I have a particular question about COPD. I was diagnosed about 18 months ago with mild COPD. A few months later it had progressed to moderate, but only just. That's when i got serious about it and started to change my lifestyle. I'm happy to say that for the past 12 months or so, my Spirometry tests have remained fairly constant. My FEV1 is 76%. FEV1/FVC is 57 and FEF 25-75% is 38%.
My question. Has anybody remained in the moderate stage for a long time? They say it's possible to slow down the progression, but i'm interested in how people have managed this, and how long they have kept it at bay from progressing. Any tips?
Many thanks.
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copdhater
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It is very possible after a diagnosis of any severity to improve function and slow the progression of the condition. I was diagnosed 20 years ago and probably had it showing 5-7 years before that.
Here is a list of how you can help yourself stay well.
Checkout you health behaviours.
Educate yourself about managing this condition.
Eat as healthily as you can.
Exercise regularly. Pulmonary .rehab type exercise
Don’t smoke, stop if you do.
Take any prescribed meditation regularly.
Try to keep chest infection free.
Develop a self care plan for yourself. BLF/ Asthma + Lung U.K. have one on their website.
i got told i had mild 12 years ago then few years later moderate av never smoked had ashma since was 18 now 60 i had hiatus hernia similar time they said i had copd hiatus hernia got worse over the years had the op in april my breathing is 100 pcent better dont worry they can make mistakes like they did with me
PaulineHM has said it all. Good advice. I hope you can stay as well as possible.
I was diagnosed 15 years ago, and it’s managed well. I try and do all the things PaulineHM has advised. My first step 15 years ago was to stop smoking. One of the best things i did and have never looked back. ( not sure if you smoke/smoked,)
I was told about 10 years ago so I put down my guitar and started singing for as long as I could .Now I can sing for 2 hours and not get breathless and I measure daily between 80% and 90% only have trouble walking when it's cold. I told people about this here but they didn't believe me so your choice if you want to try. good luck Tom
Hello and welcome to this friendly, funny and informative forum. Many members have had copd, of varying degrees of severity, for ages and are still enjoying life. Pauline HM has put it so succinctly. It can be hard work sometimes but remind yourself why you are doing it. I think keeping healthy is a BIG part in copd management. Go to pulmonary rehab and take everything you can from it then find an excercise you enjoy, my main ones are yoga, pilates and seated zumba. I do enjoy cake too! 🍰😂 (At this very moment my husband's looking for local afternoon teas for my birthday. 🥲)
Hi copdhater , my husband has been battling against this disease for 18 years now , diagnosed aged 57 he was able to continue working ( self employed painter and decorator) until he was 69 albeit with the help of medication . You’ve already been given very good advice the only thing I would add is that Geoff stayed very active and positive and as far as possible just got on with his life much as he always had, he never googled the condition etc , just gave up smoking , ate well and got on with living his life . Being in the right mindset makes all the difference albeit hard work at times My husband never took up singing , as tomhatha mentioned,but I do know someone who did on the advice of his doctor when he was diagnosed and has remained relatively symptom free for many years now - anything that exercises those lungs has got to help 🤷🏻♀️Good luck
I had moderate COPD which progressed to severe over a period of 20 years. The two best things I did were quitting smoking and starting regular low impact excercises. Wishing you all the best. JJ x
I was diagnosed with moderate COPD in 2015. After following the advice of others on here to look after my diet, increase exercise ( up from 2500 to 10,000 steps a day), take a PR course, take inhailers, and avoid triggers, things began to improve. I have also run a weekly singing for lung health group since August 2015. My diagnosis has improved from moderate to low end of normal range. I still have COPD, but it does not usually affect me except in really wet, smoky or scented atmospheres, or when I have to exert myself a lot.
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