Feeling Scared.

[19441934]

I've had a cough with a little sputum since last October, Blood tests and Chest x Ray were normal.Since January this year my cough is still productive, I'm very tired, I get breathless after exertion, my sleep at night is interrupted.My GP suspects c.o.p.d.Bloods were normal, Chest x Ray is abnormal.Won't have the results until I see my GP on Tuesday, after a SpirometryTests, I have a permanent dull headache, and I'm needing to see every 2_3Hours, I've never smoked.I want to feel better but the thought of c.o.p.d is depressing me.I'm dreadingchaving to use a inv machine or oxygen.I'm so sorry to bombard you.Regards Carole😆 .

[sassy59]

Hi Carole, welcome. Of course you are scared as you are thinking about all sorts of things and don't really have any answers yet. Tuesday could well reveal more to you and your GP should refer you to a lung specialist perhaps but in the meantime on Monday give the BLF nurses a call and they can help and advise you. Click on the red balloon on this page where it says BLF.

This is a good place to be for support too and others will come on to chat to you. Try not to get too anxious as whatever the outcome, you can and will still lead a fulfilling life. My husband has COPD (6 years) and sarcoidosis which affects the lungs and airways (25 years) and enjoys life as much as he can.

Stay strong and hope all goes well on Tuesday. Take care. xxxx

[19441934 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you so much for your positive words.I,'ll feel better once I'm referred to the appropriate team.I'll do whatever they advise, Pulmonary Rehab, meds whatever.I'm hoping to Increase my exercise, I know that's very important too.Yes, I,'ll call B.L.F Nurses.So good to know there are understanding people to chat to on here.Again, thank you so much.😆 .

[diesel12]

I have moderate copd and still work full time, go to concerts and pubs just have to pace myself a little more but it's not the end of the world love. I was diagnosed in February and like you was very scared but to be honest nothing has changed and in fact now I know, I can improve things by exercising and eating healthily things are actually a bit better. So wait until you find out what's going on and if it is copd, think about what you can do to make your life a bit easier. It's not the end of your life, just a new beginning, oh, and welcome to the site xx

[19441934 in reply to diesel12]

Thank you so much, it's greatly appreciated.I must get my positive head on, and do all I can to stay as well as possible.So, so pleased I found this site, a wonderful group of supportive lovely people, 😆 .

[Katinka46 in reply to 19441934]

Good evening 19441934

What on earth is your doctor's evidence that you have COPD?

As a non-smoker that is very unlikely unless you have lived or worked in a toxic environment. There is an uncommon condition, Alpha-anti-tripsin-deficiency, which causes emphysema. That would usually manifest itself when the patient was youngish: twenties and thirties.

One of my frequently ridden hobbyhorses on this site is the cavalier way doctors diagnose COPD. It is quick, easy and cheap as it is a disease that can be managed by the GP. It costs to send patients to consultants. Do you have a good relationship with your GP? Ask her/him what evidence there is that it is COPD. And if you are not convinced push for further investigations.

Sorry, is that all a it much?

Whatever happens, look after yourself And let us know how things go.

K xxx

[Hidden in reply to Katinka46]

Yes it is unusual for someone to be diagnosed with copd who has never smoked, but there are several on here with it who haven't.

Don't forget that as well as working in toxic environments it can also be caused by eg parents smoking and spending a lot of time in a smokey atmosphere. x

[katieoxo60]

Hi Carole, welcome to the site. You must be quite anxious, not the sort of diagnosis a non smoker would expect. You need tests at a lung specialist clinic. Sadly there is a type of COPD that is not smoking related, but there are lots of other things that cause persistent cough with sputum, including asthma. Sinus problems can cause this too. I hope it is one of the less serious problems and help can be found for you. Best Wishes for a quick solution to but your mind at rest x

[sarcoid1234]

for the cough with phlegm look up 'Active Cycle of Breathing technique' - ACBT - (also known as huffing) on Google. It is a method of taking deep breaths etc that helps the mucus/phlegm to be coughed up. I have been doing it twice a day for 4 years and it really does help me. I have never smoked and have had sarcoidosis of the lungs for 37 years which is not likely to be your diagnosis as your X-ray is clear. I do not expect you will need oxygen, but please don't be anxious if that happens; I have been on oxygen 4-litres-a-minute for 2 years and find it quite easy to manage with small cylinders which I can use when walking outdoors; they are delivered to your door when you phone the NHS supplier. To help me sleep I very occasionally take Nytol herbal which is available from the chemist - speak to your doctor as you should not take it every night as it could become habit 'forming'.

[rubyred777]

Welcome to the site, Carole. Seems if you've been this way for 6 mos., they would have figured something out, before now. What did they do for you? Antibiotics or maybe an inhaler? Can understand why you're upset. Please let us know how you make out on Tuesday. Rubyxx 😊