many stages?

[betsyanne]

how many stages are to copd? i have had some booklets from my nurse & kinda was scared to read fully, 2yrs ago i had pnomonia & was in i.c them a yr later told i ave copd & bronchitis, & didnty want to know all that happend to me while in there, cud any one pls let me know. thanks & i hope evetyone feels good today.

[Hidden]

Hi betsyanne - this link will take you to a general overview of copd, and if you scroll down the page you will see it outlines the 4 'stages'. It is important to remember not to get to 'hooked' on whatever stage you may be, as it is not a foregone conclusion that you will reach a particular level of disability at any particular stage. Some people manage very well and still work even at the very severe stage, while others feel unable to function much even at the moderate stage. Also do not be afraid to learn all you can about the condition -the more we know and understand, the better equipped we are to cope. There is a huge amount of info out there if you wish to seek further, and many people here who will be happy to share the benefit of their experience with you. Remember too that the BLF helpine is available to you if you wish to talk to someone about any aspect of your copd or even if you just want to chat and gain some reassurance. Hope this has been of some help, P

patient.co.uk/health/Chroni...

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Just read this - there was lots I didnt know. Thanks for the link x

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i betsyanne welcome the following may help?

FEVI (%predicted)

Severity of airflow obstruction

( Post – bronchodilator )

>80%

Stage 1-Mild

50-79%

Stage 2-Moderate

30-49%

Stage 3-Severe

<30%

Stage 4-Very Severe

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I have sarcoidosis and that list above has really frightened me. My FEV is 31%. I work full time, don't need any oxygen. I swim and go walking (albeit I have to stop and have just joined a gym with the agreement of my doctor and physio.

Am I reading too much into my FEV? Or is this only relevant to those with COPD?

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MarieWF

As Parvati said - it is different for each of us. Some work outside of the home throughout the stages (I am stage 4, on oxygen and still working part time) though others cannot manage working at an earlier stage.

FEV1 is a guide which can fluctuate (my last three readings were 22%, 17% and 25%) according to whether we have an infection, how humid the air is, what the temperature is, and many other things. Try to get on with your life without getting fixated on numbers.

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Thanks for that! I've been diagnosed for 15 months now and it's never bothered me what my spirometry said as I still manage to do what I want to do. That's the down side of finding a site like this - its fantastic but also can make you look differently at how you function. I will just get on with it like I have been. Like age it's just a number!

[betsyanne in reply to Hidden]

thankyou i think i will have to. x

[sassy59 in reply to Hidden]

My husband has sarcoidosis too and COPD (bronchitis). I had no idea there were different stages so glad to read such good info. Pete does not have oxygen either and tries to stay as active as possible. I think auntymary is right, try to just get on with your life and enjoy the gym. Who knows what is around the corner but stay positive and good luck to you.

[betsyanne in reply to Hidden]

thankyou. x

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i marieWF the list is related to COPD adapted from the NICE Guidance, one statement is

(Please note that FEV1% predicted while indicative is not a perfect predictor of level of disability)

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I agree with marie betsy anne. I have COPD but as long as I can still do what I want to do I dont get hung on on stats either, even though I have to go slower now. Its just a question of enjoying your life as much as possible and trying not to worry too much!. Life often happens to you whilst you are planning it isnt it? So keep on being positive love. x