New to here

[ChrissyP]

Hi everyone, thought I would introduce myself to you as I am a "newbee" to this site! I have just been diagnosed with COPD - still smoking but hoping to quit - have been put on an inhaler called spiriva. My breathing seems a little better since taking it but my head and nose is now completed bunged up - is this normal with this inhaler?

[evo1510]

Hi i have been put on spiriva since thursday but not had that happen .i am on another new one also so cant tell .but about the smokeing realy. Realy try to Stop. We know its not easy but you can do it ..Welcome to the site..they are great people on here if you need any help..

[Lynne1955]

I am on spiriva and I find it is fantastic. For the first 2 weeks it did give me headaches and dizziness but I stuck with it at the GPs suggestion and they stopped.

This is a good site and you will get support. The best thing you can do for you and your COPD is to quit smoking though.

Lynne x

[pedantic]

Hiya Chrissy.

Welcome to our little family,if you listen to the advice from the good folk on here,you wont go far wrong.Start by ditching the weed,it is honestly easier than you think ! take care x

[kimmy59]

Hello Chrissy

Welcome. I would ring the helpline for any advice with medication, and have a good look about the site thats what I did loads of great advice here. And people to talk to when your feeling down, it helps to know they understand.

Kim

[ChrissyP]

Thanks everyone for the advice, its so nice to know you are all out there as I am for you too. Tomorrow is the day I start to quit so wish me luck!

[pollyjj]

Good Luck you can do it.

[pollyjj in reply to pollyjj]

Keep us posted.

[lizziec1]

Hi Chrissy you just soooooo must stop smoking - not pretending its easy its not. I am on day 15 of being smoke free. If you want any help get back to me.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Hi Chrissy. Now you have been diagnoses with COPD stop smoking and give yourself some extra years back. You know it makes sense.

[bewildered]

Hi Chrisspy have you got any support with stopping smoking and staying stopped.

Good Luck

[Mocarey]

Chrissy there's an old saying "never put off till tomorrow, what you can do today" So you go for it girl! Think how nice it will be when your breathing improves and all the little treats you can have with the money you save! Good luck.

[Hidden]

Hard to tell because the quit smoking came before the Spiriva but the doctor said it would take time before it worked. Quitting smokes and waiting for results from inhaler is what looks the smart choice.

Good Luck

[Hidden]

The only side effect I had with spriva was for the first time in three months I could breathe again, the wheezing reduced quite quickly.

I was also put on seretide at that time, I had a very hoarse voice, but was told you must use a spacer (I was given a Whright easy inhaler) and to also rinse your mouth out after, that solved that problem.

Sorry but you must try to stop, get help for it,, give up smoking for today! Tomorrow never comes, tell yourself that each day.

Welcome to the site there are many on here that will help..

B.

[nannie63]

Hi & welcome Chrissy. With regards to the smoking .... you will do it be in in your own time. I gave up 5 years ago, sat at the computer one evening and just thought to myself " l don't want these anymore". Haven't had one since. Was diagnosed almost 2 years ago but not experienced the problems you have. If it persists go see your GP / nurse. Take care, here if you need to talk. Marilyn x

[lavender1]

Hi Chrissy and welcome I hope both you and Lizzy beat the weed and give yourselves a chance - not easy but the best decision you'll ever make and the sooner the better - good luck and keep reading/posting. Your efforts will also help others on here including myself to stay smokefree

[ChrissyP]

Hi everyone and thank you all so much for your kind words and encouragement. I haven't had a cigarette since Monday now and feeling okay. Hard though cos my hubby still chuffing! Am going to docs on Monday because the blocked feeling is getting worse instead of better and am wondering now if I have an infection. So new to all of this its hard sometimes to recognise what is actually wrong!