Diagnosis in tough times for the NHS

[Autumnman]

Hi all. Was diagnosed with COPD April this year. Can’t have Spirometry yet. Don’t know what type/stage of COPD I have either. I have an inhaler - not sure if it helps or not. Gave up smoking without support so that’s something, though I don’t feel better for it which surprises me. Any advice?

[peege]

Hi and welcome to the BLF lung patients forum. Well done on quitting the smoking. I have read here that after years of smoking you will take some time to feel much better- don't let that deter you! Other factors can affect you too ie where you live, pollution and your work environment.

Many find that a healthy diet, healthy weight, as much exercise as you can safely manage, avoiding catching any colds/bugs that can easily turn in to chest infections, practicing good hand hygiene (most members have been doing this for years plus carrying hand gel) will all help you going forward to a healthier future. Walking is free if you're hard up.

It's so flipping tricky at the moment getting medical support. COPD is an umbrella term covering emphysema and chronic bronchitis - in the UK anyway. Also there are several other lung diseases as you'll see on the BLF website if you have a delve.

My advice is always keep your immune system fighting fit whatever lung disease you have. Peege

Edit: ps if you could afford a private GP session to get a spirometry might be an idea. Spirometry confirms one way or another copd. Apparently British GPs don't get paid to do spirometry according to a post yesterday

[Autumnman in reply to peege]

Thank you Peege, for your thoughts. I do keep an eye on the BLF website and follow on Social media now too.

I hadn’t thought about getting Spirometry done privately - I wonder if I could convince Santa? 😁

[Dedalus]

Hello and welcome to the forum

[CDPO16]

Hi and welcome. As peege said, there is lots of information on the BLF website.

[Katinka46]

Welcome to this forum. Lots of lovely, helpful, well-informed members here. All the best

K

[Karenanne61]

Welcome to this friendly, informative and funny forum.

[Alberta56]

Welcome to the forum. Could you ask your GP to talk you through the diagnosis?

[Autumnman in reply to Alberta56]

I really should at some point. I have spoken with the COPD nurse briefly, not long after diagnosis. Of course at that point I was ill prepared and couldn’t think of the right questions. 🤪. Ever since then, calling the GP surgery has been such a hassle, then waiting all day for a call back that I invariably miss because my phone signal is pants! My temperament is very good but patience is nul points. 😊

[Ergendl in reply to Autumnman]

Big virtual ((((hugs))))

[Alberta56 in reply to Autumnman]

So many people here are frustrated by the inadequacies of GP services at the moment. Perhaps your best bet is to contact the Lung Foundation nurses. Good luck. xxx

[Patk1]

Welcome to the forum.do u have an aero chamber to use with yr inhaler?do be sure to breathe in deeply and slowly,hold for a sec,before exhaling slowly when using puffer - to ensure absorption.is it the blue inhaler?

[Autumnman in reply to Patk1]

I use 2 puffs of Spiolto Respimat each morning. Was started on Anoro thing (?) but it really brought on sinusitis which I am prone to anyway. Problem for me is I haven’t spent any time without either smoking or an inhaler. I didn’t spend any time between the two, so have no idea what breathing smoke free on my own is like. Maybe I’m over thinking it though.Anyway, thanks for responding. 🙂

[Patk1 in reply to Autumnman]

Uv done best thing to stop so well done.just see how u go.all the best x

[Hidden]

Packing in smoking isn't easy, congratulations and welcome to the site.

[B0xermad]

Hi Autumnman, that's a shame they cannot do a spirometry for you yet,where I live I was was able to go to the hospital respiratory department and have full lung function tests done in August, I think some areas are lacking with services getting back to normal. Push to get them if you can as will diagnose exactly what you have.

[Izb1]

Hi and welcome to the site Autumnman and well done on stopping smoking, things will get easier in time x

[Debs_ALUK Partner British Lung Foundation]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

We have some great information on our website about COPD and I have added a link to it for you below. If you feel you would benefit from a chat with one of our nurses, you are very welcome to call us on 03000 030 555. We are here Mon- Frid 9am-5pm.

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

Take care

Debs

[Autumnman in reply to Debs_ALUK]

Thank you. I think I will do just that. 🙂