Breathing and leg ache

i have emphysema and no lung function test for 4 years but i have noticed the last few weeks when i just walk to the bottom of my garden and back up my breathing changes plus my legs ache. Anyone else get this ?

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Johnny speak to either your GP or respritory team, they will advise you on this. Have a good night and take care let us know how you get on 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[Hidden in reply to Damon1864]

loll GPs don't see us anymore since Covid and i don't have a respritory team

[Hidden]

As Bernadette suggest chat with your doctor or respiratory nurse about this.

My GP is not taking any routine appointments either but we can get telephone appointments.

I have had both my annual respiratory checks by phone past 2 years, I mentioned I thought things had got worse, appreciating not as active as prior to covid and because we had just come out of a bad weather winter period, and not able to walk out as much as previously, even with exercising at home, its not the same as walking out, and I also mentioned the heavy leg syndrome again. The respiratory nurse said to me that many COPD patients are experiencing this since lockdown.

When we can walking out more often will help I feel, but still check in with your own doctor about your current symptoms.

Communication by phone is better than not communicating at all.

Best wishes BK

[B0xermad]

Hi Johnny I have heavy leg syndrome since lockdown and I am going to pulmonary lung function tests tomorrow since 2yrs I will have a chat with the physio nurse also.

[Sops]

Yes, my legs ache all the time and I am getting awful groin cramps. Have been sent to hospital for an ultrasound test for a blood clot, that was negative. Then diagnosed with phlebitis and given painkillers and rub on gel for pain, not working so now diagnosed with muscle damage and it will take a long time to improve. My lung specialist has given me( by phone ) a summer break from Azithromycin for my Bronchiectasis and I have been having chest pains. Sent for fasting ultrasound and now told this is a gall bladder problem, makes me breathless and sore if i bend. Waiting for GP appt to see waht happens nextNot really enjoying this summer!

Hope your legs will improve, Sops

[Alberta56 in reply to Sops]

I hope they sort out your problems soon. xxx

[battison]

My husband has this too and it’s distressing how he’s deteriorated over last 18 months. No tests and difficult to get near GP! He did have a blood test appt. just walking to GP 15 mins away set his pulse raising to extent they gave him ECG at the surgery, he’s been on a waiting list to see respiratory specialist for a year. Now they’ve written to him saying because of COVID the wait will be another 12 - 15 months! We have obtained and Oximeter which we’re using to record oxygen and pulse levels. With a view to sending these recordings to GP by e mail to put with his records. Hopefully to flag up to GP he needs pushing up the queue, also the oximeter (not expensive) is quite reassuring. X

[Alberta56 in reply to battison]

Good luck with getting your husband seen a bit sooner. He obviously needs assessing now.

[battison in reply to Alberta56]

Thanks. The oximeter shows how his levels go up and down and what causes it (ie exertion). To show gp better what’s happening. In hopes she’ll bump him up waiting list!

[peege]

If the pain gets really bad do call 999 won't you. There's also the 111 option and the blf helpline you could call during office hours: 03000 030555

[Alberta56]

You do need to contact your doctor if the breathlessness is getting worse. My legs tend to ache after walking, especially if I haven't done much lately. Just one of those things that seems to go with lung troubles.

[Alice70]

I have aching legs Johnny, I've put it down to my copd ,it has only happened since lock down ,I also wonder if it is caused through not as much excerise, maybe a combination of both

[tavymaid]

Hi i also have Emphysema and my partner bought me a peak flow meter from Amazon, it,s brilliant easy to use (lots of different ones and prices) but you can keep check on your peak flow and when your struggling more take the peak flow you,ll get to see what a good day or bad day is. My average is 320 but a bad day is 260. Also you could ask the surgery if there,s any peak flow measurements on your records so you can compare your flow from then to now and when you have a face to face or a call back you can tell them your results .