My health

[Spurscat]

Hi, I have recently found out from the nurse, I have lungs of a 82year old, and I'm 49 years old, I have hitus hernia, I have damaged cartridge in my knee , I just need some help , I can some through my friends and family, my boyfriend is being so horrible to me at the moment, don't know whether I'm coming or going

[Rangitoto]

You sound confused and down. Deal with one issue at a time. Firstly get rid of the “ boyfriend “ he sounds useless. Get your knee examined and remedied, I had a torn cartlege ten years ago and now have two knee replacements and they are wonderful. The nurse seems out of line with her comment and what did she base that on? I do have the lungs of an 80 yr old because I am. And I have ILD and CTD.

Grab your life with both hands and give it a shake. You have all my best wishes.

[Hidden]

Dump him! Nobody needs people being horrible in their lives. Don’t worry about the numbers. My dad had 94 year old lungs and breathed very well. Cartilage problems are painful so try to focus on getting that sorted out. Best wishes.

[Ergendl]

Sorry you're in such a difficult place at the moment. As the other posters have suggested, time to sort things out, make a few changes. Yes, you ARE worth it! Let us know how you get on.

[Hidden]

Hi Spurscat,

DUMP the idiot boyfriend. None of us need anyone in our lives who is not loving and supportive.

Get a referral to a consultant for your knee. Lots can be done. My bestie is about to have her knee replaced as we speak.

Ignore the stupid nurse. I’m afraid that they become very impressed with themselves when they are given a little blowing machine and a chart!

They actually know nothing of any importance about respiratory problems.

You really have the lungs of a 49 year old who may need some advice and treatment.

If you have a problem with your breathing go to your GP and insist on a referral to a respiratory consultant. Do Not take no for an answer.

Almost 69 years on this planet with a serious lung condition for 65 of them plus everything else that life throws at you has taught me this. We have to cut the chaff out of our lives, sort things out for ourselves and be vociferous in our own interests.

You made the first move - you found the wonderful people on this site who hold each others’ hands and give support to everyone else.

Good luck, onwards and upwards. We are all here for you.

[O2Trees in reply to Hidden]

"You really have the lungs of a 49 year old who may need some advice and treatment."

Im so glad you said that LP - this lung age thing is such a gimmick and imo it seems designed to frighten people, perhaps into quitting if they are still smoking. Ive often here told people not to take notice of their supposed lung age but Ive never said it as well as you have here.

[Hidden in reply to O2Trees]

Thanks O2Trees. It is ridiculous and serves no purpose but to give the health ‘professional’ a sense of control over the patient. It should be stopped. All of us who have had damaged lungs all of our lives know a 90 year old with lungs that work perfectly.

[jackdup in reply to Hidden]

My Mom is 89 and she does just fine with her breathing.

[Hidden in reply to jackdup]

That’s fabulous

[Whitechinchilla]

So sorry to hear you are having a difficult time right now.

You are far too young to be feeling like that.Best to take “ baby steps” and deal with one issue at a time. I think the replies have given you a big hint! Don’t allow any negativity in your life.

And get some advice from your gp. Your nurse should be giving you solutions not causing you anxiety.

Good wishes.

[anng18]

Hi ~Spurscat,

I agree with the above comments about dumping the boyfriend.

However, regarding your lungs - if your knee is bad, you will not be able to exercise as easily as you did before - this will temporarily affect your breathing capacity. I hurt my foot and had to walk very slowly for a long time - that indirectly affected by lung capacity. Also if you have hiatus hernia, it can stop you from being able to do an accurate spirometer test - all to do with the diaphragm muscles - so hopefully your lungs are not quite as bad as has been suggested. I've read that some nurses/Dr.s etc. are telling people their lung age - I think it is meant to frighten you into action - difficult with a bad knee and hiatus hernia. If it makes you feel better, our lungs are designed to serve us up until the age of 160 - so you have a long way to go. I calculated that my lung age is between 100 and 120 and I'm only just 56 - so not too good, but I continue to walk etc. , though not as fast as I would like to be.

Do take care of yourself and don't waste your time on someone who is horrible and unsympathetic - what will he be like as you get older?

[O2Trees]

Give the boyfriend the elbow Spurscat. You're worth more than that. Welcome and take in all the good advice here. Btw I was told my lung age is around 120 and Im doing fine!! TAKE NO NOTICE OF THIS. You need proper treatment and help and you'll feel better. Good luck.

[Bella395]

You should have asked her what the lungs of an 82 year old are like! That would have stumped her. There are some folk at that age still running marathons and riding bikes. Do what you can to remedy matters and things will get better.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Spurscat welcome to the site, your boyfriend should be supportive not nasty and should be listening to you. You need the support of loved ones and their help. Please ask your Nurse for information on pulmonary rehab and any support groups near you, the first will help you a great deal and you will make friends and get good avice too. Ok t can be frightening when you are told something like that but please try and stay positive it really does help. Also make sure and ask your GP about any medication that may help. By. Doing excercise and healthy diet you can really slow down the progression of this disease. Hope this helps and please remember there is always something willing and ready to listen here, so please contact us even if it just to rant and rave. Hope this all helps, please let us know how you are doing and take care.😊 Bernadette xx

[skischool]

Hi,Dump the boyfriend.get a decent brace for your knee to give it some support and worry not about your 'lung age' as it's a load of tosh,my lungs were 73 yrs old when i was in the womb,seriously the medical profession try to shock you into lifestyle changes with these foundationless scare tactics when all they really need to do is reinforce healthy living guidelines.curious about your handle are you a cat that supports a London football club?

Ski's and Scruffy cat x