Mild copd

[paulc20-]

I have been told I have mild Copd but get paranoid about it and get myself bogged down. I think the feeling I get is anxiety but I can't go on like this day after day. I have depression from my loneliness. I know I need to get out . I just had a shave and was tired - have rung my local mental health support team - can't seem to look after myself properly

[Ergendl]

Hi Paul. It's difficult when you're in that dark place - have been there myself in the past, though not with my COPD. Glad you have contacted your local mental health support team. Try to get back to basics: that which is necessary, do. Aim to go out for at least a few minutes every day. And find out about your local Breathe Easy group which will be listed on the BLF website. It may help you to meet with other people who have lung problems, and hear their stories. All the best.

[Superzob]

The normal lung function range is 80-120%. You will be diagnosed with mild COPD if your lung function is 79%, so it might be purely academic. I have 50% lung function, with few symptoms, and the medication increases it to 65%. If you use an appropriate inhaler, it would probably put you back into the normal range, and you can live long and prosper (as the saying goes!).

[paulc20- in reply to Superzob]

It was a paramedic who said I had mild Copd - need to get confirmation really from resp nurse - can't recall what the doctor said after I had been diagnosed

[Superzob in reply to paulc20-]

Only a proper spirometry will confirm COPD; the rest is purely opinion, presumably based on symptoms. Same happened to me though, in my case, it was actually proven by spirometry - you should ask for this test, otherwise you will be worrying about not knowing for sure!

[ssafa in reply to Superzob]

I agree with Superzob, Without it you can't tell anything.

[fritz18621934]

hi Paul sorry to hear uou are so down. You don’t say what COPD symptoms you have but if you don’t smoke and eat and exercise right you should do really well. When I was diagnosed with mild copd I was sent for a chest x-ray and the radiologist said everybody has mild COPD because of air pollution. Well done reaching out for help with mental health and good luck. You will have a full life to look forward to.