COPD - yet another question from a newbie.

[puddy68]

Hi Everyone.....yet another question. I'm so sorry to keep posting quite similar questions - I just want to get my head around this. I know that I need to ask my doctors these questions but I don't see my Respiratory Specialist for another 4 - 6 weeks. As I mentioned, my FEV1 was 50% - moderate. I've read that by exercising [as well as taking all meds / keeping appointments / losing weight / getting vaccinated] I can increase my FEV1 score. Does this mean that my lung function is improving/my lungs are getting stronger? Does this mean that I can stop the COPD from getting worse?............and have a good chance of living a long life? Thank you so much, and I'm so sorry to bother you all again.

[Caspiana]

Hi Puddy. I don't know the specifics of what disease you have as COPD is an umbrella term for several diseases. I don't have first hand knowledge of COPD but I have studied a lot about lung diseases. In general, COPD progresses gradually. Symptoms are usually mild to moderate over time it does get more severe. Having said that many people live with mild to moderate COPD symptoms for decades. I don't think your lungs will heal but if you exercise and eat a reasonably good diet you have a good chance of keeping it "in it's place" for a long time. Just look at many people here who have had this disease for so long. Also, try not to catch any bugs, a severe cold, and COVID can do so much damage to weakened lungs. Use a mask in crowded places, always wash your hands and carry alcohol wipes. Keep clear of people who might be ill. Importantly though KEEP MOVING.

Best wishes to you.

Cas xx 🍁

[Biker88]

Hi if you want info on COPD have a look at the UK NHS info nhs.uk/copd my COPD is actually emphysema and it was diagnosed during X-ray, CT scan and broncoscopy during detailed investigation into a mass in my lungs.

[peege]

Great reply from lovely Caspiana! In the UK copd includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis under the umbrella term. Other countries may be different.

I don't know much about it either but have been a member for 11.5 years. I recall a member called Lynn who had copd, along with a few others she gave me great support as a new, quite poorly member floundering in the dark awaiting diagnosis .

From her own diagnosis she ceased smoking (with a drug called Champix at the time) and worked at all the things you mentioned including getting a treadmill at home as well as going to the gym regularly. I remember she travelled for her part time job, alway choosing a hotel with pool &/or gym. She reduced her diagnosis down a level and kept it there for some time before she passed unexpectedly from something completely unrelated to lungs. Lynn was a shining light for newbies whatever their lung disease. PR - Pulmonary Rehabilitation course on NHS - is brilliant for learning how to improve your lung health & stamina, strengthening the diaphragm & best of all an education section to learn as much as poss about lung disease . Mine was in London in 2013, I've not forgotten it.

There are lots of PR exercise videos on youtube, this forum - used to be called British Lung Foundation/BLF & used to have a virtual shop (it's a charity), they had a brilliant DVD of PR exercise both standing & sitting. I hope it still exists, if not there are others worth the investment .

Good luck. P

[janedivney in reply to peege]

I think this is the one you mean, peege

asthmaandlung.org.uk/living...

I once did a pulmonary rehab course whilst in hospital and the exercises are exactly the same

[peege in reply to janedivney]

You've got yr eye on the ball and yr finger on the pulse Mrs ! Thanks for that 🤗

[janedivney]

Hi puddy! Don’t despair, it takes time to get your head around a horrible lung diagnosis but we’ve all done it and before long you’ll be reassuring others in your turn. Exercise is your friend, and it’s very important to protect yourself from infection too. I never open a public door without covering my hand, and wash my hands at every opportunity. Get lots of fresh air, plenty of sleep and nourish your body well.

Also, ask the lovely members here whatever you like, the group wouldn’t exist without people like you

[leo60]

Just exactly as the others have said! I would say mainly: Exercise, positivity and don't be sorry!

We are always here for each other, Laurie xx

[Loopylorre]

Great advice from Caspiana, it is a case of trying to stay as mobile & fit as you can, you can help yourself a lot with good diet, exercise & keeping away from as many bugs as you can, also if you can get on a pulmonary rehab program it will give you lots of information & advice on keeping yourself healthy, good luck 😊🌷💐🌺xx

[PW_R]

Colds and flu’s will progress the disease faster than anything else you can do or not do I think