Little scared: Hi I was diagnosed with... - Lung Conditions C...

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Little scared

Grannylyn profile image
20 Replies

Hi

I was diagnosed with mild COPD a few days ago and just wanted to find somewhere with like minded people.

I went straight to join the stop smoking plan so that is in hand and all ready for Monday. If im honest with myself im scared about the future as it seems very bleak at the moment.

Just looking to hear from others that it's not the end of the world and I will feel better than I do at the moment. God I sound a right winger and i'm not really.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Lynda

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Grannylyn profile image
Grannylyn
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20 Replies
Letgod profile image
Letgod

Hi I am new on here too. My husband has just been diagnosed, don’t know what stage yet. The people on here are very friendly and knowledgeable so you will get some good advice.

2greys profile image
2greys

Yes it is scary when first given the diagnosis.

No, it is not the end of the world at all. Consider yourself very lucky that it was found at the mild stage, you have been given time to rectify your lifestyle to minimise the effects and progression.

Quitting smoking is the best favour you can do for yourself. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and taking your prescribed medication properly come next.

I was first diagnosed as severe, 3 years ago, but I am still leading a good quality, full life and still working full time and 69 this year. I am even sailing a 10 ton cruising yatch on a weeks holiday in a couple of months time. So you see it is not all doom and gloom.

Letgod profile image
Letgod in reply to2greys

Wow what an inspiration, brought a tear to my eye. You enjoy yourself

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

Hi i was diagnosed mild in my mid 50's and am still mild 10 years later. My doctor told me something else would get me first ie old age.

You are unlucky to get this but on the other hand you are lucky in that you have been diagnosed whilst mild. Many aren't until they are severe but even then they still have quality of life and have many years ahead of them.

Why not join the quit smoking site on here - they are a great bunch and will help you all the way. x

healthunlocked.com/quitsupport

corriena profile image
corriena

I think 2greys has said it all 😊. It is scary to start with but as you lern more about your condition and how it affects you, you will start ro realise with good management you can slow down progression practicaly to a stand still. You will start to feel better once you have a good medicin routine and a healthyer life style. Good luck with the giving up smoking as 2greys said it truly is the best thing you can do for you

Skatergirl1 profile image
Skatergirl1

Hi Grannylyn, I was diagnosed severe last year, age 56 and struggled to walk to local shops without getting breathless, however I was determined not to let this disease get the better of me. First I quit smoking, then I attended pulmonary rehab course and have gone from strength to strength. I am fitter now than 10 years ago and am enjoying life to the full. I took up figure skating again after a 45 year break and enjoy 4 hour skating sessions at the rink weekly and do other activities also, feel like a teenager again. For me being diagnosed gave me a wake up call to sort myself out.

les4560 profile image
les4560 in reply toSkatergirl1

hi there just read your post that you are back to skating that is so awesome!

Skatergirl1 profile image
Skatergirl1 in reply toles4560

Yes it is, just wished I did it years ago, but feeling chuffed with myself, can still do jumps and spins etc and want to try ice dancing soon x

2greys profile image
2greys in reply toSkatergirl1

Brilliant stuff and so pleased for you. It is also great that a (girl) is able to defy the odds as well.

I used to take my daughter ice skating twice a week when she was about 4 years old before the rink got closed down. Yes, I was on the ice as well, teaching her.

Now, 32 years later, I will soon be teaching her and grandson how to sail a yatch. Like you I am now a lot fitter than I was ten years ago.

Never say never.

Grannylyn profile image
Grannylyn in reply toSkatergirl1

Wow amazing. I shall indeed take what you say to heart x

I also hear that singing really helps your lungs. Even if you are tone deaf (like me) join a choir or singing group, make friends and enjoy youself. :-)

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

Grannylyn profile image
Grannylyn

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I am being silly I know and it's not as bad as it could be. I admire you all.so much.

Sadly my voice would scare everyone away so singing isn't an option.

I look forward to reading through the pages and learning new things.

Xx

Ergendl profile image
Ergendl in reply toGrannylyn

Hi, Grannylyn. I run a singing for lung health group in South Cheshire, and we don't care how people sound, just that everyone tries do join in. Most of the people attending said they couldn't sing before they started, but have found with proper singing exercises and in the right company that they can. There's only one member who has problems pitching notes at times, and that's because they're partially deaf. All who attend regularly find it benefits them.

So do give it a go yourself. If you're really shy, you could look up singing exercises on YouTube and then sing along to karaoke videos to practise the techniques. All the best.

Skatergirl1 profile image
Skatergirl1

Get your self a harmonica, good for your lungs, forget about anyones ears lol...enjoy x

Grannylyn profile image
Grannylyn in reply toSkatergirl1

Lol now that's an idea

2greys profile image
2greys in reply toGrannylyn

Or be really ambitious and learn to play the didgeridoo.

Grannylyn profile image
Grannylyn in reply to2greys

We will have a band soon. X factor here we come.

joycen60 profile image
joycen60

Our Singing 4 Breathing group also runs a class for harmonica. We are based in Northampton.

JagNut profile image
JagNut

Hi Lynda,

Welcome aboard the good ship 'BLF', & prepare to be soothed :-)

I was diagnosed as 'Moderate' 15 months ago, but the underlying condition was CT'd as 'Severe Emphysema', so there is a conflict between 'Moderate' & 'Severe', go figure? Anyway, I'm not on any meds, stopped smoking 5 years ago, & only take a puff of Ventolin before bed, SO, you're diagnosis is 'Mild', therefore rejoice, be happy & only come here if you need comfort occasionally!

Candyred profile image
Candyred

Hi Grannylyn stopping smoking is a must ..just take it an hour at a time .. someone on this site many years ago said keep your self as busy as you can .. suicide by sofa is not the solution! .. I have severe Copd .. I try my hardest to move around everyday .. xx

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