Hi Emily, don't panic! And don't go back to Dr Google. Read again all those responses to your last post. You have NOT been given a death sentence.
I also have asthma and was diagnosed with severe COPD 11 years ago. Many people here were diagnosed longer ago than that. I'm still going strong and feel much better now than I did then as I'm now receiving the correct treatment. Now you've been diagnosed, you will be prescribed appropriate medications and you will be back in control. You may not need oxygen - we have members here who don't need it. You've given up smoking which is the best thing you could do for yourself. You say you don't get very breathless, so try to exercise regularly as this will also help you to keep well. And don't worry about what stage you might be - it's just numbers. Much more important is how you feel and whether your inhalers are working well for you. If they're not, they can be changed to something which suits you.
Try to get some sleep now, and come back for more support any time you need to. We know how you feel and are always willing to listen.
Yes I am sure the NHS covers this as well. Most never reach end of life from it and I doubt whether you will. We are the ones who live with lung disease and between us we are pretty much experts.
We had someone on here end stage (passed now) who was given 3 years and lived 11. You have a lot of living to do yet so don't spend it worrying
If you are in the UK why not ring the BLF helpline on 03000 030 555 and ask to speak to the nurse there. They are open office hours. x
Hi Emily. Try not to worry quite so much. I think you might just be overreacting as you begin to find out what this diagnosis entails.
You’ve only just been diagnosed, I think, and COPD tends to progress slowly. My husband had a similar change of diagnosis from asthma to copd, plus some bronchectasis. He was advised to take an extra inhaler each day, and his breathing is improving well.
My Mum has mild copd and she was 99 last week! There’s a wide variety of stages of copd.
I hope you have a chance to get more information from your GP/nurse soon. There are loads of people on here with copd who will answer any worries too. Also the helpline for this site is very helpful.
I hope you’ll manage to settle to sleep soon. Night night 💕
Got results today over the phone from my GP heard COPD moderate to severe he thinks ...heard nothing else. Now just feel I will have to stop work have oxygen and die.. my brain is doing overtime.
You’re jumping too far ahead in your thinking again, Emily...you cannot know yet how your copd is likely to progress....slow, slow down. I think you’re worrying about something unlikely to happen, if it ever does, for a long, long time yet.
Ssshh! Give your mind peace.....hope you’re sleeping soundly by now....xx
Do ask at the surgery...but they’ll want you to have it unless you have an infection currently is my guess. But ask first. Also maybe ask if there’s a nurse or dr available to explain your recent diagnosis. Explain how worried it’s made you feel. Good luck 🌹
Going for the flu jab today...I know and hear what you are saying Dr said he will speak to nurse Monday and then arrange appointment...I may contact community respiratory nurse as I am known to them since hospital admission in December...they might be able to explain if they too have my results on the system.
I can't help this anxiety trying not to stress but so so scared...
Nothing to be sorry for Emily. We all remember what it was like to get our diagnosis and how devastated we were. It takes time to come to terms with it but you will as we all do.
Vent and ask as many questions as you like, we are all here for you. x
Thank you going back after having flu jab to see my Dr recweptionusit squeezed me in. I know it will not change diagnoses but at least he will be able to explain things face to face
Thinking of you Emily the anxiety is much worse than the copd symptoms maybe ask for help with anxiety until you get meds sorted and your condition managed. You will get it managed and you will be fine take care
Good that you have pointed out that anxiety is the worst.
It is very true.
Each time I walk my sats go to 93 and pulse to.123 I am not exerting myself when I sit down it's 97 and pulse 70 am I worrying unnecessarily sorry everything is scaring me now...I am going to see if someone can go through my results as I am making myself quite ill. Had my inhaler as struggling to breath not sure if that's my anxiety or copd as not sure how copd affects me..quite angry Dr told me over the phone yesterday. Should have afforded the time to sit down and gone through it with me. Now I am having an annual asthma copd review March. I am beside myself now really
It must feel as if the anxiety is overwhelming you.
I don’t mean to sound bossy or harsh. Just understanding how you are feeling.
Best thing you can do is find some way to relax.
Now we ALL know that is easier said than done.
I have had bad days where I have done exactly what you are doing. Checking my numbers every 30 mins expecting a miracle and getting upset when I didn’t find one.
Find something to distract yourself.
The only person who can look after you properly, is you.😄
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