Recently diagnosed with mild COPD. Had to take off work last Monday due to stress, panic and tiredness. Only back today (Friday) with 4 hours broken sleep last night, absolutely shattered writing this. Did anyone have the same experience, how long did it last and any advice? I couldn't face this fatigue on a permanent basis and I have to earn for my family, the pressure of this is killing me.
Tiredness and stress : Recently... - Lung Conditions C...
Tiredness and stress
Written by
Nornirishsteve
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
50 Replies
•
is your panic due to your diagnosis? I think most people panic after being told, I did for a few weeks until I found this site with people who have lived for decades with lung disease, then I stopped panicking. it’s not nice to have but if you look after yourself - don’t get underweight or overweight and exercise frequently, you’ll be ok for a very long time. The people here are friendly and have been where you are and survived and will always answer questions if they can. Try to stop panicking and get exercising. And look up breathing exercises for your panic attacks, they do work
Thanks for the reply. Yes, the panic is due to the diagnosis and I haven't told my family yet, it's going to devastate them, I watch them go about the house, happy and cheerful and I'm dying inside. I'm going to collapse in a heap of tears when I tell them, they don't need to see that. I feel like I'm going to die soon.
How you are feeling may be understandable but totally unfounded and stressing and worrying will only make you feel worse . My husband died in his mid seventies 20 years after his diagnosis and carried on working in the building trade until he was 69 . Instead of worrying do as yoga2011 has said - most importantly if you smoke give up , keep active eat healthy and there is no reason why you shouldn’t live an active life for many years 😊
Sorry for the negativity, I'm fighting hard to control my emotions today.
ALUK has a helpline …the number is on this page .
Open today , then again on Monday .
They are amazing , give them a ring .
By the way , I was diagnosed with asthma 30 years ago and later COPD , still here .
Asthma and Lung conditions has a website with lots of helpful advice .
Don’t click on the top sponsored site , but the one lower down with the pink cross logo.
Best wishes .
stop apologising as what you feel is very normal and of course you want to protect your family. I still haven’t told my grown up son yet as he doesn’t need to know for a while. Your family needs to know so they can understand and help you cope. I know exactly how you feel. I found out via a letter and didn’t tell my husband until my hospital appointment two months later. I just wanted to protect him but I was devastated and cried when he went out. But it’s not the end of your world. You’ve found out at an early stage so you can act now to slow progression. Stop smoking if you smoke, eat healthy foods and exercise, exercise and more exercise! I got myself a little treadmill for days I don’t go out. If you look after your lungs your copd may never worsen so don’t despair
Thank you for the reply.
I stopped smoking 11 yes ago, couldn't eat healthier and run 15 miles a week. My doctor keeps telling me that I can keep this mild for 20 /30 years bcos the damage has stopped but it's progressive, I think he just wants a quiet life.
Just seen this reply. Your gp is actually correct in his assessment of you. You are already doing everything you can to keep as well as possible. Absolutely no reason why you can’t keep mild for years.
Listen to your gp, he's right. I've known someone diagnosed at moderate copd, she found out the facts, bought a gym membership, changed her diet to very healthy, lost weight as well as exercising regularly and her moderate went to mild. COPD isn't a death sentence Nornirishsteve. Many many members have been living with it for decades whilst keeping themselves as well as can be by: being health aware , avoiding people with colds, coughs and keeping a strong immune system (stress depletes immunity as do excessive alcohol, poor diet, excessive pollution, smoke, antibiotics and fighting bugs).
Most of us were using antiseptic/anti viral hand gel years before the pandemic as well as practicing hand hygiene & all the things we did during covid. Some of us also wore face covering too to avoid picking up bugs. All my young children know not to share their snotties with Marmar (who's got asthma and SmallAirwaysDisease) !
There's so much support here from kind members who've been there and understand. Breathing exercises are wonderfully calming and it's great that you eat well and already run 🏃♂️.
Deep diaphragm breathing (youtube) for the panic and anxiety
Yr dr is correct
It's worth remembering that every single person on the planet loses lung function yearly as they age, lung disease or not, so EVERYBODY has progressive deterioration.
Not sure how old you are but your diagnosis (especially with only mild COPD) is NOT a death sentence. Most people will die with COPD and not from. The important things now is to reduce any risks of deterioration. Basically stop smoking if you do. Eat healthy meals. Exercise as much as possible (that’s a key thing) and try to avoid respiratory illnesses as much as possible. For example avoid meeting up with friends or family who you know are unwell due to colds or chest infections- something we should all do anyway!
I know hearing the name COPD is incredibly scary but it’s good you have found us here. You can ask any questions and where possible will try to reassure and advise you.
Thanks Bevvy, I'm 53 but I found out that I've had this from age 43. I had a bad case of pneumonia 10 yes ago and when my respiratory nurse was going thru my notes she noticed emphysema on the biopsy. My doctor never told me that but I'm glad he didn't, I wish I didn't know I have this for another 10 years.
I’ve just seen this reply , having just posted a reply telling you that my husband died twenty years after diagnosed what I almost said but didn’t was that in all probability he had Copd from many , many years before . At 18 months old he had pneumonia ( in the late 1940’s) and then again when he was 12 years old , despite that and always having a “weak chest” in adult life he smoked 40 cigarettes a day and coughed incessantly despite my protests and attempts to get him to give up . He finally gave up in his mid fifties when he was diagnosed, the cough disappeared, his health improved and it was from that age that he lived another twenty years
Thank you so much for your reply and sharing something so personal, you are a beautiful soul.❤️
Can you remember what tests you had to determine COPD? And how long you had been recovered from pneumonia? It may well be worth having tests redone to determine what is actually happening. Sometimes tests are done too quickly after someone has been unwell and this doesn’t give an accurate picture.
I recently had a CT scan showing mild COPD, then a spirometry test that on its own was "borderline" but with the CT scan and then finding the old biopsy report it was confirmed as emphysema. The pneumonia was 10 yes ago, the tests were 2 months ago.
Ah ok. Good you have had up to date tests but if biopsy report also said COPD then you haven’t deteriorated in 10years which is excellent.
Well apart from a cracking line my lungs which was what I got the scan for. Just so worried this is going to progress fast. My grandfather and father died of pulmonary fibrosis so genetically I haven't great lungs.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a very different condition and as myself and others have suggested there is no reason to think you can’t have a long, and healthy life at this stage.
There is a course you can do called Pulmonary Rehabilitation that gp can send you to. It’s usually twice a week for 2 hours over about 6 weeks. Following an assessment you do one hour of supervised exercise and then second hour is education. Basically learning how to look after yourself and keeping as well as possible.
Most people find the course extremely beneficial. However because your COPD is mild gp may not be keen to refer you for the course. I would stress to gp how anxious you are and that you want to learn how to keep well for as long as possible.
I can understand your worries now you mention your father and grandfather .
It was pneumonia that switched my lung condition on , as well as a genetic element . My grandmother, mother , me , my children all wheezy .
Sorry to hear that, seems to be genetic in part
I always take a diagnosis as a positive.when u know what you've got,u learn how to manage it.pls be aware anxiety & panic are hard on breathing.work on gd advice you've had and if u avoid viruses like colds flu etc,which can trigger exacerbations, you shouldn't suffer badly at stage your at.youve already stopped smoking,eat healthy,run - work on yr anxiety & u should feel better.the fatigue is likely due to that and worrying - it does sap yr energy.
... and do take up singing! Would encourage you to find a local choir. My bronchiectasis went to mild largely because of this and walking! Or even sing in the bath, or sing along to Alexa, radio etc. Good luck!
Hi there,
I’m so sorry to hear that you are in panic.
Just to echo what everyone else has said, lung situations are very individual and hard to categorise. Many are walking round with problems and don’t know it, as they have not had cause or situation to get a diagnosis.
The best thing to do, in my opinion, is not to fixate on the labels, but to try and live as healthily as possible despite the labels. After pneumonia which wouldn’t go, I myself ended up with an immunology team and several respiratory consultants, and got many diagnoses of chronic lung diseases and immunity issues , despite having never smoked. I walked around in a daze for a while wondering whether the ceramics I had done had led to the lung scarring etc, then I decided that it was best to try and ignore anything I couldn’t take action on.
So I took action where I could (clean diet, supplements for immunity , avoiding chest infections in others, exercising, no alcohol, cpap for sleep, some respiratory physio, acupuncture) and then decided to live with whatever the labels are and ignore dire stories about disintegration.
For me it has been the only way, and when I get infections and deal with the chest hospital and immunity team, I cross each bridge in its own time. The rest of the time, I try not to engage with the labels I have been given.
So many people live really long lives with rather terrifying diagnoses of chronic lung disease. Please don’t let this define you.
Big virtual hugs 🤗
I love your advice not to focus on the labels - great advice …
A diagnosis and even a prognosis is not necessarily a given -
Also liked your reassuring virtual hugs -
Until we get a handle on “stuff” it can be overwhelming - positivity, acceptance and determination great gifts.
Thanks for your words ❤️ Helen 🇦🇺
Exactly as Yoga2011 saysMy biggest help was into fresh air and enjoying it it's scary at first but after a short time you will realise it is not the end. In fact it is a different start.
Calm and cool
Take care.
Hello, sorry to read that you feel that have been so impacted by your health news. It can take a while to get our heads around it and adjust to living well with COPD.
There is great advice from folk in this forum. I got my diagnosis aged 54. Yes it was a shock, however that was over the 21 years since it was given to me. I still live independently, it is possible to have a reasonable, happy, healthy and joyful life.
Running from it and keeping it a secret is a huge burden and very stressful I would think? When you begin to accept it you will feel differently. Tell your family and although they may be a little shocked at first they will come to adjust to it too.
There is lots of learn to keep yourself well and happy. Take a look please at the Self Management plan for COPD on the Asthma Lung UK website. Perhaps ask your respiratory nurse at the surgery to go through it with you. Arm yourself with information and action… a good life is possible.
Stress induces oxidative stress in the body which only makes things worse for you so I wish you well. Check in here regularly with us and ask any questions you need to.
Go well.
Pauline
sorry to hear that you’re having trouble coping. Your GP is absolutely right, you can stay with a “ mild” status for a very long time.
Anxiety and stress unfortunately will not help, though I can understand why you want to shield your family from your diagnosis, you should seriously consider telling them, their support will really help you in the times you let your thoughts wander.
There is a lot of reliable information on the Astham Lung U.K. website. At the moment your panic appears all consuming, and stress and anxiety can cause extreme fatigue, keep in mind that your CT scan showed mild COPD, your spirometer test was borderline, try not to worry about what may or may not happen in the future, and try not to be defined by a label.
An appointment with your GP might help to address your stress and anxiety, which in turn will help your breathing and fatigue. Don’t sugar coat how you are feeling, let your GP know exactly how you feel.
Best wishes.
Hello! I really hope that all the lovely and informative replies have helped you and you are not in a panic now! You now are armoured with much you can reassure your family with when you tell them, which I think you should sooner rather than later, so you can support each other.
It really is a scare at first, but becomes easier as you realise it is not a death sentence at all.
Please stay in touch and ask questions, and I think you realise that the support on the site is immense, so use it!! xx
Thank you. Had a run this morning, going to go out and see friends today, feeling more positive, trying hard to keep that way, it'll come 🙏
it will come . . you can do this 💪😊 I was 41 3 years ago when I got told I had copd emphysema I was devastated like yourself and many who here this I thought my life was over I stopped doing everything I usually do went into depression then one day my young disabled son said I very love you why you not smiling anymore .( he as a speech impediment ) . . It broke my heart tbh I had the kick up the bum I needed . .i slowly got back to normal took up fitness not that I’m very good at it😂and lost 2 and a half stone I’d put on over the months ( still got a stone to go ) we all have good /bad days Nornirishsteve take one day at a time I’m positive you will get there it’s the shock at first .i still don’t no to much about my lung disease but the people on here have helped . . . Also I make sure I always smile at my son now even if I don’t feel like it .. . .children are smarter than you think as I found out 😂😂 take care xx
It will come, don’t worry xx
Hope all the advice from my friends on here has made you feel better. Welcome to the forum. Come back for advice and reassurance whenever you need it and hopefully join in the general chitchat. Very best wishes for a long, healthy future, with the COPD proving only a very minor inconvenience.
Thank you so much, that last sentence is very encouraging, I'm having a really difficult morning, no sleep again, driving about aimlessly on my own. If I can keep as fit as possible do you think zi could keep COPD at a very very slow rate of progression. Has anyone ever done that?
have they put you on medication if you don’t mind me asking? It’s very early stages from what you said and you seem be pretty active and healthy other than that ,which is great 😊please concentrate on the positive things e.g your family and friends Maybe book appointment with gp to discuss your anxiety regarding this they will be able to help . You can get past these darker moments in life and think of your happier times ahead you 😊can do this !😊take care xx
Hi, yes I'm.on an onoro inhaler once a day. I'll have to phone the GP tomorrow, again, to discuss this anxiety and insomnia, high blood pressure as wel. It never ends, it feels like a nightmare. 😱
I’ve got high blood pressure plus a bit of a dodgy heart aswell thanks to one of my parents genes passing it down 😂 I think I’m on about nine tablets a day including my inhaler I’m on trelegy honestly I think your anxiety is getting the better of you and I’m sure once you’ve discussed ow your feeling and concerns with gp and maybe put on anxiety meds for a while you will feel better some people on here have had copd for years I’ve only had it for 3 years or so . .. .i really do know how your feeling atm as I was the same as yourself when I found out I was devastated I don’t mean to pry but have you told your family yet ? A problem shared is a problem halved 😊 and I’m sure your family will give you reassurance and support xx
Haven't told them yet, so scared, will kill me to see them.hurt
Hi I’ve pm you x
Yes you can keep the progression rate extremely slow by keeping fit and healthy. There are people on the forum now who are doing it. I'm doing it with my bronchiectasis- can't tell you how long I'm going to live, because I'm not dead yet. Can't even tell you how long I've had it, because it crept up on me gradually. Diagnosed in 2019. Don't worry too much about lack of sleep. I sometimes only get 3 or 4 hours a night and I survive. During the war lots of people, including my dad, worked extremely long hours and must have managed with very little sleep. I hardly ever saw my dad, who was too old for active service, until after the war. He lived to be 83. Your family must have noticed your behaviour has changed. Shouldn't you think about telling them, and ask for their support in working out healthy changes to your diet for example, or going walking with you.
You have had some very good advice here. And I can only reiterate the keep as healthy as you can, eat as well as you can. Exercise as much as you can. But mostly laugh as often as you can. Then with all that said. Speak the unspeakable to your family. Tell them you have COPD. Tell them it isn't a death sentence. Because it is mild, tell them that you want to stay as well as you can. Get their support, get their understanding and together I am sure you will all have a long and happy future together with a lot less anxiety. With every good wish.
my mum who as past now said the best advice she ever gave anyone was . . Smiling is the best medicine 😊 . . . And I agree I try to at think about something once a day that might cheer me up even on my really low days . . . 😊 things can be quite frightening at first for anyone I hope your feeling more positive about things soon take care 😊xx
Thank you, you really are a kind soul. ❤️
anytime 😊xx
please don’t do this alone - I reckon you’ll feel so much better (like a weight lifted off your shoulders) when you share with your loved ones.
You’ll do well keeping fit, eating healthily and focusing on your positives- the human spirit is amazing / you can and will face any challenges.
At the moment it’s all overwhelming but once you get a handle on it all you’ll begin to feel better and please don’t beat yourself up it’s so normal to feel like you do right now.
Go well - so good that you reached out -you are already doing well with your running, giving up smoking etc / you are not alone. ❤️🇦🇺🌼 Helen
hi. I completely understand where you are coming from Nornirishsteve . I am 59 and recently been diagnosed with emphysema and was so shocked that I cried in the gp’s room. It was such a shock. I’ve been having endless chest infections so knew something wasn’t right. However I’ve joined this group who are really kind and helpful. I’ve spoken to one of the nurses at A&L UK who gave me so much good advice as well as suggestions of things to ask when I next see my GP. I have been living healthily since stopping smoking 12 years ago but this endless chest infections has meant I’ve exercised less and not eaten as healthily. For some reason I always crave carbs when I’m not well. But I’m now working towards getting back on track.
Everyone is right give the helpline a ring they’ll really help you understand what you can do to live well.
Bravo for getting back on track. So hard when you've been unwell and got all out of condition.
The anxiety and depression with a copd diagnosis is real. I still haven’t come to terms with it at all. I also haven’t told many of my friends - I’m so embarrassed to be impacted by this disease in my early 40’’s. If your CT showed mild emphysema and you have no other symptoms then there’s a chance you may never progress, especially if you’re not prone to chest infections. People who are prone to chest infections appear to progress faster. RSV ruined me last winter & I lost lots of lungs function.
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Cancelled appointments and tiredness
Cancelled appointments again.....Help
Sorry if I'm repeating myself as my previous post seems to...
Tiredness
I recently had a flare up of my copd and was hospitalised although I feel ok in myself now other...
Stress and COPD
I was reading the blog of a new member, Twinks1954'
Up until Friday, 6 July, I would have said...
stress and copd
i've been experiencing quite a lot of stress recently and my breathing has become much worse ,mi...
Brochiectasis and stress
Hi Folks,
It is five years since consultant picked me from the bulging ranks of COPD sufferers and...
Stress incontinence and coughing.
Tiredness that is draining
tiredness.
Reflux and stress.
Extreme tiredness. 
