy some jokes and knowledge with us. Good luck. Alison

[Lynne1955]

Some internet sites give the impression that you will die next week. Wrong!

Look at all the info on the BLF site and read the NHS information. Ignore everything else. Especially American sites.

It is not a death sentence. Don't smoke, keep fit, eat healthily and avoid infections and you will be doing well. Some people on here have actually improved their lung readings through regular exercise. My COPD has not got any worse since I was diagnosed due to exercise.

Good luck,

Lynne xx

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Hi and welcome spiderweb. i was diagnosed just over 2 years ago. Mine also has not got any worse. Exercise is one of the nest things for it.

[Hidden]

welcome,1st don't believe all you read,its bull,peeps on hear will prove that, exercise eat good,stay clear of infections,take your meds,walk and running is good for you,if you cant run,walk daily ,if weathers bad wrap up and still walk daily,remember you must have had copd a long time be 4 you was told and you would have been out in all weathers then,this time take precautions but still get out,if copd doesn't want to come tough its coming,bernicex

[Hidden]

Hi all

Well said carrots! Best change for me was stopping smoking and I've reduced inflammation in my right lung, it was a nodule ! Got a second chance and will never smoke again, steer clear from passive smoking that affects you too. I have mild emphesema, take care and ask questions always, it's your body you control it xx Maxine

[winebuff]

Hi Spidersweb.

I was diagnosed in 1998. I was a keen golfer and played 3 times a week for at least 10 years before I needed a buggy. I only had a ventolin inhaler. I guess my message is, its a slow process and do as much as you can for as long as you can. I got my exercise through golf but any way you can is good. Good luck

[KandyKist77]

Someone suggested my husband joined a pilates class to help with his breathing, what do you think?

[peege in reply to KandyKist77]

Pilates is designed to strengthen your body, particularly your inner core. I've never heard of it being suggested to aid breathing.I've been to several Pilates classes and dont recall any emphasis on breathing. There are several types of Yoga, some focus on more on breathing. Hope this helps - others might have different views. P

[worried-wife in reply to peege]

My husband has recently been on an 8 week rehab course and I myself do Tai Chi and Pilates, watching the class at his course I was interested that so many of the exercises they did were the same as I am taught in my classes. Needless to say now his classes have finished there is NO WAY I can get him to join me...stubborn old man..but after 54 years of marriage I still can't make him do anything. His classes by the way were great so if you get the chance to go on one please do!!

[peege in reply to worried-wife]

I was lucky to have finished my course about 6 weeks ago. It was brilliant so I wholeheartedly recommend it too. peeg

[moneal]

I think it was Mark Twain who said 'Don't read medical books, you may die of a misprint' there is so much rubbish on the web, especially from the States. They put things in your mind that cause more problems than the illness. I remember reading about all the problems it was going to give me, one was having a shower, for months afterwards every time I went near the shower that was in my mind and I was near panic level. If you want help and guidance this is the place to be, phone and talk to the experts they really do offer the best advice around

[Dumba]

Don't worry, I did for months with no help from family, struggling to do anything with no car and little cash, , my medicine helping after two months and not breathless hardly ever now! although I am still severe seemingly, do not lift heavy shopping or do hoovering, swim daily, and walk. what a joy! Still alone with little dog thank goodness, be brave! I never thought I could walk so far again! It maybe it will change tomorrow so make most of every day! I eat what I want and some wine with dinner, still only six stone, but that is normal with copd, you loose weight. take great care x

[spidersweb]

Hello, Everyone and a big Thank you for all the replies and advice. Have been feeling ill for years

but just got a new doctor and as i had pneumonia he sent me for xrays and then to see a consultant.

I have asthma, arthritis and Fibromyalgia too. What a combo! lol I am on ventolin and Symbicort, i dont get on with the symbicort at all. I have to see my doc again this week as he will have the results of my blood tests and find out where we go from there. Does everyone take a lot of meds for this?

[kimmy59]

I take Seretide and Spirva I have Ventolin when needed, I have 1/2 litre oxygen 16 hours. I have severe emphysema.

Kim xxxxx

[fastfence in reply to kimmy59]

Hi , think i am classed as servers last check was at 37%..lost 10% in a year, feel ill majority of time,i don't look forward to oxygen, how was it decided when you should go on oxygen and how you getting along with it

best regards Linda.

[casper99]

Hi Spidersweb

. I have Arthritis and Fibro too. Someone once asked me what was wrong with me and when I told her, she said, 'Bloody hell, we may as well just shoot you !!!' Lol.

You'll meet a lot of good people on here. Welcome.

Casper x

[Hidden]

Hi Spiders Web, When my husband was diagnosed I did a lot of googling that was about 8/9 years ago, it frightened me to death! However he is still here! He is severe but we have a good quality of life, just changed some of the things we do and the way we do them. He is also on symbicort and ventolin - the symbicort works for him but the ventolin gives him very bad cramps. He also take Spiriva everyday.

If you are not happy about the drugs keep asking the Doctor until you get help. The BLF helpline could give you some advise too. Take good care, you can still enjoy life! TAD xx

[Hidden]

Yes but bet u moved on from that feeling and gradually it's acceptance that kicks in for most, we all realise it's not as bleak as first thought Maxine xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

the cigs stopped there and then,but I get on with it ,bernicex

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Am same don't regret just regret years I did smoke now haha was never a heavy smoker wonder why I bothered xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

boo-boo,i was never a big smoker,1 pk lasted me 3week ,then another pak,bernicex

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

guess its the straw we draw,some get copd others nothing,bernicex

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Think your right and all u can do is try and keep well away from germs haha I've got friends chain smoked and not a problem! X

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

yeh I have,20 30 day nothing up with them,sick init,then 2 who never ever smoked are severe now,that stinks,bernicex

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Life hey! Make the best of what your dealt me dad says xx I do x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

dads got that right,bernicex

[spidersweb]

Thank you everyone for your replies and warm welcomes, its great to know i am not alone.

I have been struggling for about 4 years and only just got a diagnosis. In a strange way i am relieved

to find out what it is, as at least i know what i am fighting now!!! Hope that makes sense lol

[Hidden in reply to spidersweb]

it makes sense,bernice.