New to copd

[Robbie2057]

Hi

I am 41 and just been diagnosed with moderate copd.

Still trying to understand this and trying to work out what this means for me.

Thanks all.

[kimmy59]

Hello Robbie2057

Welcome to the site. First don't panic don't Google, and I would suggest ringing the BLF help line for expert advice. If you smoke try and quit, take your medication if you have any, and exercise it is the most important thing to help with this condition, so I would ask to be referred to a Pulmonary Rehabilitation course. Glad you found us everyone on here are lovely, and someone is normally on hand to help you.

Good luck

Kim xx

[coastal1]

Hi Robbie ,

I am 63 and was diagnosed with copd moderate (55% lung function) last October following 2/3 years of chest infections and a very nasty cough . Had smoked for 48 years . However it still came as a shock. I quit smoking in November and within days the cough disappeared. (This doesn't happen with everyone but stopping the ciggies will generally slow down/halt progression of the disease. Continuing to smoke can mean a fairly rapid decline. )

I have always been reasonably fit and the doctor says that this is now helping to compensate for my poor lung function. I can walk for 4/5 miles on the flat, do gardening and moderate exercise classes. Don't get me wrong I'm no Olympic athlete but the copd diagnosis was a serious wake up call ! Due to stopping smoking , exercising regularly and trying to eat a healthy diet I now fee l fitter than I have for years.

There are great variations in how copd affects different people. Some members here are at the very severe stage and still manage to work and lead an active life ., whereas some at the moderate stage are more seriously affected.

Welcome to the site........lots of friendly people .

[Hidden]

at stage 2 you can do a lot to slow it down, exercise is a must,eat proper, keep on with any meds you have been given,and listen to your body now,and no fags, nice to have you with us,any worries or questions the members will do there best to advice you on anything,

[Suzy6]

Hello Robbie, welcome, you have had quite an early diagnosis, which is good. It is up to you now to help yourself to stay moderate for a very long time. Good luck. Exercise, eat well keep happy. xx

[Hidden]

Morning Robbie, I care for my husband who has severe COPD and lung function of 25% having said that he still works full time, we still have a great life just a bit slower than most! He now has oxygen for walking etc. and after the initial shock you can live with it!

Each patient is different, each patient has to become an expert patient by listening to their bodies, learning what triggers an exacerbation or makes you more breathless or starts the coughing and to keep asking the doctors. If you don't feel right go back to the GP - our lovely doctor agrees that my husband and I know more about his illness than she does.

If you have been diagnosed please talk to the BLF helpline and ask questions of your gp and nurses. If you think the medicines aren't helping go back and ask them to be changed. Come on here and ask questions. If you don't feel well ask for advise. These would be my top tips:-

1) Stop smoking - essential

2) Keep fit - ask for a referral to pulmonary rehab. from your doctor/nurse and keep asking!

3) Get a flu jab

4) Get a pneumonia jab

5) If you think you are starting with an infection - go to the doctors don't wait

6) Take your meds. If you are having side effects go back to the doctors, if they aren't working how you hoped - go back and ask. There are lots of meds available.

7) Listen to your own body and learn - you will know best

AND

8) ENJOY YOUR LIFE - things may change and alter but they would anyway - enjoy each day. The good memories will keep you going when things aren't as good!

Take good care, TAD xx

PS RIng the BLF helpline - click on the red balloon in the corner, they have some fantastic leaflets

[heho]

Lovely sensible reply.

[peege]

Hi Robbie, a warm welcome to the forum!

You will learn a great deal here to enable you to help yourself.

If I were you I would ask for further information on what exactly you have and why. (copd is an umbrella term including chronic bronchitis & emphysema).

There is also something called 'alpha 1 antitripsan (wrong spelling) deficiency', diagnosed with a skin prick blood test. I would be asking for that too if you don't smoke or have smoked little as you're quite young to be dx with copd. On the other hand, take it positively as an early warning to change your lifestyle a bit to live a long, happy, healthy life.

All the best to you. P

[Offcut]

Welcome and all good advice above. Give up smoking priority!

[sharon18]

welcome. it is a very good site . you can get many good tips on how to manage your copd.

[Robbie2057]

Thanks all for positive comments.

I am feeling very depressed at the moment.

I already have heart disease following a heart attack in January and now being told I have lung disease as well is bit much.

[terrzy]

it means u will only get worse.its not a death sentance just be sensable slow down and adjust your lifestyle

[JParkway58]

Welcome some very good advise above. Give up smoking if you haven't already x