hi

[shellej]

my name is shelley i have been diagnosed with copd a year now but still know so little about it

[diesel12]

Hi and welcome. I was diagnosed nearly a year ago so am no expert but some of the guys will be along later and they should be able to help.

Were there any specific question you wanted answering?

I understand copd covers both chronic bronchitis and emphysema (I have the bronchitis bit) I also know that exercise and healthy eating can slow down the progression.

Do you know what stage you are at? I am moderate and still work full time and live a relatively normal life except when I have an infection which slows me down.

Do ask any questions you may have and you'll get answers and lots of support on here.

It was a shock to me when I was diagnosed and I was quite frightened and that appears to be normal for everyone at first but as far as I can tell it's not the death sentence I thought it was and I've learned a lot on here about putting things into perspective and getting on with my life.

We all have a moan about our bad days but also like a laugh too, so just make yourself at home Mrs Mowgli (love the name by the way).

Take care x

[shellej in reply to diesel12]

i have emphysema part of copd not sure what stage i am at have moved to new area and seems like all new to my new gp i see a copd nurse but after seeing her at xmas no longer need see her till july it was strange as she didn't ask no questions or did checks i fell ill same week of seeing her and had infection on chest since xmas i have other issues so don't work thankyou so much for your reply and hubby called mowgli so thought try mrsmowgli lol xx

[Azure_Sky]

Welcome Mrs Mowgli, I have emphysema, it is still mild, although I was diagnosed over two years ago. I try to keep fit by walking regularly, and eating a good diet. Vitamin C and Vitamin D3 help too. I stay in when it is foggy and if there is a lot of pollution. You can find out online about pollution levels. If I get a cold, which is not often, I wrap up warm. I always wear a scarf too. Thick one in winter, lightweight one in summer. I have type 2 diabetes and take two Metformin a day. I also have osteoarthritis. Taking walks is not always easy so I take painkillers when my hips play up.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Mrs Mowglli, I too have cold,but exercise daily and have a good diet. Welcome to the forumxxx

[Hidden]

Good morning shelley, and a warm welcome from me too.

I am 77, was diagnosed in 2013 as having moderate copd. I use Fostair inhaler twice daily, and am well at the moment, but do take extra care not to catch a cold as it goes straight to my lungs and can make life horrid for quite a while. Have you been referred for Pulmonary Rehabilitation yet? This is a great way of getting to understand how copd works, and how to cope with exercise, diet and other ways of keeping healthy as you can. Ask your copd Nurse or doctor about it. I am certainly not anywhere near as knowledgeable about the disease as most others on here, and have learnt a lot from people I can now call friends since I joined the Group. The support you get on here is worth its weight in gold. Ask anything and someone will have the answer for you.

Good wishes

[Pam1952]

Good morning Shelley, and a very warm welcome to the group. I'm sure that you'll benefit from being a part of this community. There are lots of lovely, knowledgeable people on here who are always willing to listen and give great advice..

I look forward to hearing more from you soon.

Take care. Pam XXX

[velvet55]

Hello Shelley

A warm welcome to you.

You have found a great site for advice, information, support and friendship.

Ask away about anything, and someone will help you.

You can also get free information booklets from the BLF, and help over the phone from a nurse.

Don't believe all you read on DR. Google, with the right lifestyle, and appropriate medication, you can slow the progression down.

Try to avoid people with coughs, colds, very hard at this time of year.

Your GP should let you keep an emergency pack of antibiotics, and steroids at home.

Read the *NICE guidelines on COPD* treatment you 'should ' be getting from your GP , just enter the * phrase into your search box.

Good Luck

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

xx

[Dedalus]

Hello and welcome

[Sherry44]

Welcome Shelley. Like you I have had that bug that has been going around and seem to have a never-ending cough. I have COPD, either emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or both. I was diagnosed 4 and a half years ago, but have managed to keep it at bay, and lead a normal life in that I can get around (slowly because of osteoarthritis) but nevertheless I cope, and I am 83 not out!

Good luck to you and try not to worry.

[onamission]

hi Shelly welcome ask your GP to refer you to PR you will learn so much I did one 2 years ago and got so much out of it. Other more important things is if you smoke consider giving up and flu injections yearly.

[shellej]

thankyou to everyone for their lovely welcome's and messages all very appreciated will do all what has been advised xx