New to group

[Lynxlady]

I was diagnosed with COPD on the back of a lung x-ray following regular winter chest infections. The diagnosis was in March 2020, just as COVID hit the world. I became very anxious and had little support. I'm now trying to help myself naturally and would appreciate any hints and tips. How much daily exercise? Diet, herbal remedies. All advice welcome Thanks 😊

[Ern007]

Hi Lynxlady - Welcome to the forum.

First - if you smoke or vape, better to stop, vape is better than smoke, but a coctail of chemicals and fluid.

Eat enough but sensably and couple that with the amount of excersise you can manage - COPD is not a death sentance.

If you are very anxious - See your GP to get some help.

[Patk1]

Welcome to the forum.i always try to see a diagnosis as a positive as u can learn to manage it & get correct treatment.id ask Dr to refer u for pulmonary rehab - an exercise based class with informative sessions included x

[Alberta56]

Welcome to the forum, Lynxlady. Moderate COPD need not hold you back. Diagnosis means that hopefully frequent chest infections become a thing of the past. Pulmonary rehab is an excellent idea if it's available in your area and/ or looking for a gentle exercise class. ( I am doing Seated Pilates at the moment.) Talk to your GP about your anxiety and the fact that you need some support. Possibly even joining a group that has nothing to do with health, like those run by the Open University might help- a bit of mental stimulus can do no harm. Good luck in finding a way to live with the diagnosis.

[Ergendl]

See if you can find a singing for lung health group near you, or join an online harmonica group or similar. Regularly singing or playing a wind instrument will strengthen the lungs and the muscles supporting breathing.

[anng18 in reply to Ergendl]

I always use to sing, but your reference to a wind instrument is interesting. When I was young, I wanted to play the sax., (rather imaginative of me- our choice was the flute or clarinet) however, they said neither instrument was suitable for me and I ended up with a violin! Luckily for my mother, my sister was allowed to play the clarinet!

I wonder if there were signs then that my lungs were not as good as they should be. I was born in January 1963, in Glasgow - one of the coldest winters on record - I always wondered if this was why my lungs were worse than my sisters, who was born in Africa.

[Nula2]

Hi Lynxlady, sorry I can't add to the brilliant advice already given but just wanted to welcome you to this supportive and friendly group😊xxx