copd

[juliebarnfield]

hi i have been diagnosed with copd i have been given a green inhaler with steroids in how do i know wat stage i am felt very scared after reading the internet

[casper99]

Hi juliebarnfield and welcome.

A lot of us googled and scared ourselves witless, before we found this brilliant site. Google, is good but, anyone can write anything, right or wrong.

On a lot of these lung sites and articles, the information can be outdated or poorly researched.

And as American's, have to pay for treatment, companies are advertising their inhalers, sneakily using fear and hope.

Lot's of people live long lives with this condition.

There are probably hundred's, of posts like your's on this site. (I must have read every post, ever, on here haha,) Read some and you'll see that it's normal to feel scared when first diagnosed but, it does get better. I was terrifed but, here I am, six years later, no different.

Once you know more about COPD, the less frightened you'll be.

Come on here, anytime you have any questions or even just for a chat, we're a friendly bunch xx

[Sparkywoo]

The internet will scare the life out of you! Many people have COPD and live long and active lives. At least you have a diagnosis and medication to help. I think many people are so shocked when they hear the diagnosis they don’t ask questions and need time to digest the news. My advice would be write down any questions you have and go back and see your GP or respiratory nurse.

[Scud]

Hi Julie it looks as if you have already been given some good advice, don’t be scared it’s not as bleak as it sounds if you look after yourself, first thing if you are a smoker Cut out the cigs easier said than done but well worth it wished I had followed my own advice I quit smoking 18 yrs ago. As being newly diagnosed I would ask your GP about pulmonary rehabilitation I found this to be very beneficial you pick up lots of advice and meet people with the same condition.

Let us know how you get on Julie

Love Sue x

[Patiwati]

Can't add to what has been said above really. I felt like this when diagnosed four years ago but I followed medical advice - gave up smoking/started walking and eat a healthy diet (must say that has gone to pot over the festive season) however will be back 'on it' next week. Take care and remember to ask if you're worried or don't understand anything.

[welllaners]

Hi Julie, all good advice. I had problems with side effects from some of my inhalers, don't be afraid to go back to your GP and explain to him about the side effects, he should try you on another type. Make sure you have all your flu and pneumonia jabs.

Get all the information you can about this disease. We are all in the same boat here, so you will always get good advice and help on here.

Keep as active as you can, get some lung exercises to keep your lungs open and free of phlegm etc.

If you are a smoker you need to try and give up as soon as you feel able to.

Any problems, questions please come on here and ask.

Take care.

Steve.

[MoyB]

It's scary to get the diagnosis. I was told I had COPD on a Friday afternoon and given some paperwork to read which frightened me to death. I found this site which is great for keeping your feet on the ground and reminding you that you can live a good life despite COPD. Many people on here have lived with the condition for a good number of years and remain active to a point that puts me to shame! Everyone says that it's important to exercise - something I'm not very good at! Like you, I Googled first - great mistake.

Good luck for the future - will look out for you on here.

All the best xx Moy

[Hidden]

Hi Juliebarnfield wuth regards to stage, they probably did a spirometry test when you were diagnosed and this would have given you an Fev1 reading. It's those readings that determine your stage. Stage 1 70-80, stage 2 50-70, stage 3 30-50, stage 4 less than 30. But even that is individual for everyone. In 2010 I was diagnosed with Fev1 25% and given 5 years to live. Until then I had been working 12 hours a day 6 days a week, up and down stairs carrying huge heavy files. 7 years on I'm still alive and annoying everyone and wuth all the medication I now have Fev1 of 30% so it's well worth finding out all you can about your condition and British Lung Foundation is really helpful. And fight for your right to live as good a life as you can 😉 good luck.

[rtaxron]

What is the name of the inhaler, is it ExliraGenuair?

[juliebarnfield in reply to rtaxron]

the name issalmeaterol 25mg a day 2 puffs twice a day just don't know wat stage I'm in

[Hidden in reply to juliebarnfield]

Hi Juliebarnfield see above Lyndenese about stages 😉

[Fudge57]

Hi, are you in the UK or USA? I'm in the UK and have stage 3. I am under the Respiratory service, much better than my GP. I have a rescue pack of antibiotics and steroids. Then if I need them, I can take them straight away. And they are a phone call, or email, away. They teach you how to use your inhaler the correct way. Yes, there is a right and wrong way, I use a spacer device. So, get one of those. You can easily check out the type of inhaler you have and what it does, on line. I'm in the process of giving up smoking, which is very hard. But the best thing, you can do. I'm using nicotine patch's and a vape pen. Good Luck x

[Hidden]

the Internet can be a wealth of knowledge but it can all so scare you. But you have found us.

[lKeith]

juliebarnfield

Hi, disconnect from the internet it will frighten you witless. Most of us on this forum have COPD together with other ailments it's not pleasant but we have all come through the process. It will change your ways of doing things, pace yourself, get & keep fit and eat well. Your GP can tell at what stage you are but do not get the info from the internet it most likely will be wrong and frighten you more.

IKeith