Hi, I'm Ros

[Gingeros]

I'm 58 , and a Newby. I've was diagnosed with COPD a few years ago and was sent to see a specialist in October last year for more tests, was verbally told by the Specialist half way though my tests I have Emphysema and Chronic bronchitis. After the tests was sent a letter from the hospital for March this year for test results appointment was cancelled because of the problems within the NHS over the winter period. 2 weeks ago was sent appointment for first week in September . Over the last month I have been reading your posts and past posts , I would never have known or had confidence to ask for all the tests results in depth, if I hadn't found this group. I still don't really understand all the results you have talked about in your posts, so next month I maybe asking lots questions. Also I've learnt a lot from you about self help and now I'm going to learn to live with it not die with it. 🤗🤗🤗

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi, being positive is the right way to deal with it. You seem to have a very positive attitude which is good. You take care lovely meeting you. 😊Xx Bernadette

[Gingeros in reply to Damon1864]

Thankyou Bernadette, only become more Positive, though joining this lovely group and reading posts. Thought my life was going to be cut short with some of the things I read on Internet .😲 xx

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to Gingeros]

Please don't ever go on the internet unless it's a site like the NHS or this one.😊 xx Bernadette

[Gingeros in reply to Damon1864]

No worries there . I find everything I need to know with group. Xx

[Katinka46]

Welcome to this forum. When you go for your appointment have an idea about what you want from it. Go with a list of questions, and it can help to take someone with you. Opinions here are divided about that, and it is very much an individual choice. You seem to be going about in the best possible way.

All the best

K

[Gingeros in reply to Katinka46]

Thanks katinkaa46, I'm taking my daughter because I Know I'll not take it all in, because I know I'll go brain dead.

Ros x

[Hidden]

Hi Gingeros,

I like what Damon wrote, don't read the internet. That has been what has been spooking me lately. I want to live life today happy and healthy. You have today to make better choices to help you with you with your future you. I wish you all the best!

[Gingeros in reply to Hidden]

Well brain its out of gear again that post should have been for Hacienda sorry rigcu1. 😞😞

[Gingeros in reply to Hidden]

Hi rigcu1

I hope you do keep healthy and happy for many years to come and thank you for replying and best wishers

. Ros x

[Hacienda]

Hi Ros, Welcome. Yes, you will Learn a lot from our Friends here. I still go Brain Dead,and I always take Hubby, he has to push me in Wheel chair as Hospitals have such long corridors to walk them. I also Write a list of Questions to take, so I don't come away saying "Wish I had Asked That" etc. Good Luck , I wish you all the Best Hun. Carolina XXXX

[Gingeros]

Hi rigcu1, thanks, .

I also find long hospital corridors difficult. I've taken a lot of screen shots of conversation about test results, so I can look back on them and make a list of questions

Ros x

[mskpjb in reply to Gingeros]

Morning Ros and welcome to the group. There's a wealth of knowledge here so I'm glad you realise you can ask anything. Nice to meet you ! Sheila x

[Gingeros in reply to mskpjb]

Hi mskpjb, thank you, just hope the Specialist is more informative and knowledgeable.

Best wishes Ros xx

[Caspiana]

Hi Ros and welcome. 😀👋

[Gingeros in reply to Caspiana]

Hi Caspina. Thankyou.

Best wishes Ros xx

[Ergendl]

Great attitude, Ros. Welcome to the site, and all the best.

[Gingeros in reply to Ergendl]

Thank you and all the best to you.

Ros xx

[Carnival567]

Keep positive, it definitely helps xx

[Gingeros in reply to Carnival567]

Hi Carnival567

Thank you I will, you too.

Ros xx

[PollyP]

Good for you girl...are you a member of the COPD UKgroup on Facebook ?

It is a great group !

PollyP

[Gingeros in reply to PollyP]

Hi POLLYP No, don't have time for Facebook now I've found this community, Its a lot more interesting and I can hopefully improve my quality of life.

Ros xx

[PollyP in reply to Gingeros]

Ok, fair enough..there are 4000 + of us all with COPD on the Facebook page. We will be there if you need us 😘

PollyP

[Gingeros in reply to PollyP]

HI PollyP, hope you didn't take my reply the wrong way. Feel I should have told you my other reasons for not going on Facebook.

When I went for my PIP review in 2016 they never tested me for my COPD, or my other health issues, didn't take any of my evidence into account, like they did for the ESA review, which I was awarded again. They asked me how I past the time of day. One of the aswers I gave them, was I went on Facebook to keep up date of what my old colleagues, family and friend were getting on. It was one of the reason they turned me down, they said I was capable of reading in depth and was able to read complex information. So now I have no contact at all with them. I was scared I would lose my ESA. I told the ESA lady at the assessment and she was disgusted and told me to apply again.

Ros xx

[Hidden]

Hi Ros

It can all seem very daunting at first, I found this group absolutely amazing and it has helped me to understand the conditions, progression, and treatments more than helpful, I myself have now just been put on oxygen for saturation problems, but it has made a tremendous difference and again thanks to this group I have been able to read up on other people's experience with it.

I guess the main things are "stay positive", and most of all "ask questions" I have a habit of just making the list and hand it to my specialist to which he sees as an easier way rather than me being hesitant or even forget most things, and I always request a copy of the letter being sent to my GP as I feel I need to see that nothing differs from our consultation.

All the best

Ronnie

[Gingeros in reply to Hidden]

Hi Ronnie, Yes I can see why this group has helped. And I definitely will be asking for a copy of the report .

Best wishes Ros. Xx

[Candyred]

Hi Gingeros I was much the same as you.. then I found this site and I must say the loving bond and support on here is Sometimes the best form of any medicine out!.. I use to think to myself .. that’s a stupid question don’t ask it.. but you know what? Everyone on here has made me feel so relaxed and so welcoming .. you will fit in just fine and ask anything! X

[Gingeros in reply to Candyred]

Hi Candyred, thank you, I feel a lot more confident too and more relaxed about seeing the Specialist and asking questions now.

All the best Ros. Xx

[Susan1200]

Hi Gingeros, is ,I find this group has been a great asset for me , everyone is so helpful and kind.

Kind regards

Susan 🐘

[Gingeros in reply to Susan1200]

HI Susan1200

They are indeed,

I'm so glad I found this group.

Best wishes Ros.xx

[soulboy118]

Hi gingeros,jhope you dont mind me asking i was just wondering on how your going on with your emphysema and ibs ? ,i have both as well ,my chronic bronchitis has seemed to disappear although i do get a sore throat occasionally

[Gingeros in reply to soulboy118]

Hi, did you get my reply earlier? because if not I have no Idea where it went 🤔🤔🤔

[soulboy118]

No i did see a tumbleweed go past my messages lol