Hi everyone :)... just stumbled across you after being diagnosed with bronchiectasis got letter yesterday little bit bewildered ...

[Emzzi]

I have asthma and have had this chesty cough for years n years , pneumonia twice and loads of chest infections over the years and as a small child . I stopped smoking 5 weeks ago ( heavy smoker ) and hardly cough at all now , but what i don't understand is how my last spirometry test came back normal ?? I am very confused ? Do i have COPD now ? Would really like your opinion / thoughts ..Thanks Emzzi

[Hidden]

Yes, you have questions which need answering, Emzzi. I similar conditions to yourself. You need to talk to the BLF nurse - tel.no. click on red balloon at top. You could also talk to your respiratory nurse, too. Pulmonary rehab could be of assistance, too.

You mention chest infections, you need a rescue pack of antibiotics + possibly steroids, too. I have bronchiectasis but have been told I have COPD. I am sorting that out. All the best, Emzzi.

[Hidden]

Hello and welcome I am sorry I can't answer your questions but I hope the blf nurses can help you. Take care love TAD xx

[peege]

Hi, we can all understand your worries and confusion. Easy to say don't worry , however, you have come to the right place for support. The BLF will give you more information for you personally when you ring them.

I have similar story (minus the smoking) with infections and pneumonias. GP suspected bronch but very Luckily for me, I don't have it.

I was also lucky to be put on the pulmonary rehab course (PR) which was marvellous in learning some good exercise habits plus learning about lung health.

All will fall into place and you will learn how to manage your condition and live life to the full. All good wishes , peeg

PS very good for you on quitting the smokes, very best thing you can do

[mattcass]

Emmzi, Congratulations on stopping smoking that is a big step and the hard part is over,Very well done hope you get better soon. Matt

[appyalison]

Hi emzzi, welcome to the best support around. Being confused and a bit overwhelmed is quite usual until you get used to your new self. I don't have the same issues as you but others can share their knowledge with you. We all support each other and have a kaugh to keep our spirits up. Alison

[knitter]

Hi emmzi, I am confused about my condition as well...I was diagnosed as being asthmatic 20 years ago after pneumonia and pleurisy, have had lots of chest infections, in and out of hospital, coughing all the time But last time I saw the respiratory nurse she said she thought I had COPD as I smoked 40 years ago. Just know my lungs don't work as well as they could.

If you read TADAW's and Blakeyc's posts in particular, they have a lots of ways to make the best of a lung condition....good diet etc

You can ring the BLF helpline weekdays for advice too

Best wishes

[jamierees]

sick off having bad asthma and having to work with no air in my lungs while there are people sitting in there houses getting benefits for such stupid illness's. i went to my doctors in treharris and told them id run out of inhalers they said come back tomorrow. if id been a diabetic would this happen do these people know you cant live without air. guess not as they have just given a man near me free stay at home benefits as hes nervous about going out. except for when hes on holiday or playing rugby next to the doctors surgery. face fits

[jamierees]

all these help my asthma companys make me sick as well. i called one and some woman who has never had asthma tells me how to take a inhaler. strange if been doing that all my life where would all these world wide money making asthma caring staff go if there was a cure. there never will be its billions a year world wide. my asthma there holiday in the sun. i asked my doctor to see about a lung transplant he said don't be silly.

theres a man in my village was born in the wrong body. 20 ops later meet the new lady in my village. bad lungs nil strip a man down turn him into a lady wins