Hi everyone, I have been reading some amazing accounts of peoples experiences on this site, and some valuable information and advice. I have not actually been diagnosed with COPD as yet. However my grandfather died at the age of 77 from emphysema, and then my mother, his daughter at 55 with same condition. I am 53, and have recently had 2 chest infections which required steroids, antibiotics and ventolin inhaler. My GP sent me for a chest xray, which came back normal, and breathing tests of which I am awaiting results.
I have to be honest and say I am scared. Over the last few days I have been waking between 04.30 and 05.30 hours and struggling to breathe and having to use my inhaler. I am presently using this 3 or 4 times a day. I stopped smoking 4 months ago and used patches and ecigs to help me stop, it was at this point my breathing problems started to occur. I am expecting to get a diagnosis of COPD, and would be most grateful of any advice anyone can offer me. Thank you for reading my post, Liz x
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Brollie1627
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Welcome Liz, not much else I can add to Bev reply to you. I do not have this disease but am a carer to my hubby who has asbestosis and COPD, it took a while to get him sorted but armed with all of the information I could gather from here I knew the right questions to ask when we went to the consultants or GP and at the moment, touch wood, he is stable. Bev is right stopping smoking, a good diet and exercise are all important and learning to pace yourself. Hope all goes well for you. Pat
Welcome to the community, Liz, and sorry to hear you've been poorly. You've done yourself the biggest favour in ditching the cigs, irrespective of your awaited diagnosis. You've have great advice from Bev, so please don't worry. Fingers crossed it doesn't, but if you do get a COPD diagnosis, ask to be referred for pulmonary rehabilitation. Again, welcome x
It is all very scary but you've come to the right place everyone's great with brilliant advice. Why don't you ring the helpline tomorrow for a chat they will put your mind at ease, and don't Google it really isn't how things are because everyone's different. As for your breathing a lot is probably down to panicking, can I advise sit up lean slightly forward and purse your lips as though blowing out a candle slowly it will bring the breathing under control, I'm sure there's a link somewhere on the BLF to show you how.
It's full of good information and facts, if you look around the web you can find some highly inaccurate and in some cases total bull s--t. There is information about waking in the night and needing an inhaler. Well worth a read.
Hi Brollies, welcome to the site, lots of lovely people on here for support. Especially at times like this when you're worried and afraid for the future.
There are ways to breath as above, pursed lip breathing.
That site Moneal posted is excellent, have a look. Getting your medication right for you may take a while - we are all different. Exercise, a good diet, keep to a healthy weight. Avoid people and places where you might catch a bug. A few life changes and you'll be in control.
Keep coming on here, it may be a bit quiet over Xmas when some are busy but don't give up.
Do give the BLF helpline a call, 03000 030 555, cost of a local call.
Knowledge is power, the more you lean the more you can help yourself and the less fearful life becomes.
Very best wishes to you, peeg xx.
PS normal X-ray doesn't show every thing. Many of us have had X-rays that show nothing but only a CT scan will any damage and tell if you have a particular disease.
It's not all doom n gloom. I've had a tough time but finally after a CT scan my fears are allayed, just minimal damage, getting my asthma under control to prevent further infections and/damaged and taking all the precautions, particularly in winter. X
Hi Liz I gave up smoking about 8 years ago when I was diagnosed with COPD I had been smoking 20 per day for 20 years and for the first 6 months I did nothing but cough and that is all the rubbish on your chest from the cigs but now I don't cough only when I get a chest infection. Try not to worry because I think this can make matters worse you have done the best thing by giving up the cigs and the only thing now is exercise good luck
I have not been here very long myself but there are lots of helpful members that make you welcome
Welcome to the forum. Listen, only half knowing and supposing will scare you. But let's speak positively, You have given up smoking. Bravo and well done!
Don't be scared of COPD, I have bronchiectasis. But scare it off! Yes, you can slow down the process.
If you can sign on for the gym. or Tau chi of Yoga or a walking group. Exercise is a good answer, because:
It chases away depression, as I feel you have a little. It will make you feel good, you will find yourself fitter, and, I tell you, that really feel good. You will grow in confidence. People will look up to you because you've given up on smoking.
You might take some Vit D, as there's not much sun at the moment. vit D is good for bones.
Celebrate, you have a reason to, you've given up on smoking, OK, your lungs might feel funny, because I think it takes some time for your lungs to detoxify. But you are adding months to your life by doing so.
There are many, here, who have given up smoking. I haven't ,but then, my father smoked heavily and I got bronchiectasis because of it. give yourself a pat on the back and plunge into this lovely Christmas pudding! Happy Christmas!
Dear liz Please don,t worry usually if it is anything too serious they will call you back very quickly. There are an awful lot of people out there carrying on with life without knowing they have COPD. Please don't worry too much other wise you will find it is difficult to breath. Concentrate on having a good Christmas with family and friends. your still the same person as you were before you had the tests. think about what you can change or influence in life and don't worry about what you cant. have a lovely time best wishes Irene XX
Hi liz welcome to the site, as you can see from the replies we have a lot of knowledge on lung conditions, and there are many sites on line for more detailed info. Stopping smoking is the best first step in any lung condition so keep the good work up on the smoking, given time you will feel better from no ciggies.Waking in the night is just one symptom of lung problems, not the only one and does not effect everyone. After the tests and a diagnosis then you and your doctors can devise a future care plan. For now just take good care of yourself and enjoy Christmas if things get worse call a doctor. every best wishx
Hi everyone, would just like to thank you all for your kind words and advice. I went to see my GP again today as I have been quite wheezy. Been given another course of Doxycycline and Prednisolone, plus another Ventolin inhaler. What I don't get is that whilst I have being coughing quite a lot, and agree I have been quite wheezy, I do not feel unwell or ill at all. Does anyone else feel like this?
May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy christmas, hope we can all be as healthy as possible. Is anyone else working over the holiday period...... I am working all day tomorrow, a few hours christmas day, and all day boxing day but then have Friday and Saturday off...hooray.
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