Copd

[Kellyhopkins]

Hiya I have been suffering with asthma for 12 years n just found out I got COPD and I'm only 35 gutted x

[Hidden]

Good Morning! I can fully understand why you would be gutted. I care for my husband who has severe COPD and has for years BUT he still lives a full and active life. It might be a good idea to ring the helpline - You can call the helpline on 03000 030 555 Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. The nurses will be able to reassure you and help you to learn what treatment you should expect etc.

There are lots of lovely people on here who will help answer your questions and hopefully dispel your fears. Take care of yourself and it takes time to understand COPD - it seems to affect everyone differently. Lots of love TAD xxx

[Colours23]

Don't worry I do believe the medical dept no they have made a huge neglect in the management of asthma/ copd. Massive the mistakes that have been made. Or rather nothing has been done or we have not had the correct treatment,not a lot is happening right now, trying to pick up the pieces while medical staff being paid but not doing the job,either no nurses or trained nurses,not all docs know about respiratory,and now I see people being labelled with copd (just in case) .they may have it,,mess.so don't worry to much ,it's not worth it,all be clear soon

[Kellyhopkins in reply to Colours23]

Thank u xx

[Kellyhopkins in reply to Colours23]

Thank u xx

[jayspurs]

Hi Kelly,

i know it easier said than done by try not to worry. Can i ask you how you were diagnosed? Was it via a Ct scan or Spirometry (where you blow in a machine) if it was the latter do you gave the results so we can help you understand them? I am only 36 i have COPD but to be honest I feel really well and providing you look after yourself it should not make too much difference ti your life for many years to come.

all the best

Justin

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear that Kelly. Have you had the test for Alpha 1 Deficiency? It's a genetic condition and should be tested for if you are diagnosed at your young age. It's quite rare but just in case. Same goes for you Justin. There is a site where you can get it done for free just google it. x

[jayspurs in reply to Hidden]

Hi Cough

[Ianstuart1964]

I was diagnosed with COPD at 37 they told me i was particularly young and one consultant said i didnt, it was asthma and 4 years later after a CT Scan they told me i had mild to moderate emphasemya (oh i can never spell it right) lol

[jayspurs in reply to Ianstuart1964]

Hi Ian

if you don't mind could i ask you how old you are now ? How is your health, have you remained stable declined ? Do you smoke , exercise. Sorry for so many questions, its just diagnosis so young is quite young and academic research on young people is limited.

thanks for your time in advance

Justin

[Ianstuart1964 in reply to jayspurs]

Hi Jay dont mind at all. I am 50 now. Was diagnosed at 37 copd. Then told by a lung consultant that i didnt have copd and that it was bronchil asthma. Even though a gp from Royal Brompton was 100% positive it was copd. The gp kept me on copd medication spiriva, symbicourt and montkulast. Things calmed down and would onky get the odd flare up at winter time. The gp just put it down to seaonal. I have smoked on and off since i was a kid and never diagnosed with asthma. I use to run a lot doing half marathons and 10k runs,but over last few years not been keeping up on the running. I had 2 years of no flare ups you wouldnt know i had a lung problem. But i started to lose weight i only took the medication when i thought i needed it. My gp referred me to a blood specialist as my bloods were all very irregular and a high white blood cell count which i had for apparently 4 yrs or so. Had a ct scan found that i had mild to moderate emphysema. But showed no symptoms to it.

I had swollen lymph nodes and was referred to guys hospital in London to have biopsies and camera down into the lungs as they were concerned it maybe cancer. Thank fully it wasnt.

Getting back to smoking, my current consultant does not believe it is all down to smoking and believed it could be work related. Back then i was a soldier in the gulf war 1991 subjected to chemicals and anthrax anti virus drugs along with others. The side effects of the strain of anthrax used then severe side effects is emphysema. So there is a question mark, really as to why it took so long to get the right diagnoses.

But ultimately the only way to slow the process is stop smoking.

I have done lung rehab and will be starting breath easy classes down the gym. The consultant recommends it, to boost immune system, strenghthen the lungs and should help cut down on the infections and flare ups. It wont change the damage already done.

Do you have a copd team ?

[Colours23 in reply to Ianstuart1964]

The only difference is asthma goes away.

[thomo84]

Hello,

Im 30 and got told i have copd 3 weeks ago by my doctor after a spirometry test! I am having a chest x ray next monday and am on steroids and antibiotics but i have a really bad pain in my ribs.......arrrrrrrr

Feel for you x

[Ianstuart1964 in reply to thomo84]

Hi Thomo i have had chest xrays for years and misdiagnosed copd combination asthma. The only sure way to diagnose copd is with a ct scan. They cannot make a correct diagnoses on a chest x ray. I was diagnosed on basis of a chest xray. Then a few years later sent to see an independant lung specialist who again on a chest xray said i didnt have copd and it was asthma. 5 years later had a ct scan for something not related to copd and told i have stage 2 emphasemya. In which i was not showing the symptoms. Then my current consultant asked why i didnt have a ct scan 5 years ago and if i had i would never be in the situation i am now. So dont be sold short ask for a ct scan

[CornishBrian]

If the diagnosis said COPD/ Asthma, that is quite common. It is used to differentiate between normal or triggered asthma and non triggered asthma....that being the type of asthma that is constantly with you but varies in intensity. Still no problem. Get on with your life, eat well, watch you wait and keep away from dust, smoke, including bbq's and anything else that makes it worse, i.e. chemicals, strong smelling beauty products, deodorants etc.

[victoriablue]

Hi Kellyhopkins

Not nice but don't worry you can still lead a near normal life if you get the right medication.

I was diagnosed at about the same age as yourself and I am 70 in April slowed down now but could be age lol. Take care Rose