wandering around this forum and reading all your stories (most of them very sad) i feel something of a fraud I have been told by my gp that i have copd and after having had a lobectomy this time last year plus chemo and radio therapy it has got significantly worse however although i have a severe cough and constantly bring up gunge i dont really feel that bad .My doc hasstarted me on a ventolin inhaler and steroid tabs i am due to see him this Friday and am short on questions to ask
going on previous experience i am going to be inundated but hey ho!
All that Derek, and you feel a fraud?? I really feel for you, you have a huge amount to deal with, and given all that thank heaven you don't feel too bad. I hope you have a decent healthcare team and consultant and wish you all the best for coping with it all.
I don't know if your oral steroids are long term or temporary, but you could ask about ongoing medication for copd. Most of us have a preventer inhaler which works to prevent problems and to keep us the best we can be. Ventolin is more of an emergency thing to dilate the lungs quickly, and you can also use it before going out if you need to open your airways up a bit.
Since you're bringing up a lot of stuff, you could ask for a sputum test to see if yours is infected - then you would need antibiotics and the test would indicate the most effective one.
Ask if a pulmonary rehab course would be available and appropriate for you at the present time or later on (there's likely to be a waiting list).
In relation to the lobectomy I have no idea of relevant questions but someone else may have thoughts on this.
Hope Friday's appointment goes well. It's good to have you on the forum
Yes i did have a couple of tumours of my lung hence the lobectomy etc. i am pretty convinced that the radio therapy made me worse but at the time i was so scared and confused i would have agreed to anything. I got the impression at the end that all the oncologist was really thinking of was how much of a result he hadregarding a cure,I was told later by another consultant that my operation had almost certainly cured the cancer!!!
Hardly a fraud Derek. The gunk that you cough up; is it clear, cream, white etc. Or is it yellow, green or brownish? If it is any of the later then you would be well advised to take a specimen to your GP so that they can get a path lab report on it. They may even give you an immediate broad - spectrum antibiotic to get to work whilst they are waiting for the report.
The former types of sputum are often produced by some COPD patients.
Regards Rib
No way are you a fraud Derek, I to had cancer it was the eosphagus back in 2010 which led to my lung problems etc, you are in the right place here. A wonderful site it really is. Love leelee
No way are you a fraud Derek, I to had cancer it was the eosphagus back in 2010 which led to my lung problems etc, you are in the right place here. A wonderful site it really is. Love leelee
Hi o2trees, all I had for my treatment was chemo and radiotherapy (which partially caused my lung problems etc, you could try HU cancer site. Glad you like my name! Hope you get the answer you need. X. Lee
Hi o2trees, all I had for my treatment was chemo and radiotherapy (which partially caused my lung problems etc, you could try HU cancer site. Glad you like my name! Hope you get the answer you need. X. Lee
Welcome Derek and in no way should you think you are a fraud. Above advice is all sound,
I would not worry to much about the ventolin. But bare in mind over use can make the heart beat quicker and it is not uncommon to get twitching at night. Both of which make you think you have some else to worry about. If you are not used to an inhaler a spacer may help you?
You really had it rough and by no means are you a fraud. I'm glad you feel good. I won't reiterate that you need a sputum test to see what kind it is. You could ask if you cul join a Pulmonary Rehabilitation team which would give you quite a lot in terms of tips and exercises. You can ask what sort of antibiotics you could have as a rescue pack or even on a repeat prescreition so it does serve its purpose as a rescue pack you can have prescribed when you need it.
I'm joining the others to welcome you in our forum. Come with specific questions and someone will answer. Also tell us about your experience of your lung disease; it's all enlightening.
You don't sound a fraud to me Derek, you've really been through the mill, I feel very lucky in comparison. Take care & Good Luck with the Doc,
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