Another diagnosis

[perusal]

I've had CPOD for about ten years the chest infections are becoming more frequent two weeks ago after another bad episode I was sent for an x-ray Dr now said I have scarring on lungs and has done blood test to check for heart failure are the two connected. I am 73

[Ergendl]

It may be, but there again, may not be. Your doctor should be able to advise. Take the medications you are prescribed in the way that you are told to, to protect yourself from making your condition worse.

My previous husband Bob died of heart failure after many years of living with COPD brought on by his smoking. Bob used to push through the pain of angina when his chest hurt, as that was the way he thought he should live. His heart was struggling to work with less oxygen, and grew bigger and bigger to cope. That growth in size is what heart failure is: it's good for other muscles to get bigger but not the heart.

Listen to your body, and when it asks for a rest, let it take a break. All the best.

[perusal in reply to Ergendl]

Thank you for your reply. I am a non smoker but have always suffered with chest infections ,

[Ergendl in reply to perusal]

Not smoking is certainly a plus.

To help me avoid infections, I rinse my sinuses out every evening with a saline wash, gargle with daily Corsodyl, avoid touching my face (especially my eyes) with my hands, wash my hands a lot and use sanitiser when out and about. I avoid crowded places, and when I have to go into one, use NasalGuard Cold and Flu Block, and afterwards use Vick's First Defence. I also exercise regularly with a daily brisk walk and eat healthily. And I have had the flu and the pneumonia jabs. All these things help the body look after itself and fight infections.

Wishing you all the best.

[perusal in reply to Ergendl]

I do watch my diet am not overweight and walk a lot. I don't have a car, my husband died suddenly in February with an abdominal aneurysm he was the healthy one too, so I suppose I have been at a very low point and more vulnerable to sickness .

[katieoxo60 in reply to perusal]

Sorry to hear of your lose, your right your resistance is probably a bit low due to emotional changes. Take each day as it comes things will improve given time, give yourself an hour or so each day for fond memories of your husband they will keep you going when all else fails. Pamper yourself if possible and don't be afraid to be sad about your loss, take care only time can heal xx

[perusal in reply to katieoxo60]

Thank you

[Ergendl in reply to perusal]

So sorry to hear of your loss. When my Dad died shortly after I'd moved in to care for him, I had a really bad cold for 3 months. Like you, my immune system was really low. Hugs.

[chubby2x22]

I've been thinking the same. Since June my legs have been really swollen and I am so tired. No chest infection, but my rheumatologist took me off Beni pali, just in case this was the cause, the lung consultant thought it wasn't, I am so confused, a new gp said he would do a different blood test, now being fast tracked to cardiology for heart failure. I still await some sensible outcome hopefully this week, lungs or Heart? Jane

[perusal in reply to chubby2x22]

Hope you get sorted soon then you will get correct medication.