COPD

[Lotti62]

Hello, I’m new on here. I was diagnosed with COPD after a nasty chest infection in 2018 that resulted with me being hospitalised with pleurisy.

I always had a weak chest as a child and suffered a lot with bronchitis.

Just wondered if anyone else had the same thing happen. I was in denial when i was first diagnosed and concerned at how quickly my health has deteriorated.

[sassy59]

Welcome Lotti, I’m sure you’ll get more replies soon. Lots of friendly, helpful people on here. Xx

[Lotti62 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you, it will be nice to be able to speak to others that have the same.

[CDPO16]

Hi and welcome Lotti. You won't be the first person to have been in denial on diagnosis nor the last. BLF have lots of information about about living with COPD and there is lots of support here.My story wasn't the same as yours and I was diagnosed with COPD in 2014, confirmed as emphysema the following year.

[Lotti62 in reply to CDPO16]

Hello and thank you, it’s horrid isn’t it. I am off sick now as caught a cold before Christmas and despite having steroids and antibiotics I ended up with an infection, then secondary infection and that has now spiked the COPD. It seems relentless and doesn’t help being in the middle of a pandemic as respiratory appointments are all done over the phone or rescheduled due to being sick. Sorry for going on but it’s nice to be able to talk to someone that understands what you are going through. X

[CDPO16 in reply to Lotti62]

Don't apologise Lotti, it does help to talk. I had a flare up in October that took 3 courses of prednisolone and 2 courses of antibiotics to settle and I'm still trying to pick up. It's been a bad winter for infections. Hope you soon begin to feel better.

[Lotti62 in reply to CDPO16]

Hope your feeling better now. I think it has been particularly bad this year in comparison to last year as more cars on the roads and I was probably my healthiest last year! Take care of yourself. X

[CDPO16 in reply to Lotti62]

Thank you, you too. Carole xx

[CDPO16 in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you (like button not working) xx

[peege]

Hi, I don't have copd but I do recognise what you're going through after similar childhood with dodgy chest & undiagnosed asthma. In the noughties asthma took a down turn, endless infections, pneumonia × 5 & pleurisy × 3 followed a few years later. I learnt a lot from the wonderful members here and am much better than I was ten years ago with the right meds for me plus my vitamins and supplements regime .

[Lotti62 in reply to peege]

Thank you, I am keen to learn what I can take to help. I have been mostly in denial since recently, but now feeling like this I need to step up and do some research. Thank you for sharing. X

[watergazer]

Hi and welcome Lotti.62 I don’t have COPD but after years of breathlessness in sport, many coughs and bronchitis I was eventually diagnosed at the age of 50+ with asthma and mild bronchiectasis. Yes I was worried about the progression of the disease too but there’s a lot of helpful members on this forum who can advise and help you on your journey. Take care x

[Lotti62 in reply to watergazer]

Hello, like you I have always been fairly active and I think that this helped when I was younger. It was only when I got older and stopped all activities that it started. The Doctors suggest that I have possibly always had it but maintained it through sport. I can always remember thinking when running or doing anything strenuous that my body was fine but I couldn’t breathe!! (Now I know why 🥺) Thank you X

[Dedalus]

Hello and welcome Lotti

[Karenanne61]

Welcome Lottie! I have severe copd and asthma. Please ask about pulmonary rehab, it made a huge difference for me. I also recommend yoga, you might have to look around but start with gentle stretching and breathing (!) classes. Seated yoga is good. Check out leisure centres, the RVS, village and community halls. I also do pilates and seated zumba.

[Lotti62 in reply to Karenanne61]

I will thank you. 🙏

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hello Lottie and welcome, I have COPD it was a terrible shock when I found out, but I have learnt to accept my condition and learnt how to manage it. Keep a healthy diet and lifestyle, do exercise but on moderation to suite you and stay positive. It all helps to slow the progression down, which is good. We have lots of leaflets and DVDs which can help, and also on you tube there are lots of breathing exercises to do . You could always ask your GP or respritory nurse to refer you to pulmonary rehabilitation which is really helpful and those that go all have lung or breathing problems. I hope this helps, please keep posting we are a friendly bunch . Have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[Lotti62]

Thank you, this is really useful and I will certainly contact and ask my GP. Xx

[Biddy_ALUK Partner British Lung Foundation]

Hi Lottie, I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis, have you seen all the information on COPD on our website? blf.org.uk/support-for-you/... This may address any questions you have. You could also give us a call on the helpline. We're open 9-5, Monday - Friday on 03000 030 555.

Here's a bit about how we can help blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

All the best, Helpline Team

[Lotti62 in reply to Biddy_ALUK]

Thank you Biddy, I have learned so much from this site and I already feel like I have a support bubble! 😉 I am going to explore a few avenues that have been recommended ie pulmonary rehab and breathing exercises. X

[Biddy_ALUK Partner British Lung Foundation]

Oh that's very reassuring to hear Lotti. All the best, and you know where we are if you need us.

[HollyBoyd]

Hi and Welcome Lotti. I see you are going to take up the advice from members here, that's good. There is so much you can do to help your breathing, eating a good diet and keeping fit. Look forward to seeing you on the site. Take care xxx😊