Hi there, this is my first post ( although I did reply to a spurious poster ! ),although I was diagnosed with Emphysema and Asbestos Pleural Plaques about 13 years ago. Over the years I have been treated with various inhalers but am currently using an Anora elliptor once a day and Salbutamol as and when. I am 67 years old and my FEV is 37% thus putting me in the severe range so obviously I do have some physical restrictions, thankfully over the years I have adapted and try very hard not to let these restrictions dictate my lifestyle. I always refer to my COPD as my "shallow breathing" and as long as I don't over exert myself then it is manageable, I find that it is hugely important to stay positive and concentrate on what I can do and not what I can't do. When I was first diagnosed ( mild ) I went into a slump physically and mentally and thought my life was over, my career was finished at 54, my employers couldn't find me an alternative post as my job was at times physically demanding and so a very nice Doctor in our Occupational Health dept helped me to get ill health retirement on a full pension. So my career was over but I got to retire at 54 !
My health has been up and down over the years...Thyroid problems...Anxiety..Depression....last year I suffered a ruptured aneurysm in my brain which saw me spend 2 months in an induced coma, thankfully and somewhat amazingly I pulled through without any serious complications. This was followed by a heart attack which, although not too serious, highlighted the fact that I had blocked cardiac arteries. It was decided that I would need a triple heart by pass op but due to my low lung function this caused some concern with one surgeon refusing to go ahead with the op. After much consultation Prof Uppal at St Barts agreed to do the op although we understood it would be high risk as my lungs would be on a heart/lung machine for 2 hours. Anyway, long story short, had my op 4 weeks ago and no problems, now enjoying recovery although breathing is a bit shallower and energy levels a bit lower. I am up to 3000 steps a day around my local park and all the worry and anxiety and stress which plagued me for the last year has gone.
What I really want to say is that I read a lot of letters on this site and understand that people can become scared, anxious and worried about their condition, but it is hugely important to realise that a COPD diagnosis is not a death sentence, ( there are plenty of other things which may lie in wait for you LOL ) and it is just as important to look after the rest of your body as well as your lungs. I count myself very fortunate to have come through the last year relatively unscathed and realise that all my worrying over the years about COPD hasn't made it any better or any worse, it is what it is and I won't allow my physical limitations to define my existence. Take a deep breath, keep your head up and remember you are never alone as long as you have this fantastic site.
Update 
Copd lung deseaseh
Breathing getting worse
COPD
Recently diagnosed needing help xx
