Does the fact that COPD is considered a terminal condition affect GP treatment decisions
when seeing a patient. is it an infection or deterioration. and so miss the chance to optimize patient survival and mobility, with early intervention treatment, and is this supported by the patients own expectations,
At the pul / rehab they explained that exercise was more affective against copd than any treatment available to doctors they can only reduce the symptoms not cure them the reason it is a chronic disease. Your own perception then is more important with the treatment under your own control you will be optimizing your own survival time having the best expectations will be a positive step believing otherwise negative.
precisely 
i fully agree with you, but i have recently had a pseudonymous problem and had to go to see the GP, he came out into the corridor as i walked to his door and said i do not expect some one with your level of copd to walk as well, aren't you doing well
fact was i was about half of my normal fitness,
then when i spoke to him i had to push to get treatment as he thought i was doing well, hence raising the question
A GP is precisely that a General Practitioner with years living with your health you have become an expert in your own condition able to asses the treatment that works more affectively than a battery of tests from a consultant, educating our own perceptions is a simpler process than trying to give your life story in under ten minutes. Consider the expert patient program then change perceptions for a greater number than just the doctors you come into contact with.
My GP will treat infections, but if there are any problems e.g. the chest infection is not responding to treatment he will send me to A&E, don't think they know a great deal about COPD. Would rather a consultant get involved then at least they know you’re getting the best care Val
GPs - General Practitioners have awareness of medicine generally.
If you want a specialising respiratory consultant you need to get your GP to refer you.
Perchance your GP has only ever experienced the arm chair lung patients.
Some GPs do opt for add on training in respiratory others may chose bones, the training doesn't make them experts in copd or bones but it does give them a better awareness.
I'm sorry you are questioning your GPs judgement in treating you, perhaps you may need to consider changing GPs.
Have an easy breathing, happy walking talking day. 
My GP referred me to the Respiratory Clinic because of their specialist knowledge of treating COPD which he admitted he did not have other than of the standard medications which he is already prescribing for me.
He said that they may well have new ones which he was unaware of.
Two months wait to go for first assessment with R/Nurse.
There is something new which may help me but only Consultant can prescribe it, now another 2 months wait to return to see Consultant.
woodshaper
New treatment for COPD
Salt Therapy Treatment For COPD
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COPD underdiagnosed in older adults, but can be managed.
