Hello I have had mild COPD for several years but now have moderate COPD according to my last check up. Peak flow showed 300 predicted 460

[perusal]

I am tired and breathless a lot. My inhaler has not been altered or added to but I have to have another test in six weeks It seems nothing is being done . Is this normal?

[steff_1965]

I'm in the same boat so to speak.

My peak flow is around 250 and the hospital says i have chronic asthma / Emphysema. I've been on the same inhalers for the last three years now and feel constantly tired and very breathless a lot.

I don't know if it's normal but I've read others saying the same.

[perusal in reply to steff_1965]

Thanks for your message it looks like we need to get our medications updated good luck!

[Hidden]

I think time for you both to check in with your docs if symptoms are worsening, maybe when you book to see your GP ask for a double appointment to discuss medication options, how your condition has worsened, communicate if your existing medication is no longer working for you as it once did, also ask about a possible referral to pulmonary rehabilitation if you have become inactive and have deconditioned. Your doc may suggest you need referral back to your consultant.

Breathlessness is part and parcel of COPD/Emphysema, so is tiredness but these symptoms when they worsen should not be ignored and your doc should be informed.

In the normal day to day breathlessness, activity and tiredness keeping some form of routine exercise going (as recommended) is going to help stop a worsening in symptoms and help avoid deterioration in your condition.

Good luck to you both, hope things start to improve for you again soon, new meds regular exercise.

Let us know how you get on.

[perusal in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for replying I also have angina so my excercise is Tai Chi ,swimming and walking. It was the Nurse in the clinic that did the peak flow test and said it has deteriated but I know it has any way because of the way I feel ....The Spirometry test will be in 6 weeks the last one was in march so we will see what happens.

[Hidden]

It can be confusing because research has shown that many GPs cannot initially differentiate between asthma and COPD. As the tratment and medications differ considerably this can cause problems. Maybe the answer is to ask for a referral to a respiratory consultant where your diagnosis and medications can be checked and any other cause for your symptoms eliminated. Good luck.

[squirell in reply to Hidden]

I totally agree with you on this as i was treat for AStma for 4yrs prio to my diagnosis of copd, however Ive never had astma in my life. this realy upset me at the time as I would have had 4 years of help and woukd have stopped smoking then. xxxxI now go to see my consultant eery twelve months. good luck everyone.xx

[Jo_BLFHelpline British Lung Foundation]

Hi perusal

Is the repeat test in 6 weeks a spirometry? Usually a peak flow is not useful in measuring COPD. How/when was the moderate COPD diagnosed, through spirometry?

Also have you recently had an infection or exacerbation of symptoms? I know there is alot of questions here, if you can call us on 03000 030 555 we can arrange for you to speak to one of our respiratory nurses. I would also suggest speaking to the doctor again before the test in 6 weeks regarding yuour breathlessness to see what they can do to make this better for you.

I hope you feel better soon.

Best Wishes

Jo

[perusal in reply to Jo_BLFHelpline]

JO thank you for your reply . Yes it is a Spirometry test in six to eight weeks the last one was in March but because the peak flow has dropped again she wants another one doing she also mentioned that I may need to go on steroids but we will see after the test. I also have Angina . I will make an appointment to see the GP.

Thank you

[perusal in reply to Jo_BLFHelpline]

Very lucky having Spirometry test on 10th Oct so have not had to wait 6 weeks it is very quick . Appointment just arrived.

[toughdy]

Peak flow is Asthma talk no medic would tell you about it when you have COPD the wrong treatment is not going to happen when the wrong tests are taken.

[perusal in reply to toughdy]

I have had COPD for several years and the last Spirometry test I had was in March but I also have had a peak flow test done last week in my regular checkup and was told I had deteriated (which I already knew)as I stated in my question. I am having another Spirometry test in 6 weeks!

[steff_1965]

My next appointment is November 2nd. Around march must have been my last too.

[perusal in reply to steff_1965]

Just got my appointment for spirometry test 10th October so that was quick joy of joys may get sorted now.

[perusal]

Good luck with your appointment take care

[steff_1965]

Good luck

[perusal in reply to steff_1965]

Thank you hope you are feeling ok.