Explain my anxiety better

Thank you all for your support first of all.

The different views I have had since my hospital admissions December last year, has confused me. Dr saying asthma moderate severe copd. Nurses saying asthms moderate copd. Going to consultant to establish what copd I have, him saying not convinced I have copd, now having further test to establish if I have copd. This has made me feel as if I am starting all over again. I was struggling to breath and sats kept falling so went to A and E. Had a blood test they said co2 levels fine. Didn't know what that was but Dr said the x-ray they did showed markings indication emphysema. Why didn't my consultant see this when he looked at x-ray Febuary, or has it just appeared on this x-ray? The test this month is full lung function test include singke breath diffusion. Non of these test I understand. I feel since I saw consultant last me breathing has got worse. And I have declined. I have gone from not really needing blue inhaler to having to virtually having to have it every day. So now I am nearing my tests I am petrified outcome will show I have rapidly declined. I know worrying makes it worse but I am so scared I can't help it.

[Lemon7]

I am newly diagnosed mild copd. I have no asthma. I was worried about deteriorating rapidly when diagnosed and symptoms felt worse. Since stopping thinking that way and being more positive symptoms have improved.l feel better. You have had so much to deal with, no wonder you feel as you do. Hope it gets diagnosed properly for you soon and everything improves for you in near future. Best wishes to you.

[Hidden in reply to Lemon7]

Thank you totally stressed at the moment

[sassy59]

Try and sit calmly Emily and think in a positive way if you can. Anxiety is all consuming and makes things worse.

You’re having tests which will help you discover what is going on. You could be doing well but need to stop anxiety taking over.

Thinking of you. Xxxxx

[Katinka46]

Hello Emily. Please don’t be frightened of the tests. Knowledge is good, it will help to get you a diagnosis and once you have that then treatment will follow. I expect your test will follow the usual pattern: spirometry, (which I am sure you have done at your GP) this shows whether or not there is an obstructive disease, or possibly a restrictive one, then there is a test for gas exchange, showing how well your lungs process oxygen, then a lung capacity test, which shows how much air your lungs take in and how much gets left in there. Not well expressed, sorry. But nothing to be afraid of.

All the best and keep us posted

Kate xx

[Hidden in reply to Katinka46]

Yes that's the tests I am having, what does a poor gas exchange mean. And very nicely explained.

[2greys]

It may well not be your breathing getting worse at all. Your blue inhaler (Ventolin?) may have stopped being effective for you, this happened to me. After the first 6 months it was almost useless and the Ventolin was changed over to Bricanyl which has been fine for the last 30 months without problem. There have also been a few posts from other members who have found Ventolin being ineffective.

[Hidden in reply to 2greys]

Thank you for that. How are you?

[Hidden in reply to 2greys]

And no I don't usually have to use blue inhaler but last month or so I have had to daily and my breathing is slightly heavier than normal. The fact I have to use it makes me think I am worse. Sorry not explaining self well at all.

[2greys in reply to Hidden]

It does not surprise me that with all that has happened with you and being anxious that you are experiencing an increased shortness of breath.

You should also know that pulmonary function tests can really vary for all sorts of reasons, they can only be treated as a very rough indication.

[Hidden]

I have gone on everyone's profile and feel very humble thank you for taking the time to respond

[Shortlungs]

Hi know how you feel I was like that 3 years ago x Ray clear doctors was saying nothing medically wrong then up at a and e because of my breathing emphysema showed up on my scan still got told wasn’t bad as I said before my last spirometery was 67 that was 2 months ago now put myself on research at local hospital got another spirometery test now 49 still getting told moderate hope that test was wrong least now getting one done every month for 6months least someone is taking an interest now I know how scared you are if you are only using blue inhaler think it is not as bad as you think good luck for your tests

[Hidden in reply to Shortlungs]

No I am using forstair seebri and blue inhaler that's my fear my numbers dropping

[Shortlungs]

Once you have been to consultant you will know where you are it is all confusing does your inhalers help you hope you can get away with your daughter

[Hidden in reply to Shortlungs]

Inhaler did but relying on blue too much this why I feel I am worse

[Bella395]

You can take the Ventolin four hourly. Sorry if this has been mentioned but are you taking it correctly? It’s not easy to get the coordination right. If you have a spacer eg Aerochamber, use that and see if it makes any difference.

I am hopeful that once you have had your hospital appointment you will feel more confident about the way forward regarding treatment and control of your illness.

[Hidden in reply to Bella395]

Yes using a spacer and yes doing it correctly.

[Shortlungs]

Try and not worry too much as it is not long to see consultant I really hope you get good news and you can get on with your life

[Hidden in reply to Shortlungs]

So do i just feel I have deteriorated

[pepapod]

Dear Emily

I have emphysema and asthma. The emphysema is moderate and is just as it was 4 years ago when diagnosed. The asthma is better some days, worse on others. The asthma seems more affected by day to day variables as I also have allergies. Some days I feel well, some days quite unwell. I have learned to do as much as I can and when my oxygen levels are low (which for me is below 92), I take it easy. It is frustrating not to be able to do everything I once did at the same pace, but I still have a full life. I am also prone to anxiety and the best way for me to keep my health anxiety in check is to remind myself that sometimes my brain thinks one thing but my body is really capable of more than my mind believes. Being the stubborn sort, I daily challenge my brain by seeing just what can my body do. The more I prove the racing thoughts are just that - thoughts - the less I have to put them to the test. My prayers for you Dear Emily, that you will find peace and ability to adapt to whatever your physical limits may be. Chin up, you are stronger than you think honey.

[Hidden in reply to pepapod]

How was your copd diagnosed was it from x-ray

[pepapod in reply to Hidden]

It was from a CT scan in hospital, followed by a spirometry test 2 weeks after I was dismissed from hospital.

[Hidden in reply to pepapod]

So confused can it be seen on x-ray.

[pepapod in reply to Hidden]

In my case I did have an X-ray first, which showed some abnormalities. Then to be sure of my exact diagnosis, they ordered the CT scan and the spirometry test. Maybe others here will know if emphysema can be diagnosed by X-ray alone?

[Hidden in reply to pepapod]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Thank you good to hear your copd has not progressed. I am hoping if the test show that's what I have I am stable. I feel at times I can do anything other times I can't. My job is very manual and although I felt I could do it I now worry I can't