What now?

[johnderby]

Hi all. New to this, just been diagnosed as moderate to severe COPD. Been given some inhalers and meds and have to return for assessment in three weeks. I am still working, as I need to financially. What happens now? Just sitting at home totally confused by everything i have read and heard.!!

[Hidden]

as you have access to a computer go on the British Lung foundation web site and look up what you have been told today what drugs & inhalers you have been given and go into depth there is a whole of info on this website knocking on the head loads of fallacy that abounds about COPD. Try with in your own boundaries (without getting breathless) to exercise daily it will build up the chest muscles that can easily get weak and as the year advances try and keep warm in the colder months.

[Hidden]

sorry I should have said welcome to a very useful and informative site.

[johnderby in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I will take your advice and get researching.

[Hidden in reply to johnderby]

you are welcome johnderby and if you get stuck always ask be never afraid to do that most of us on this site are old hands having first mastered COPD and learned to live our life around it.

[Suzy6]

Welcome johnderby stay with us here. You will learn useful information. Can't add much to what ant has already said except take control of COPD don't let it control you. Take care.

[johnderby]

Thanks Suzy6. I will try. Hope to be posting more interesting stuff once I have got my head together.

[Hidden]

Welcome john, U will often see newbies on here, me being one of them not so long ago. This site is fantastic for advice and tips, and support, everyone is caring and with one thing or another we are all in the same boat. Wot ever u feel good or bad someone is always here to listen. Take care x Sonia x

[johnderby]

Thanks Sonia, you take care too. x

[peege]

Hi, welcome. I expect you're reeling in shock. I wonder if you smoke? If you do please stap ASAP to help you get the very best out of you future.

There are several people on here who have improved their lot - and their ling function by making a few adjustments to your life.

Breathe clean, eat healthily, keep to a healthy weight, drink plenty of fluids, practice hygeine to avoid infections (bugs, colds & coughs turn really bad for us).

Ask your medics for a place on a pulmonary rehabilitation course (PR). It's extremely beneficial, you learn lots on it.

All the best to you P.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Hi and welcome johnderby. I was diagnosed over 3 years ago with very severe emphysema. I haven't got any worse. In fact, I can do a hell of a lot more than I did 3 years ago ! Keep active.

[rockett777]

Hi john, welcome.

Im here as a carer.

So not from same place you are in but ive had such great support.

Please know you will be accepted, and can ask the questions, and share worries.x

[Riverbank]

Welcome John.

[Hidden]

Hi John nice to meet you and welcome to the site. I can't add to the great advice you have been given - just wanted to say hi. x

[kimmy59]

Evening.

Welcome to the forum. It is all very bewildering at first and very frightening but you'll come to terms with it. I know you'll have been given great advice by everyone on here so I wont repeat it, all I will say is you'll get used to the signs your body gives out when you have an infection etc, because we're all different and you'll learn what works best for you. And in time you'll learn to control your illness not let it control you.

And exercise best thing you can do.

Kim xxx

[Hidden]

Morning! How frightening to get this diagnosis and even more when you start to google! I look after my husband who was diagnosed about 12 years ago - he has severe COPD but he is still working!! We just have a slower pace than most others!

Welcome to the site there are lots of lovely people who will give you advise and answer questions.

Firstly I would advise you ring the BLF helpline, they have lots of literature available and will be able to explain what you should expect in terms of care etc. I have listed a few tips that we have found useful and hope you do too - there is no reason why you cant have a great quality of life!

1. Please stop smoking - if you haven't already. Essential

2. Fitness - it is absolutely vital you stay as fit as you can

3. Flu jab - flu can be difficult to recover from

4. Pneumonia jab - doctor should offer this

5. Try to avoid colds - use lots of hand sanitiser and vicks cold defence is really good. Colds usually mean a chest infection and best to avoid them if you can.

6. If you think you might be starting with a chest infection - your symptoms seem worse dont wait go to the doctor. I am convinced that my husband could have slowed down the progression if he had gone to the doctors with chest infections rather than expecting his body to get over them!

7. Eat as healthily as possible!

Enjoy your life. As frightening as this sounds you can live a very happy life and a long life! Take good care, TAD xxx

[Hidden]

Hi John, a warm welcome to the site. I'm sure you'll learn a lot from being here and make new friends along the way. Keep in touch and do let us know how your assessment goes. All the best... Lovelight x

[jackdup]

Welcome and sorry to hear of your diagnosis as it is something no one wants to hear but on the other hand there are many diseases/illnesses that can be much worse.