Newbie!

[Wendywoo78]

Hi everyone,

I've just been diagnosed as having moderate COPD, which was a bit of a shock as I'm a non-smoker (although my parents both smoked and they ran a pub when I was growing up, so I've obviously inhaled hundreds of cigarettes over the last 49 years!).

I've Just picked up my new Spiriva inhaler and Ventolin to go with the Symbicort I already take for asthma and after reading posts on this wonderful site I'm on a diet to try and lose a few pounds and I'm plucking up the courage to join the gym next week as I need to get (and hopefully stay) active!

Anyone got any other advice for a newbie? - cheers x

[btown]

Hi Wendywoo78, and welcome, dont be down hearted it was a shock for me too, I have only been diagnosed for just over a month and am still learning to cope, but there are some wonderful people on this site, who will answer most of your questions and we will all help you as much as possible.

T♡

[sassy59]

Welcome Wendywoo78 and what a great thing you have done by joining this brilliant site. I am sure you will get lots of advice but you seem to be making a good start on doing the right things. Good luck with the diet and joining the gym. Let us know how it all goes for you. Take care and stay strong. xxxxx

[Hidden]

Wendywoo nice to have you with us, hope this works its a post of member stone,healthunlocked.com/blf/post... xx

[casper99]

Hi Wendywoo and welcome to the site. Tadaw, will probably be along to post you her great advice sheet, written by her own fair hand. It tells you all you need to know about ing after yourself and managing the disease.

There are loads of lovely people on here who will be there for you, if you need any advice. x

[Hidden]

Hi Wendywoo nice to meet you and welcome to the site. Ring the BLF helpline number on 03000 030 555 and they will send you out lots of information about lung diseases. They are open Monday to Friday. Please don't google sites indiscriminately as you will scare yourself silly. Stick to recognised ones like this and NHS etc. x

[Offcut]

Welcome.

I would say you are doing all the right things right now. You will find you are going to have bad days as well as good ones but that's life.

My best advise is if you are have a bad breathing day do not panic breath! Sit down lean a little forward and slow deep breaths to get you feeling better. Try and control it not it controlling you.

Be Well

[peege]

Hi, a warm welcome. You will learn a great deal here to assist in understanding and self management.

You could ask your respiratory nurse for a place on a PR course. This is a 6 week, 2 sessions per week course of specialist exercise and talks. Run by physio therapists. It's marvellous in getting you on the right track. You learn so much. Don't let them tell you you're 'not ill enough'. The modern thinking is to get people on the course early to save ill health (and money) in the future.

PR = pulmonary rehabilitation.there are loads of YouTube clips on breathing exercises to look at.

Knowledge is power. Remember we are all different too, what suits one may not suit another.

Start gargling/rinsing after inhaler use to wash away the residue of steroid etc & prevent thrush.

If you think you have an infection don't wait, see a medic immediately. It only takes moments to listen to a chest.

Keep your immune system tip top, especially from autumn onwards.

Avoid kissing or touching people with coughs/colds. Wash your hands loads if you're out n about.......... You will pick it all up.

All the best to you. Peege

[Hidden]

Welcome to our group.....you will find some lovely folk on this site.....

So any questions dont be afraid to ask....

J.

[ladyinspain]

Hi Wendywoo .yes lots of good advice on this site ,& lots of laughs also.

Just ad they say take each day as it comes & breathe in & breathe our x

[BugsBunny]

Hi Wendy

You seem to be doing all the right things. The only thing I can suggest is to try to get along to your local Breathe Easy group where you will meet other people in the same position as you.

All the best

Mandy

[Claudine]

The best bit of advice would be stay away from children (that's what I was told) and make sure to have your flu jab and the pneumonia jab. The problem with children is that they invariably have some sort of coughs and sniffles, especially in winter, and while it is no problem for them because their immune systems are learning, it can be a problem for us because our immune systems are compromised. I try to stay away from crowded situations in the winter too - infections are the biggest bugbear.

[Wendywoo78]

Thanks for the lovely welcome everyone and all your good advice - I'm sure this site will be my "go to" place if I've got any queries that I don't want to worry the Docs with - I've learnt so much already just reading some of your posts x

[spanial]

wendywoo welcome to this wonderfull site,it will give you all the information you will need,xx

[maincarer]

Hi Wendywoo,

Well, just keep as active as you can keep walking, and when you get breathless just give yourself a bit of time to get your breath back......the big thing is not to be overweight, eat healthy, and walk as much as you can, swim if you can as well.... Hope that helps.....Take care.