Copd

[Trace1300]

Hi all I've got copd but had no breathing techniques so I end up in a&e any techniques xx

[stone-UK]

Hi

Some useful breathing exercises.

youtu.be/oa5Sn-R8FCg(Not working as expected?)

Ask your GP for referral to pulmonary rehabilitation, two hours twice weekly for six weeks, one hour exercise one hour education.

[Roysieboy in reply to stone-UK]

I couldn’t agree with u more stone-uk, it has helped me no end. I carried on going once a a week for 1 hour after the 6 weeks, they called it the maintenance class. I had to pay for that. Well worth it , in my opinion. 👍🤓

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Stone has given you a good start on breathing techniques, but ask your chemist or G please for any information and you can also get leaflets off the site. Take care😊 Bernadette xx

[Ergendl]

Check the BLF website to see if there is a singing for lung health group near you, where you can learn good breathing techniques and have fun at the same time. Don't worry too much about whether you can sing well or not. You will be welcome whatever.

[dumpton]

You don't have COPD! According to NICE, the government health watchdog's website's definition of COPD says: "WORKING DEFINITION OF COPD" There is no single diagnostic test for COPD. Making a diagnosis relies on clinical judgement (an educated guess?) based on History (smoking etc?) physical examination (with a stethoscope?) and confirmation of air flow obstruction by Spirometry (a small hand held device you blow into?) I was treated for COPD for over 3 years, until 18 months ago when I started to cough up blood, and my GP a locum, referred me to a Respiratory Consultant. I had CT scans taken, blood, sputum, and Lung Function tests (inside a machine!) and my Consultant emailed my GP saying I had Emphysema, and Pulmonary Fibrosis!

I only discovered this diagnosis by chance when I sneaked a look at my COPD nurses computer screen, and saw the email to my GP, and she very reluctantly printed off a copy for me. My Consultant said she would only have been able to see me every 9 months to a year, so I would have gone all this time without knowing my diagnosis! I have complained, bitterly, and long story short my GP expelled me from the practice!

This is a national scandal that GP's are treating patients for COPD which doesn't exist as a diagnosis, according to NICE, when there may be serious underlying lung disease, as in my case! In my opinion patients should first be sent to a Consultant for a diagnosis, and not be palmed off with a catch all diagnosis(sic) of COPD! You should get your GP to refer you to a Consultant, in order to obtain a definite diagnosis!

[stone-UK in reply to dumpton]

Hi

Like me you have COPD Emphysema plus a secondary condition Pulmonary Fibrosis.

My secondary condition is plural plaque with lung scarring.

[shazlovesevo in reply to dumpton]

Hi it's Tracy's daughter. My mum has been referred to a consultant and diagnosed with COPD. She has had xrays of her lungs which have shown the damage, a ct scan of her lungs and heart, spiromitry breathing tests and has regular check ups with the COPD nurse. She is awaiting an appointment to go to breathing classes as the gp has only just put the referral in for them. X

[Bkin]

Ask your doctor for a referral to pulmonary rehabilitation course, you will learn these techniques and much more.