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12 years ago•12 Replies

Hi I've just been diagnosed with COPD and just can't seem to get my head round it, I always thought it was a smokers disease but I have never smoked, but I have had Asthma since I was a baby. My lungs apparently are working at 43% which sound horrific to me I get so out of breath just walking I'm really struggling at work as well Have been put on a spiriva inhaler as well as symbicort but can't see what difference they are making. I feel so tired as well. Will my lungs improve any or is this it, I really need answers but where to go

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jiffy

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Davybaby12 years ago

Hi Jiffy, welcome to the site, sorry to hear of your news, I've attached a link (with other links embedded) about the disease; it comes down to self learning and education on how to manage it, there is plethora of information on this site. Any specific questions just post; someone will have an answer.

copd.about.com/od/copdbasic...

Breathe Well,

Dave

Puffthemagicdragon12 years ago

Hi Jiffy. My lungs are working at 27% and I only get out of breath if I overdo things so don't worry too much. Make sure you are using the inhalers properly. I thought I was when I first started using them but the respiratory nurse showed and explained the correct way. Maybe a spacer will help as they did for me. There are also breathing techniques you can use.

12 years ago

Hi jiffy

Welcome to the site,, you will get some good advice on here, don't panic just let yourself get used to this change in your life.

I had childhood asthma which was well controlled, I have had a problem since feb, I have recently been diagnosed with Chronic Asthma and I have lost 35% lung function that will not return!

Unfortunately The British Lung Foundation do not accept this they say that asthma is always reversible, however this site is for all types of lung disease, so try not to give yourself a label.

I am also on Spiriva and seretide, they only helped me after a long course of prednisolone to reduce the inflammation,

I looked at the above site, and disagree that it is known in less educated women, I worked full time and completed a Hons degree in six years, during my fifties..

Listen and take the advice of these lovely people on here.

Wishing you all the best. B.

• in reply to12 years ago

I agree Rubyb, many people with COPD are very well educated. I have a BA(Hons) and MA(Hons) degree, along with a string of Diplomas and know many others with similar achievements. COPD does not differentiate.

cofdrop-UK12 years ago

Hi Jiffy and welcome. I don't have copd but another lung condition and although lots of symptoms and treatments are similar, the best advice you can get is from fellow sufferers.

Like Ruby I was concerned to see the statement 'known in less educated women'. I would love to know how they came to that conclusion.

Take care

XXX

12 years ago

Hello and welcome jiffy. Try not to panic. Most people feel like you do when first diagnosed. Once you accept the diagnosis you can move forward. Good luck.

kimmy5912 years ago

Hello and welcome.

It does really panic you at first, but the people on here are great.

Kim

Davybaby12 years ago

The author must have found (statistically) that a lower level of education was relevant to knowledge of the disease and ladies I agree it is not very well put across.

When I said education "education on how to manage it," I was not suggesting that we go out and obtain a Degree, Masters or Doctorate to learn how to manage, but:

"Education in its general sense is a form of learning in which knowledge, skills, and habits of a group of people are transferred from one generation to the next through teaching, training, research, or simply through autodidacticism.[1] Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts."

I hope that jiffy educates herself (as we have all had to do) on managing this horrible condition to live her life to the full.

jiffy12 years ago

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply to me, has anybody been on COPD rehabilition programme I;ve been advised to ask my GP to refer me I keep reading everything I find but I'm still unsure how to approach and change my lifestyle and thought this may help

12 years ago

Hi jiffy, I was diagnosed as having COPD six years ago and did the rehabilitation course

three years ago. The exercises helped with my breathing but I relapsed into the couch potato lifestyle including putting on weight. I was offered the course last year as a follow up but turned it down being too vain to admit my lack of exercise. My advice to anyone is grab it with both hands. I have started a small exercise circuit at home and will lose weight. Don't ask your GP - Insist.

be lucky

jim

jiffy• in reply to12 years ago

Thanks Jim and good luck with the exercise and weight loss

Daffodil5111 years ago

Hi jiffy. I'm new too. I've only been in here fir a couple of days but have found out so much. There are some very knowledgeable people on here who will answer any questions you have.

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