COPD foreseeable review

[Tanya13]

Hi everyone, hope this note finds you well with economy reoppening and restrictions somehow at ease. I wish GP and respiratory nurses had done my review sooner but it is my turn to address concerns to them being such an overdue with spirometry test as an example. Could anyone kindly help please with drafting a list of things to ask them and consider in accordance of moderate COPD in 2017(two inhalers only) then conditions worsen down to rescue pack and 2 inhalers plus mobility issues on top of that?

Look forward to hear all recommendations for my list.

Many thanks in advance.

With my extended well wishes,

Tanya

[Jake25]

Hi TanyaI have just had my review at the GP surgery they will not do a spirometry test, due to covid because it entails blowing which can cause spray. I was diagnosed in 2017 and quit smoking last December. I have had a couple of exasibations, and have had to use my rescue pack. The best thing I have done is to exercise I try to walk daily, I am able to control my breathlessness much better, and feel much fitter. What is causing your mobility issue? I too am on two inhalers. The blue salbutamol, and trimbow which I take twice daily this has just been changed when I had my review, I was previously on anoro, which I thought wasn't doing anything. I have just got a new job supporting older people in the community. What is bothering you regarding your copd?...... Jane 😁

[CDPO16]

We are all different so I can't really suggest what to put on a list. We all worsen, or not, to different degrees too. It will be best to make a note of things personal to you that you want to discuss at your review and, as Jake25 said, spirometry tests are still not being done due to covid.

[Alberta56]

Hello Tanya, I haven't got COPD but bronchiectasis. I am concerned that my physical health has deteriorated during lock down and I would ask my medical team how to counter that- by pointing me at free exercise classes perhaps. Hope you get plenty of sensible suggestions

[Nanny1086 in reply to Alberta56]

hi Alberta , have you ever been referred by your GP to a Pulmary Rehabilitation group , ? if not i suggest you could ask for a referral, i. my opinion it’s brilliant, it encourages regular light exercise and shows you which exercises to do and it’s also educational on medication and how to look out for your triggers and signs of infection , i first did in 2007 ,,, i was shocked when asked to do it by the nurse on her home visit ( it was all new back then ) i had just recovered from sepsis pneumonia and was surprised at the thought of actually leaving the security of my recliner chair ,,, but they had been so good in taking care of me i said i would try it , ,,,, i’m so pleased i did , i hadn’t exercised since leaving school ,,, but the benefits from it were brilliant ,,, so much so after the 6 week group i joined the gym and kept up with exercise,,, which also helped in my recovery when i did get other chest infections ,,, i don’t think i would have the life i have now aged 75 if i had not done the class , ,,, go onto you tube ,,, and type in exercises for COPD, it will give you an idea ,,,your not going to be asked to run a mile ( although i did get up to regular 5 mile before lock down on the treadmill and bike ) and it’s not how quick you can do the exercises it’s the stamina , please give it a try it’s a free course probably at your local gym ,,, and once you’ve done it ,,, it’s simple to do the exercises at home ,,you don’t have to join a gym like me ,,,, good luck ,,, get in touch with your gp and get that referral ,

[Alberta56 in reply to Nanny1086]

Hi Nanny, Thanks for your advice. I've actually done 2 rehab courses, the first after a heart attack in 2014, the 2nd in 2019 after my bronchiectasis was finally diagnosed. I started doing an exercise class twice a week at the gym after the 1st course- very enjoyable, until the covid lockdown started. I find it hard to motivate myself at home and certainly can't exert myself the way you do when someone is pushing you gently. Now I'm in a dilemma- the gym shares a building with a school. Do I go back and risk covid, or stay at home and let my fitness deteriorate. The other gyms in town are quite a bit further away. I also have family commitments to complicate things. Thanks again.

[Nanny1086 in reply to Alberta56]

hi Alberta , sorry for my late reply , we could be distant twins in regards to our health and how we have coped ,, like you i loved the PR with the team and motivation,,, then the trainers in the gym ( next room) were also clued up on my health and exercises that will benefit me ,,, than was my life since 2008 ,,, then covid struck ,,, and. my family were adamant that i stay indoors. but my fitness levels soon dropped and so my husband suggested walks alongthe towpath outside our house , so that’s what i do ,,:when motivated ,,, 🙇🏼‍♀️ ,,, i did the online PR CLASS in february this year ,,,, but after that my motivation dipped again ,,, and that’s where i am now ,,, i would love to go back to the gym ,,, but as my husband said ,,, this has been the healthier i’ve been in regards to hospital admissions ,,, on average previous 2/3 admissions a year ,,, since covid zero ,,i’m almost76 ,,, ,,, so staying away has its benefits ,,, i intend to spend xmas with my family this year ( just hubby last year) so i’ll keep doing the walks weather permitting,,, and i try improve distance and time by one more step ,,,or one more second ,,,, 38 minutes my best so far ,

so maybe that’s an idea for you to try. ,,,, i DO intend to go back to the gym in the new year , ,,, covid permitting, take care , i hope you find inspiration, xx