Back again...

[Pippers]

Well here I am, back again where I'd hoped (in the nicest possible way) not to be. My husband was treated for COPD before Christmas, with spirometry pencilled in for March; however having to go back on steroids before then the spirometry was postponed until today. Meanwhile we saw a different doctor who gave us hope by not being convinced it WAS COPD. Sadly today severe COPD has been confirmed, with lung age124 and 42% lung capacity. Good news is that he no longer smokes (a pipe), bad news is that he's suffered with anxiety and depression for very nearly 40 years so is pretty down at the best of times. Does anyone have encouraging words to help me help him?

[sassy59]

That’s a blow Pippers and hard for your husband but you too. It’s great that he’s stopped smoking and hopefully you can help him by focusing on things he can do rather than him focusing on what he can’t do.

I try and get Pete to do only what he feels he can. No point in pushing himself as he becomes very breathless. The simple things make a difference. A good diet and some exercise where possible can be really helpful.

I do hope your husband gets all the help he needs and don’t forget to look after yourself too. Xxxxxx

[Pippers in reply to sassy59]

Thank you Sassy59, diet is something I shall have to be more firm over... since retiring we've become a bit more inclined to snack. Not silly tho, I can put that right and walking the dog ensures daily exercise. It's more the psychiatric side I struggle with, after all these years it's got us both down. Be good to have a few friendly ears out there.

[Stumpy55]

Hello Pippers, good to hear from you again, shame it's not under happier circumstances. It's never easy is it but we keep moving forward best way we can. It's hard going on both of you not to mention frustrating when your minds all over the place. But believe me when I tell you, life will get easier as time goes by and when you come to terms with the here and now. I suffer with very severe Emphaseama so I know all the problems that go with it, the breathing probs etc, but it's all made easier thanks to the support on this forum and my wonderful husband. All you need to do is encourage him to feel better as I'm sure you do anyway, help him do his breathing excercises and light exercising that will help his airways. Burn his pipe , it's nice talking with you , please stay Intouch with us? 🌹💐

[Pippers in reply to Stumpy55]

Thank you Stumpy55; over the years he'd acquired, enjoyed and displayed quite a few pipes so wasn't happy when I removed them, but he hasn't smoked for three months now and doesn't intend to again. Quite honestly I dread the thought of next winter as the last was dreadful; I shall really appreciate having somewhere to turn to for encouragement and advice.

[Stumpy55 in reply to Pippers]

Your welcome Pippers, it is nice to share I think, have a moan at times and sharing good times, it all matters. I'm glad he gave up smoking that's good. Try not to worry too much Pipper because it's all about being in control of the illness, not by being controlled by the illness. It sounds a lot to worry about but it's all about staying on top of it. Take care and stay Intouch ✋️🙂

[Pippers in reply to Stumpy55]

'Be IN control of the illness, not controlled BY it' .. I like that and will pass it on Stumpy.. thanks a lot. I suspect we'll be in touch again!

[Stumpy55 in reply to Pippers]

Yes I look forward to our future chats Pipper, take care. ✋️🌹

[Dasher50]

Sorry to hear that your husband copd was confirmed but it is a illness that he will learn the best way to live with it I've had severe COPD with 22% lung function for several years now I'm on oxygen 24/7 which I've been on for the last 3 years but I still get out and about whenever I can even though I have to take it easy all with the help and support of a loving wife hope this helps a little

[Hidden]

Pippers my COPD test showed 25% and I've never smoked but have been around quite a few smokers I've asbestos in lungs also..but your husband can hopefully have gòd quality of life in do,things are just a bit raw so soon after results for you both.Never give in never because if one does that when health will nosedive,may be difficult at times but try to keep your chin up focus on the good or goodish day,best of luck Ger

[jac401]

Not good Pippers, but not the worst by a long shot. My hubby was found to have a abdominal aortic aneurysm 15 months ago, and during the ensuing tests for anaesthetic, was also found to have COPD (also a lifelong pipe smoker, but he refused to believe it was his pipe's fault). He coughs a lot and has difficulty clearing his lungs some days, but he doesn't have to resort to his inhaler often. He swims for an hour, twice a week, and when the weather is clement, his real saviour has been getting involved with my allotment - he loves being there. He knows he is overweight and is currently on a low-carb diet to shift it, and keeps as active as he can (but strictly no jogging!). He also stopped smoking as soon as he found out, and his stats this year were actually improved from pre-op stats, so giving up smoking actually does help. Just try to get him engaged in something that, like gardening, can be a mix of rest, action, rest, to stay within his comfort zone but keep him moving. Also, we both have found, there is nothing like sitting in an allotment, listening to the birds, watching all that lovely, organic food growing, (which is also so good for health) for lifting the spirits.

I wish him well and hope he can see that there is a life worth living after his diagnosis, just a slightly different one to the one envisaged previously.

[challny]

I'd like to say one thing about lung age. I had never been to my GP when I first went and told him I was not feeling well. I liked him right away. He did all the routine tests and confirmed COPD. I will always remember he said my breathing results were "decent" and was very encouraging that they could help me feel better. He told me he could tell that I was very anxious about the whole thing, and I was. The he mentioned my "lung age," and my heart just dropped. And he could see it. I have a feeling he will not do this again. Once you have been honest with a patient, told them their stage and spirometry numbers, it's probably of no help to tell someone they have the lung age of an obviously dead person. I can't recall what my FEV1 was then, but later when he referred me to a pulmonologist at the same hospital, she recorded it at 71 percent. I've been back to the GP, too, and he's still kind, caring and encouraging, but he doesn't mention lung age anymore.

[Pippers in reply to challny]

Thank you challny; I must admit to being dismayed at the 'lung age' but maybe that's what it takes to bring home the necessity to stop smoking. Encouraged by remarks made here I feel more confident now that we can get to grips with this damn thing, and am heartened by the support out there.

[challny]

I'm sure if you have not stopped smoking already, quitting now would certainly help you. I had quit smoking 23 years before my diagnosis. Yes, 23 years! Boy, was I surprised.