Worried

[Teeko]

Hi I'm 39 and have progressed from copd stage 1 to stage 2 in only 7 months which is worrying as they say you can stay at stage 1 for 10 -18 years which worries me that I'm not going to last long, should I start preparing myself now

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Please don't worry, we are all different. See about going to pulmonary rehab, eat healthy, and drink plenty. And if you smoke please stop. You have years ahead of you yet, don't try to over do it. Take care and please keep posting. And remember you do have many years in front of you. 😊 xx Bernadette

[onamission]

Hi Teeko have you had a cold flu or chest Infection recently in the past this have effected my lung function test.

Ask your GP to refer you to a pr course this will help with your fitness and knowledge to help you cope with all the things that this illness throws at us.

Try not to worry I was diagnosed at the age of 42 and I have no intention of leaving this earth till I'm 140 😊

[Teeko in reply to onamission]

I hadn't had a cold etc for at least a month before my lung function test but yet I had dropped from fev 52 down to 42, I'm seeing the consultant about it today and am worried, I have to be active as I have a four year daughter and a 10 month old puppy , I eat healthy and am now using nicotine patches

[onamission in reply to Teeko]

exercise is also a big thing for us it gives us a fighting chance when we get ill I fully understand what you are saying I have 2 granddaughters under 3 its them that keep me going

[Teeko in reply to onamission]

Me to its just so hard, my little is only 4 and I want to see her grow up

[onamission in reply to Teeko]

And I'm sure you will enjoy her they are not toddlers for long and they are so funny at that age

[Hidden in reply to Teeko]

Stage 1 is higher than FEV1 52%. It is between 70-80%. Well done for packing in the cigarettes as this is probably the reason for the drop in your levels. There are lots on here with a lower lung function who are going nowhere for many years yet so concentrate on leading a healthy lifestyle and your levels can even go up.

[peege in reply to Teeko]

Good on you re the nicotine patches. It's probably the smoking that's stopped you from being mild. It'll take a while but I'm sure you'll be able to work your way to the mild stage - it has been done by a few members here.

Next time you see doc ask for the alpha 1 deficiency test (pre-disposes some people/non smokers to copd) It's only a skin prick, it would be good to be able to eliminate it.

Spring is on the way so it will help. I wonder if you live in a more polluted area? I moved out of London two years ago and this winter has been even better than last.

Good luck, Peege

[casper99]

Hi Teeko, at my first Spiro, the nurse showed me how my chart showed I was mild, just.

Six months later, at my next Spiro, the nurse frightened the life out of me by acting over shocked, because I had gone into moderate, on the graph. She kept saying, she couldn't understand it.

Cue, my flying to the Docter with the fear I was rapidly declining.

Turned out, I had a chest infection but, the initial mild diagnosis off the the nurse was wrong anyway because at 67% fev1, I was really moderate.

This was 5 years ago and it has stayed around the same ever since, give or take a few points.

Don't let it worry you, an infection, de-conditioning and even fatigue, can have an effect on results, on the day, so slipping into moderate, isn't something to read too much into because your next Spiro, can be different again, in a positive way.

Moderate, is still good when you consider that many people diagnosed at severe can live 15, 20 years or more, puts things into perspective for me.

If you still feel anxious about it, go and see your Docter. It will put your mind at ease. xx

[Teeko in reply to casper99]

My fev is 36 then after nebuliser it's 42

[casper99]

I hope when you've seen your consultant, you will have a clearer understanding of the stage you are at.

Well done with the stopping smoking, we all know how hard it is but, it's the best thing you can do and opens the door to a possible improvement in your numbers and slowing your COPD, right down to a crawl. xx

[Seams13]

Hi Teeko, please don't panic. I was first diagnosed 6 years ago, 55 years old stage 3 - COPD/ SEVERE EMPHYSEMA in both lungs. Do talk to your doctor/ Consultant about your concerns. The BLF nurses also will be able to allay your fears or worries. Stay as healthy as you possibly can, watch what you eat and most of all exercise. Speak to the professionals, they are the best to advise you. Good luck