Opinion please

[Florenc3]

Hi guys, I was diagnosed with copd stage 2 a week ago when I went for an asthma check up. The nurse did a Peak Flow on me which was 350 and a FEV which was 52, she then passed me to the doctor who took my sats which were 97 and then put me on Fostair inhaler along with my usual Ventolin and Uniphyllin.

No other tests were done. Now I think the diagnosis is wrong. As I imagine that at any stage of copd you would not be able to walk for long periods, climb stAirs with a full tool box, blow up balloons with out problems etc.

What do you all think?

[2greys]

I have severe COPD (stage 3) and I can carry a 20kg shopping trolley up 3 flights of 13 steps, I can walk 5 miles and still work full-time, I do get short of breath but that does not stop me. So yes it is entirely possible. You should be referred to see a consultant though as there might be other underlying problems if not now, possibly in the future.

[Florenc3 in reply to 2greys]

Thank you for replying. My partner thinks I’m in denial and maybe I am but without a proper investigation who knows. I feel I’m being labellled without a thorough investigation, it’s a label that will change my whole future.

I am going to see my GP in a few weeks and ask for a referral to the respiratory clinic.

I’m amazed at your abilities at stage 3. I would never have thought it possible to be so active at this stage. All the best.

[2greys in reply to Florenc3]

Nothing amazing at all, just exercising hard and training my body to operate on reduced oxygen levels, that includes the mind by getting used to it. Anyone can do it!

[2greys in reply to 2greys]

Nearly forgot. That label, cop what? Believe me copd just is NOT in 99.9% of the population's dictionary. They have not heard off it. Even if they actually know what the letters stand for, they still have no idea of the impact it has on everyone inc. family. Forget your worries of a label. Remember this tip, you have a CONDITION not a disease. The word disease conjures up images of contagion, a reflex action, and people will pull back away from you. BTW copd is not contagious as you are probably aware, I hope.

[Florenc3 in reply to 2greys]

Thanks 2greys. It’s not that I’m worried about people thinking I’m contagious with the label, I’m more concerned about what people perceive me of being capable of. I want to move to a warmer climate when I retire and am concerned about insurance levies spiralling, also I’m thinking of changing my job and can’t see my prospective employer turning a blind eye to COPD label.

As I’ve said I’m active (busy work load - 60 hour week on avaerage), not as fast on my feet as I would like but can still run around with the grandchildren etc, still carry heavy loads like always. I do have a few breathless moments but even healthy people have those. Thank fully I’ve managed to avoid the flu this winter although I did have a chest infection on October.

Thanks for all the replies though guys it really does help to have others to ‘talk’to otherwise this just goes round in my head and my partner doesn’t want to talk about it, he just gets cross.

Take care all.

[Shancock]

I'm sure its possible but you should have a CT scan and a lung function test to correctly diagnose. I would see your GP again and ask for a referral. My understanding is that a GP cannot diagnose it should be done via a specialist after those appropriate tests. COPD cannot be diagnosed via a peak flow I don't believe.

[2greys]

Spot on, only a CT scan can confirm copd.

[challny in reply to 2greys]

I was diagnose with COPD by both my GP and lung specialist but never had a CT scan. They did chest X-rays and breathing tests. I think the breathing tests are what confirmed it. If you flunk a breathing test, what else could it be?

[2greys in reply to challny]

A Spirometry test is also used in other different condition of the lungs as well. With a CT scan, the damage and type of damage can be seen. There are no good or bad days with a CT scan, like there can be in a breathing test.

[challny in reply to 2greys]

I wonder why they never gave or suggested a CT scan? I'm in the U.S. and was diagnosed at what I would imagine as a fairly reputable hospital by both a GP and pulmonologist. What can x-rays show them? Both doctors concluded that I have COPD. The lung doctor said I have emphysema with "a touch of asthma." On my second visit, she said she now that I had more asthma than she originally thought. I don't know what that means. Now I wonder if my breathing tests are giving an inaccurate view of my condition.

[Florenc3]

Thanks guys, I’ll let you know how I get on.

[helingmic]

Well Florence, if you feel that way,vso much the better.carry on with your activities.

I don't know what this days 97 means, on the whole Tu ou might have a mild case of COPD. Carry on as much activities as possible as this make you lung function work and improve.

See if Fostair improves your breathing. The tests are outside markers. In you you have your own ones. See what happens. Perhaps you could change the Doc's opinion! Mic

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I learnt from this site a ct scan and not an xray diagnoses copd I .was sent to glenfield hospital. done all other tests ct scan confirmed emphesema.as usual there was a catch.at the time of ct scan not enough emphesema to be clinically diagnosed.less than 5 per cent.it was enough 4 me to change my bad habits.also test confirmed asthma previously explained away as anxiety by GPs at the medical practice I was with at the time.The undiagnosed asthma was also discovered in a test.Iwas lucky.The Glenfield Hospital is a specialist hospital 4 respatory problems.