Struggling a bit..

[COPDPete]

Diagnosed with copd (emphysema and bronchiectasis) about a year ago. Over the last two months I've been on three different antibiotics for two weeks each time, along with steroids and two different inhalers. Been told I need to book an emergency appointment with my copd specialist nurse with a view to having further respiratory tests and scans once the current steroids are finished. Should I be feeling as scared as I am? Thanks all.

[Hidden]

Sounds to me like your having a rough time with chest infections and they need to send a sputum sample of to see what specific antibiotics you need if your not getting better ...best thing to do is wait for your nurse to advise and try not to over worry about things I hope you feel better soon xxx Angie

[nasher46]

We all get scared Pete. That's one of the problems with lung COPD. Keep your chin up.

[2greys]

No you should not be feeling scared, anxiety is one of the hallmarks of COPD . Rest easy, relax or it will make your breathing worse, You are just experiencing a flare-up, nasty as they are, they are the responsibility of the doctors.

[COPDPete in reply to 2greys]

One of the bummers of it is that I'm self employed as a stained glass designer and craftsmen. Which may have brought the whole thing on, what with lead,dust etc. Currently don't feel like I can go anywhere near someone smoking let alone a soldering iron burning tallow flux and lead solder ... Sorry, there's no answer to that. But it just adds to keeping me awake at night.

[2greys in reply to COPDPete]

I fully understand the pressures involved, I have a small business myself, with two employees that I feel responsible for too. what is called being between a rock and a hard place.

[COPDPete in reply to 2greys]

Yup. At least I don't have employees, but I have clients who don't really understand. Also, my wife is the lock keeper, which is an 11 hour a day job until the end of October, so I'm kinda needed to do house stuff and shopping..

[2greys in reply to COPDPete]

We have a lot in common then, my partner works in a nursing home with 8 or 12 hour shifts and I have to do housework and cook.

[COPDPete]

Thanks all. Good to know there are people there who understand

[Amanda3011]

Try and stay positive , the key is keeping up with exercise even if you get out of breath and eat healthy ... I was diagnosed 11 years ago and stopped smoking but didn't realise working with flour would be so bad for me so I too have another chest infection and on the horrible steroids .. but hey ho keep your spirits up you will have good days too , sending hugs x