How Quickly did your emphysema progress

[GeoffSpark]

I first noticed a little shortness of breath at the top of a hill almost 2 yrs ago. The doctor said it was nothing then Christmas just gone I got a chest infection which made my breathing worse -- breathing more deeply uphill or hurrying etc & was diagmosed with mild emphysema in April. But since then my symptoms have seemed to have gotten much worse quite quickly - so breathing more heavily going uphill etc. I was wondering if I will continue going down hill so quickly or if it might stabalize & go more slowly. I stopped smoking 9 months ago. How did your condition progress ?

[Annscottie]

Hi Geoff. I was diagnosed with severe emphysema and bronchiectasis 14 years ago.

To be honest my breathing is slightly worse now but spirometry results are fairly stable - well they were until the pandemic stopped the tests being done.

If you're worried I would talk to your GP or consultant but I'd also ask for referral to a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Course. This gives you exercises (suitable for your condition) and educates on the disease too and you get to meet others with lung problems. The exercises really help to build confidence and with lung health. After I finished my course I joined a gym so that I could maintain the benefits.

Best wishes to you.

[GeoffSpark in reply to Annscottie]

Wow - great stuff Ann & thanks for the advice

[Patk1]

I don't have copd but have lot of other lung problems at severe level.Pulmonary rehab will teach u to move Yr goalposts to accommodate breathing - if hurrying uphill makes u too breathless,slow down a bit.read up on " controlled breathing - pursed lips" on aluk website.its gd to sit + practise so you can use it when going uphill,exercising etc.it also helps to expand lungs

[GeoffSpark]

good advice Patk1 - thankyou

[Mopsey1897]

Hi Geoff I have moderate emphysema with severe COPD but only diagnosed earlier this year. I seem to be ok at the moment as my symptoms are still mild. If you think you have a decline I would see your GP or COPD clinic to get checked out. I do struggle on hills etc and have to stop to catch my breath. This is where correct breathing can help. Ask about rehab as this can help you. Exercise is key for lung strength so keep walking. Do you use an inhaler when you’re breathless? If not, ask your GP about having one

[GeoffSpark in reply to Mopsey1897]

Hi Yoga & thanks. Yes I have an appt next week --- although I'm always a bit skeptical about what anyone can do. I have a daily inhaler & do quite a lot of walking. I will ask about rehab. Many thanks & wishing you all the best

[PaulineHM]

Hi there,

Everyone has given you great advice already.

From my experience ( 21 years and still learning ) I offer the following advice.

Yes to PR - if your MRC Dyspnoea rating scale is 3 or higher then ask to be referred. NICE are now advising MRC Score of 2 and higher should be included but PR teams still don’t have the staff to do that.

pcrs-uk.org/mrc-dyspnoea-scale

Ask your local council health and well-being teams if they have a suitable exercise class for respiratory patients. Some private classes may also be available.

Have the vaccinations offered. Prevent infections where you can.

If you have an exacerbation get treatment as soon as you can - lung infections leave scarring which progresses the condition.

Use the ALUK support groups online - I learn a lot from others.

Complete the COPD Passport online on the ALUK website.

Take the meds prescribed

Eat super healthily- as fresh food as possible. Increase Vit D intake in wintertime

Keep warm in winter - wearing layers and and using an electric throw ?

Keep a positive mental attitude. Do things which nurture and nourish you - what those activities are enjoy them.

Keep stress down to a minimum - helps to reduce inflammation.

Keep in touch here for good support.

A lifetime of work I know. Wish you well.

Pauline

[GeoffSpark in reply to PaulineHM]

Wow that's amazing advice Pauline -- thankyou

[PaulineHM]

PS. Huge congratulations on stopping smoking.

[Ergendl]

Hi, Pauline. I was diagnosed with moderate emphysema in 2015. By following all the good advice on here about getting fitter, doing pulmonary rehab, avoiding triggers like smoke, losing weight, eating more healthily and taking my meds, I improved my diagnosis to mild (bottom end of normal range). I also run a weekly singing for lung health group and sing daily as a church musician.

Most people's lung function deteriorates a little over time, but making the right choices now can vastly improve your prognosis. You've already done the first and most important step by giving up smoking. When all the trapped gunge in your lungs comes up from that you will feel a real difference.

All the best.

[B0xermad]

Hi Geoff my emphysema was diagnosed 2014 and with breathing techniques and pacing myself it's still mild, but the wind, heat and damp weather have a bearing on how I cope when walking up an incline.

[GeoffSpark in reply to B0xermad]

Wow that's pretty good going mate 👍

[Alberta56]

I don't have COPD, but you've had lots of good advice and stopping smoking was ace. Pulmonary rehab classes are excellent for all lung conditions. I hope that, if you carry on doing what you are already doing with a few tweaks as suggested on here, the emphysema will stabilise. My bronchiectasis did once I was diagnosed and on a regime to deal with it. Good luck.

[GeoffSpark in reply to Alberta56]

Thanks Alberta 👍

[Numptybrain]

well done on stopping smoking. I have problems breathing on incline, getting dressed etc I’m waiting for pulmonary rehab but try and walk when I can as I do have mobility issues too, I bought a folding exercise bike for when I can’t get out to keep me going. Good luck.

Take care

Wendy xx

[GeoffSpark in reply to Numptybrain]

Thanks for the reply Wendy & good luck to you too 👍

[Loopylorre]

Everyone has given you excellent advice & feedback,keep doing what you’re doing, as others have said, PR, excellent advice given & you certainly feel more knowledgeable & confident on what you do, good luck, I bought a treadmill to use on the days when weather is bad to still be able to do some walking ☺️ xx

[Mopsey1897 in reply to Loopylorre]

I got a treadmill as well for bad weather days! I’m hoping it’ll help 🤞

[Tailwag]

if you have stopped smoking that will help tremendously and hopefully your progression should slow down you must also exercise every day if possible hope that helps good luck don’t let it grind you down.

[Tykelady]

I had many manageable years with emphysema and the correct medication before it became a real problem. However sometimes anxiety can increase the shortness of breath'

[GeoffSpark in reply to Tykelady]

Yes I do get anxious - thanks

[confusedlung]

I was diagnosed 10 years ago ......keep up the up the excersize no smoking and things will slow down.

[GeoffSpark in reply to confusedlung]

I hope so - thanks