Copd. Are there any tips to make life easier.

[Lynnphil]

I have just joined I have just been diagnosed with COPD and looking for any tips on how to ease symptoms.

[y_not]

Hello Lynn, Welcome aboard! Have you been given any data about your COPD? Spirometry results, x-rays, scans etc? Have you been told what level you are at currently (mild/Moderate etc)?

Lots of really nice helpful people here who be better able to asvise than I am.

Best wishes

[Lynnphil in reply to y_not]

Thank you for your prompt reply y_not. I had a spirometry test last friday . I was told I had severe COPD but she couldn't believe how active I was. I go to the gym twice a week and attend 2 classes that are very active. I told her I had just been shopping and felt a bit breathless.

I was given a Salamol inhaler and Braltus. I was also given the flu jab which made me feel quite ill. I have another appointment in a month.

I was a bit stunned when I got home and started to panic a bit. Then I found this website and have been reading some great info.

Today is the first time I have been out for an hour but not too good at the moment. Feeling a little nauseus and pain under my breast bone as if something is squashed. Sorry for the long story stil trying to get my head round it all.

[Lynnphil in reply to Lynnphil]

Just remembered I had a lung X-ray last year which the doctor filed. When the nurse read it I remember her saying something about changes but I can't remember as I think I was a little shocked. When I have my next appointment I will be able to ask more questions.

[laines]

Hi Lynn,

Welcome to this excellent group. You are amongst friends and there is always someone here to talk to. It quite alarming when you are first diagnosed and also overwhelming! Try not to worry. There are hundreds of tips to help ease the symptoms but first get as much info from your doctor as you can and ask the doc for pulmonary rehab. Give up smoking if you smoke, eat healthy and continue exercising! Take your medication as prescribed. Keep warm in the cold weather. Stay positive! I’m sure many others will have more tips for you. x

[Lynnphil in reply to laines]

Thank you. I am certainly enjoying this group It is helping enormously. x

[y_not]

Hi Lynn,

Prepare for the next appointment; build a list of questions to ask (nothing wrong with arriving with a pen & paper and lots f questions) Enquire about PR (Pulmonary Rehabilitation) - this is an exercise & information program, request a copy of your spirometry results (some GP's hand them out but others don't unless you request them (then post the figures on here for more help on what they mean).

Ask about the options of visiting the respiratory team at your local hospital for more tests and review of the medication.

Enquire about "Emergency Medication" - this is antibiotics & Steroids that you keep at home ready for any exacerbations (chest infections) you might have ... early treatment (rather than waiting for a GP appointment) is very important. Some GP's issue these ... depends on how they view your condition. Ask for a sputum test bottle (for any infections to be treated using the best antibiotic in the event of exacerbations)

Follow laines great advice.

Keep well & best wishes

[laines in reply to y_not]

Haha thank you but your advice was as good x

[Lynnphil]

Thank you. I have now started a list of questions for my appt on the 5th. I feel a lot more confident about the diagnosis now and feel with the support of this group I will be able to manage this condition.

Best wishes x

[Lynnphil]

Thank you for all of this useful info. I have started a list of questions for my next appt on the 5th. I feel more confident thanks to this group and have read a lot of information. x

[O2Trees]

Most important is pulmonary rehabilitation as mentioned by y-not above. Get very proactive about avoiding infection and educate your friends and family to stay away from you when they are unwell.

[Lynnphil]

Thank you.

[Dedalus]

Hello and welcome

[Lynnphil in reply to Dedalus]

Thank you.

[audrey2543]

If there is a gentle yoga course near you I thoroughly recommend. Concentrates on breath improvement and control. There are also private breathing trainers around who would give individual attention.

[Lynnphil in reply to audrey2543]

That is a great idea. I do belong to a gym and attend 2 classes but not yoga. I will give it a try.

[audrey2543 in reply to Lynnphil]

Just to add. I go to Gentle yoga for those with age or disability. If you go to the usual class do talk to the instructor first so they know the specific problem you need to address.