New to this forum.

[robevanz]

Hello!

After a series of chest infections my Emphysema (which I've had for years but not as bad) has been exacerbated which I've found quite sobering as I've researched it more thoroughly online and spoken to my GP and had a spirometry test. I hadn't expected to be as breathless as I became and seemingly 'on the brink' of invalidity. I'm currently on Prednisolone and awaiting an appointment to go to the Pumonary Rehab clinic locally. I was surprised I had to ask for this, having found out they exist for myself.

I hope to be more involved on this site as I've already picked up useful info from posts and hope I can be of some help too. All in the same boat and all that!

Today my breathing is much easier and I am doing breathing exercises and using my ventolin inhaler often. Might venture to the shop.

I am 20 stone and this has to be addressed so I'm dieting. Added complications are type 2 diabetes and a complex hernia in my side but they seem to be behaving themselves! Losing weight will help the diabetes also of course. I'm considering joining Weight Watchers...any experiences to relate?

Well, that's me folks.

[Hidden]

welcome - you will love this site4 - full of information and advice all with humour

nice to see you

K

[Annexx]

Hi there and welcome!

I'm sorry I don't know much about the weightwatchers programme. I think you can either go to classes or do it online - I suppose it's what you''re more comfortable with really. Doing that and exercising more should help with the weight loss, which, as I'm sure you're well-aware, should be done slowly - losing no more than one to two pounds per week. Healthy eating and exercising within your limits are key to success.

I actually also have several stones still to lose. I lost three and a half stones in five months without even trying. However, unfortunately, it was because I lost my appetite due to being so unwell. Also a good bit of the weight loss was due to oedema reduction in the lungs (and ankles and legs) when I was given furosemide for pulmonary oedema.

I really am so fortunate that my excess weight hasn't led to diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure etc. Well my blood pressure had gone borderline high, but that was because of the excess fluid and once it was controlled my blood pressure went back down to being spot on. All of my blood tests came back normal. It's not helping my breathing problems though, so I do need to make more of a concerted effort to get some more weight off though!

Good luck with your efforts and I hope that you ger your COPD under control again

[elian]

Hello robevanz and welcome to the site !

Congratulations too on having taken the decision to lose weight, it will help a great deal. I'm another one who doesn't know a great deal about the WeightWatchers programme, but can say that I managed to lose 2.5 stones via Slimming World.

It's not going to be easy for you, but it will be worth it !

Good luck

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome Val

[jojam]

Hi Robevanz,

Welcome to the community, glad you are doing the breathing exercises & have asked for PR. Hope you get it as it will definately help you with your conditions.

Well done for taking such positive action to address you weight

Best wishes

Jo

[tanyamarie]

Hello and welcome!

I think any diet class is great, they work for different people. Some will favour WW while others slimming world. My friend runs a SW class and I know her before and after weight issues. She looks fab and is always eating well. Best of luck with it.

[Hidden]

Go for it robevanz - carrying extra weight does nothing for our breathing besides being a factor in your diabetes. Strange hoe most copd'ers go one way or the other - we either inexplicably lose weight or just as inexplicably gain it! Good to hear the positive comments re Slimming World as I am starting at my local one on Tuesday - for once it doesn't involve 'travel' as it is in the church hall just five minutes walk from home - which begs the question why i didn't pluck up courage and do something about my extra poundage before now Strange how nervous I am a bout going to that first class. Good luck with your WW.

[tanyamarie in reply to Hidden]

Good luck tomorrow when you go to SW!

[Hidden in reply to tanyamarie]

thanks tanyamarie ... was just trying to think up excuses but will have to go this time seeing as i have 'gone public' lol

[robevanz]

Well, thank you all for your encouraging words! I'll have to go through to see if individual replies are needed.

The steroids seem to be working well, mostly just tired today.

Will browse the forum more later.

Rob