Breathing.

[chrisb63]

Hi all, I haven't posted very much of late as been preoccupied with other things, but the main update at 3 and a half months is about my breathing.

Before I quit cold turkey, (40 year habit) my breathing seemed to be okay. I didn't get breathless very easily and even went for every other day walks at a brisk pace in January with no problems.

Now though it seems as if I can't breathe very easily at all even on the slightest exertion. I read somewhere that the ciggie companies put something into their product so that it open the airways when you inhale, but once you have quit there isn't this advantage and breathing can become far more laboured.

I'm so concerned about this of late that I will be making an appointment with my GP for a lung function test. I think they call it Spirometry.

I did post on breathing a while back but that was just generalities and that the lungs improve more and more between 3 months and 9 months to about 10% or 15% capacity.

I suspect I have COPD or something similar.

Thoughts anyone and have you had a lung function test and discovered that you do have COPD? I have a terrible memory at the moment as I'm sure some of you have had these tests and discovered that you do have COPD.

[casper99]

Hi, it's always best to get unusual breathlessness xhexked out Chris, if only to put your mind at rest.

Cigarettes do open a smokers airways in a morning but, it's only because smoking clogged them up in the first place.

The benefits of stopping can take a good while but, it's definitely worth it. xx

[lKeith]

chrisb63Hi, saw your post, firstly keep off the weed, try to keep fit walking etc even tho'it's harder for you now. Most pulmonary rehab units insist on getting and then keeping yourself fit. To allow yourself to run down makes the body lazy and breathlessness worse. Make that appointment with the GP urgently & get it dignaosed properly. Do not go on the net and read from Google it will frighten you witless. Instead read about your condition from medical experts/articles one such article could help " Ultimate Pulmonary Wellness Book by Dr Noah Greenspan".

Good luck with your tests.

Keith

[chrisb63 in reply to lKeith]

lKeith, Hi. The last time I had weed was in my teens about 45 years ago!! so not an issue.

Today I have climbed my stairs at a brisk pace several times and didn't get out of breath at all, but trying to get off to sleep last night and after being rested for a while, I suddenly found I couldn't breathe and had to get up and do some deeper breathing. Very odd wouldn't you say?

[lKeith in reply to chrisb63]

chrisb63

I was refering to the cigs not the waky baky. Keep doing the exercises the lung muscles need to keep working at a good rate. Can't offer any suggestions about sleep, If you have trouble with breathing when at rest in bed what you did with deep breathing exercises sounds good to me even if it does sound a little odd.

Don't forget to read Dr Greenspan there may be some guidance in there somewhere.

Keith

[Nottobad in reply to chrisb63]

Hi Chris try sleeping propped up. Even people with COPD have good days and bad days. If it dose turn out you have COPD. Ask to be referred to pulmanaory rehab. That is an exercise and education for people with COPD. Don't put of getting your breathing test just because you could manage to clime stairs without getting breathless.

[oporpop]

Yes had LFT' s a twice a year due to COPD. Don't panic just listen to exactly what they say to you and do your best. They need to match readings so you have to do things at least twice. Takes about 45 mins but longer if they have to do things again if functions don't match, then you wait for things to be reset. I was diagnosed 15+ years ago and had not been to bad able to work and lead a relatively normal life apart from exacerbation times spent in Hospital.

If you are diagnosed with Lung Problem there is help out there which I have got involved with after getting to ill to work a year ago. Was sent on breathing exercise course by G.P and heard of BREATHERS a group run by Patients for Patients they are great!

I do hope though that you haven't got COPD and you will feel better soon. The Cig giving up does give you the nasties for many months as your lungs are getting rid of the muck smoking has left behind. I smoked from age 13 and for a few years after being diagnosed until realisation of what I was doing set in. So please keep off them and maybe a few months down the line you will feel better.

Take care and good luck!

[chrisb63 in reply to oporpop]

Thanks oporpop, you don't have a link for the BREATHERS do you? Are they based online or locally to you?

[mrsmummy in reply to chrisb63]

This link to the BLF website can help you search for what is available to you locally, including Breatheasy groups, singing groups, exercise classes, etc. Just put in your post code.

blf.org.uk/support-in-your-...

[oporpop]

Hi Chris, Have looked into this and sorry Breathers seem to be area based. There are good leaflets on British lung Foundation website. Your nearest Main Hospital may have them to download also. The group I attend use Derriford Hospital leaflets. Think groups were set up in areas around area I attend as Hospital is so far away! Have help from community nurses based a bit nearer. Give your area a search and there maybe something under a different name. Your G.P. surgery may have information. Hope you are o.k. at the moment.