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[wasteoftime123]

HI I have recently been diagnosed with copd, while hearing the news was a shock I should have expected it due to my lifestyle.I was wondering if any members continued working and for how long, after diagnosis,did they continue to work for. I can't afford to stop working so any advice would be good ,thanks,

[Pam1952]

Hello and welcome. I was diagnosed with COPD 8 years ago at the age of 56.......I'm now 64 and have no plans to stop working for a long time. A lot depends on the stage you're at, but with small lifestyle changes you can make a big difference. You need to exercise regularly, stop smoking (if you're a smoker) , eat a healthy diet and get as much info about your condition as possible. I'm still active and enjoying life and hope to be doing so for many years to come.

Take care.

Pam XXX

[wasteoftime123 in reply to Pam1952]

Thanks pam,the last thing I want to do is stop working your reply has given me some encouragement thanks

[Pam1952 in reply to wasteoftime123]

You're very welcome. Just one small tip, don't go googling it.......You'll scare yourself silly and it's just not accurate! Best information you can get is on here. XXX

[wasteoftime123 in reply to Pam1952]

Your right I did scare me self!

[wasteoftime123 in reply to Pam1952]

What stage are ypublished pamper?

[Pam1952 in reply to wasteoftime123]

If you go by my fev1 which is 47%, then I'd be classed as severe. The only problem is that my symptoms aren't severe! It doesn't stop me doing anything. Go by how you feel, and not the numbers. XXX

[wasteoftime123 in reply to Pam1952]

Thanks pam☺

[Pam1952 in reply to wasteoftime123]

Let me give you a good example of what I mean (infact, I'm going to put a post on soon, because I was so pleased!).

On Friday I had my last PR session and I knew that I'd have to repeat my 6 minute walking test (Richard had to do it as well and his fev1 is 49). My first walk test was 430, Richard's was 270. My final walk test was 530 and Richard's was 320. (I had a chest infection at that), so you can see from that it's not a precise science, lol. XXX

[Bevvy]

You don't say what stage you are at / how bad you are. But no reason to say you can't continue to work. I was diagnosed 5 years ago and continue to work albeit part time but I have other issues as well as COPD. I have even changed jobs in past 5 years.

What is important is to stay as fit and well as possible. If you smoke, stop. Take your meds. Try to exercise.

[diesel12]

Hi, I'm like Pam I still work full time and generally live a normal life style although I do have to pace myself a bit. I'm moderate and 60 years old but Pam hit the nail on the head you need to exercise, it makes a big difference to what you are able to do. I still go to gigs and weekenders and maybe one day I'll grow up or maybe not lol! Good luck x

[2greys]

Hands up here, I continue to work too, the best decision I have ever made, like Pam, I have no plans at all for giving up. I am at stage 3 with COPD and 66 years young. My work is production engineering, most of the the day is spent on the shop floor, the paperwork I tend to take home to be done in the evening.

Much better than moping about at home, bored, restless. and feeling useless, a breeding ground for depression! Remaining active is so important, for both your physical and mental health. Let alone the financial side of things. You don't mention, what sort of work you do? Obviously certain jobs are not recommended ie Coal mining, chemical plants, etc.

Go for it, Just carry on working as you are BUT......make those all important lifestyle changes, and stick to them.

[Hidden]

Hi if your copd is at an early stage there is no reason why you can't carry on working as long as you want. I was diagnosed mild 8 years ago and am still mild. My doctor told me old age would get me first.

It is obviously a chronic condition but you will learn to manage it. It is important to recognise that your lungs need more care now and you have to learn to take them very seriously. For example any exacerbation (a worsening of your symptoms either from an infection or no obvious cause) need to be dealt with promptly as they can further damage your lungs. So if you think there is a problem brewing get yourself off to the doctors. It is much better to be safe that sorry. x

[onamission]

It all depends where you work I worked for the NHS what we have to remember is every time we get a cold or flu it can turn in to a chest infection and we never fully recover from a chest infection so public places are a big worry.

If you smoke you would be doing yourself a big favour if you could give up.

[Shona68]

Hi it is scary when when you find out you have copd lots of worries about health and the financial side o things 'l still work full time I'm stage 2 and doing away fine bit tierd at times ,I saw someone say on here use it or loose it x

[wasteoftime123]

Thanks for all replies..feel bit more positive

[Comcerned]

The best thing you can do is stay active, you may not want to push your self so hard that your oxygen can't keep up with the demands of the oxygen your body needs. Being active actually helps the lungs expand and keep the elasticity that is left in them. My Dad worked until he was 79 and was probably the reason he lived to be 82. Stay hydrated and make sure you get good nutrition. Vitamin supplements will definitely help.

[wasteoftime123 in reply to Comcerned]

Thanks gona try

[rubyred777]

Hi Wasteoftime, Welcome to the site. You've already gotten great replies. Not much I can add to it. I'm moderate copd, and was cleaning a big Pediactrics office for 4 hrs. a night. I think that workout, I got there has kept my copd stable. I lost the job on New years, of all days. (Not due to any fault of mine.) I am making up an exercise routine for now. Also looking for more work. No sitting around for me! Use it, or lose it! You didn't say what stage you are. What type of work do you do? Ruby🌹

[wasteoftime123 in reply to rubyred777]

So sorry to hear about your job but yes I agree use it or lose it..stage 2 and I'm in factory in quite an active role..my shifts are getting changed to longer shiftso of 12 hrs but not xtra pay!! I use my inhalers and have stopped smoking at the moment am OK just scared for future that's y I'm going to throw caution too the wind and go paragliding in March if I feel the same!

[rubyred777 in reply to wasteoftime123]

Good for you! Does your breathing feel any better since you quit smoking? I think years ago when people found out they had COPD, they slowed down. Now we realize we need to remain active. 😍😊😁

[wasteoftime123 in reply to rubyred777]

I have to say at the moment my breathing can be worrying and that's without any exercise affecting it . I'm on my feet moveIng about for 10 hrs of the day in work but will exercising at wkends.hope you find work soon