This is my first post and wanted to join a community where I could get information about COPD. I am 77 years old and was first told by the VA that I had emphysema. This was about 20 years ago. They put me on some meds and and then I was put on Respimat, Combivent Respimat and albuterol rescue inhaler. I started having shortness of breath and went to a local doctor who did x-rays and said I had Pneumonia in my lower left lung. Went back after 2 weeks of meds, and found out that left lung was clear, but the lower right lung was in the beginning stage of Pneumonia. More meds. I was then sent to see a pulmonologist who order a CT scan of the lungs which came out normal. I then had the pulmonary function test which showed a baseline of 55% that went up to 63% after I was given 4 puffs of Albuterol, I think. The pulmonologist changed my medicine to Anoro, once a day, Budesonide Inhalation Suspension, twice a day, Albuterol Inhalation Suspension, and Albuterol Rescue inhaler, as needed but not together.
Sorry for such a long post but I was looking for input on this condition, what to expect and if there were thing that I could do to improve my lung function. Thanks for any suggestions or information.
Written by
SirGeorge
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Something about dogs isnt there especially when we have ongoing illness or medical problems. I wouldnt be without mine. Very loyal and sensitive towards me. 🙂
I don't know what my FEV1 was 20 years ago but I used to be at the gym 5 days a week and working at remodeling houses. I stopped smoking January 2006. I believe what helped me most was that I was active in a home prayer group and we would get together to visit and pray for each other. It is sorta like you folks here who love and care for one another.
Welcome to the forum, you have chosen the right site for info. BLF have some useful leaflets about exercise, diet ect. You must do a fair bit of exercise walking the dog and they are brilliant company too. Thats a lovely picture & testiment that you can manage for many years with lung diseases.If you have any questions just ask I am sure someone will have experience & advice to offer. Speak again soon.
I also have a Boston Terrier, and yes they both get a walk each, weather permitting. I do have a set of dumbbells and started using them to build up my chest.
I have some small weights I use to strenghten my hands, but in reality am limited to lesser exercise as COPD is not my only health problem. But there are lots of chair exercises for less able to improve the lung function. Have a good day.
Hi Katie, I am just using 5 pounds to start off. The pulmonologist told me to work on my chest area and that would help my breathing. You are right any exercise that you can do safely will help I believe. Wishing you a great day also.
Welcome SirGeorge - i find exercise is the crucial thing with my COPD. I swim in the summer and walk in the winter. Good luck - looks like you're doing really well. Frances
I agree Frances, exercise is the key. My middle name is Francis by the way.
Welcome SirGeorge, what a lovely photo of you and your dog. I've only just joined myself so haven't got any advice or info for you but I'm sure you will find lots of info and lovely people to chat to on here. Everyone is so supportive, you've come to the right place!
Welcome to the forum SirGeorge - I too would be interested to know what your FEV1 was at diagnoses 20 years ago, because now having 63% is very impressive and quite encourgaing for us all.
Hello SirGeorge. I was diagnosed in June 2017 with emphysema and copd. I have been going to Pulmonary rehab since last August and I cannot sing it’s praises enough. It involves exercises which is the last thing I thought would help, but it does. I also(with a few stops) walk the long way round to the paper shop. I find I feel better with gentle exercise. I don’t know if this is of any help but it works for me. Might be worth a try. Good luck to you mate. 👍🤓
Definately helps. Walking is one of the best exercises, as ling as not too much uphill. I feel much better when ive been for a walk, not so good lately as its been so cold, but better weather coming.!
Thank you so much, it does appear that exercise is the key. Years ago it was push, push, now if my Frenchie, wants to go off the path and smell the Roses, that is fine with with me. Good luck to you also Sir.
Hi and welcome to Sir George & Cuddles! I'm sure we'll be chatting about all sorts of things medical,personal and how important our pets are to us. My son has a beautiful "Hazel" who is a cross American Ridgeback & Staff ( think I've got that right,if not I'll correct her breed once I've had a telling off from my son!)She's a rescue dog who had suffered an abdominal life until my son took her. So before I get too involved in all things related to dogs,I will be looking forward to getting to know you.
I look forward to visiting with you also. One thing for sure is that we all have something we can talk about. And the folks here are so nice, its a pleasure just to know them.
Hi SirGeorge ... and a big welcome from me too! I'm sure you'll get loads of really good advice on here and I can see from above that you've had lots already. I have a FEV1 of 28% which puts me in the "very severe" emphysema category, but I lead a pretty full life - although maybe not climbing mountains or running marathons - but then I never did that before so I can't complain really!! At your stage exercise & diet is definitely the key to preventing any further reduction in your lung capacity, and keeping free of any infections too. If I'd taken that advice more seriously a good 10 years ago I wouldn't have to be on oxygen today. So please get onto a pulmonary rehabilitation course asap and keep giving Cuddles lots and lots of walkies. Mx
Thank you for that good advise. We have a health club in my small town of about 3,000 people and I think I will check with them on what programs they have available. Ah yes Cuddles, likes and looks forward to her daily walks. To tell the truth I do also.
Hi well first of all what a good point you made about I should have taken it more seriously 10 years ago I have been diagnosed with copd mild I have a pulomery excecise program to follow which is on line it is very good but I will do it later then something crops up and I will say to myself I will do it later then a week has gone bye so now with what you have just said omg going to make that my priority thankyou
Welcome Sir George! First off, I love your little “Frenchie” - they’re so wonderful & cuddly like warm velvet. You’ll find this site very helpful in many ways & you’ll make new friends that you share something in common
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Is that a Jack Russell?
Chronic lung pain but few other signs
Doc said that I have lost 8% of my lung function 
newly diagnosed with copd
Asthma or copd 
Lobectomy or not for mild/moderate COPD sufferer
