C O P D

[annmike2]

Hello my name is Ann ,

I’ve had Asthma for many years.

But now I’m told I have C O P D, I don’t know what grade I am,

Feeling depressed about it.

[Caspiana]

Hi Ann, 👋

It is always difficult after receiving a diagnosis that is potentially life changing. You've come to the right place to ask questions, give and receive support and meet lots of us who despite our illness live our lives to our max. Do come here often. It really helps.

Best wishes to you,

Cas xx 🙋🐕🐾

[annmike2 in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you Cas xx🐕

[Roz2409]

Hiya, I too have ACOS (Asthma and copd overlap syndrome) it’s hard to accept at first but you really can lead a good life as long as you make those changes. I was in ICU when I stopped breathing at work. I had never been diagnosed with anything in all my 45 years so this was a shock to say the least, but life is a precious thing and there are wonderful support groups such as this one that can really help. Nothing like those that are in the know to help us understand things we don’t understand! Talking is a big step forward and posting here is a great place to air those feelings and get support. Take care of you and try to remember we are right behind you! Roz

[patmc1]

I also have copd and asthma . I was diagnosed less than 2 years ago --and I still vividly remember how depressed and scared I felt. For quite a few days I couldn't eat (I did need to lose a bit) or sleep, roamed the internet (and read all the dire predictions), raged at my 12 years of smoking, hated my genes(I am an alpha1 carrier--my smoking did 70% more damage ) and couldn't understand why this appears over 25 years after I quit smoking.

I then went out with a good friend had 2 glasses of wine and realized I was still here and a life was still possible.

The meds really helped my breathing.

Boards like this , with info, ideas and support from others in all different stages and situations are a godsend. Especially with the knowledge that with exercise and healthy habits the progression of copd can be curtailed --"more people will die with it than from it".

My pulmonologist immediately sent me to Pulmonary Rehab 2 ----the 11 week course worked on my endurance, matching different breathing techniques to tasks and exercise, had sessions on mental outlooks, nutrition, relaxation methods, and other useful info.

After that ended I signed up for PR3----1 hour twice a week with monitored exercise and special instruction for lung disease patients.

I am just starting my 4th round of PR3. I think it really helps me to take charge of my own relationship to this condition.

So I know how you feel---but I also know that you will find your own path to deal with this disease. .

[Whitechinchilla]

Hi there and a big welcome from us all.

Yes that diagnosis is a lot to comprehend and I can assure you that the depression will fade. You have just had a massive shock to your system.

Please do make an appointment with your practise nurse if you can’t get one with your gp. You need to have a test to ascertain what level you are, and that is done in the surgery by your nurse.

Once you have that info you will be able to start to absorb everything.

Then you can phone the BLF helpline and the nurses there can send you information and answer your queries.

Meantime keep posting because this is one big family who all support each other because we understand.

Take care and good wishes.

[B0xermad]

Hi annmike2 , I also have copd asthma and some other conditions but it can be managed and you still can do most things in life with a little bit of a change of pace .live the best way you can in your own way and time .A few adjustments may be needed but it can be done. Best wishes

[annmike2 in reply to B0xermad]

Thank you so much for all your reply’s. I live in the countryside, only two shops,

And one Chemist,

So not much help here,

I moved here to be more near nature, I love walking ,

Have two dogs,

I’m surrounded with wild animals. Lots of woods,

Not much more, so glad I found your forum , many thanks to all x

[lKeith]

annmike2

Hi, read your post, sorry for your diagnosis but don't feel alone, this forum should be able to help. It won't make it go away but you will get support. Grade 1 is obviously at the bottom, people on here have found their way around it or their way of living with it. There are treatments out there but you will need to research them, depending on age and your physical health.

The nurses on the BLF have a wealth of knowledge, try them for your initial research they could point you in the right direction. You are not and need not feel alone in this.

IKeith

[annmike2 in reply to lKeith]

Thanks Keith,

What is B L F , ? I live in Scotland,

England , is grade 1 mild ?

[Hidden]

Keep your spirits up annmike 2. The people on this site are great at helping. I only got diagnosed myself in January as moderate copd and have had a lot of help too. In answer to your question the blf is British lung foundation and have lots of knowledge. I also live in Scotland and love love love the picture of your wee dog. Keep smiling and asking questions. Well all get there x M

[annmike2 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Dog12 , you’re all so friendly here 💕

[James48]

Were you told you had COPD after a spirometry test? It's normal procedure to have a lung function test (spirometry) at least once a year which determines what stage you are and thus what medications you should be on. Your GP practice should have records of your spirometry test if you've had one.

[annmike2 in reply to James48]

Hi James, I was told years ago I have Asthma, doctor gave me Seretide 100 ,

and an easyhaler, been using them for years , and my chest was ok,

Then I had check up with nurse , she said my oxygen was low, so put me on Spiriva Respimat inhaler, that was a few yrs ago,

No mention of COPD ,

Been on all three inhalers till I moved here,

After a year I ask for an appointment to see Asthma nurse,

First thing she said was , we don’t use Seretide, I told her I was happy with it , and didn’t want it changing,

She didn’t like what I said,

Still no mention of COPD, but told me to blow in this tube, never told me the outcome , that was two years ago,

Some weeks ago , I had chest infection, doctor told me to go to hospital as oxygen was low,

I went next day, they took my blood,

Gave me an M O T

Doctor told me to change my inhaler to Trimbo 85/5/9 and keep the easyhaler, I had to ask her if I had C O P D , she said yes , but never told me what grade I was , sorry for long story lol