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Newbie to site. Diagnosed borderline COPD 5 years ago, stopped smoking 3.5 years ago after smoking up to 60 a day. Champix did the trick..

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12 years ago•11 Replies

Initially was put on Salamol Easi-Breathe. Everything appeared fine until recently when I started with a chest infection back in October, since then I have had 5 more chest infection, 4 lots of antibiotics plus steroids along with Spiriva inhaler. Was due to take a spirometer test last week but the nurse was not able to do it due to a chest infection, yet more antibiotics plus Seretide 500 inhaler. After two days I do feel slightly better with less coughing. Still waiting for an up to date diagnosis. One problem experienced so far is that I am diabetic, ( controlled by diet at present), and the steroids have increased my blood sugar levels.

Having read some of the information on the site it is nice to see how helpful fellow suffers are.

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11 Replies

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elly112 years ago

I found I had copd feb 2012 so it will be a yr soon told me i had it severe I gave up smoking sept 2012 also on champix cannot believe i do not smoke it is like somebody has taken that part of my brain away that relates to smoking never realised how rich I was my fellow smokes vapour ciggy we are now millionaires. I have been to New York with added expense of the insurance of course but loved it walked for miles. I apologise for no full stops I talk really fast and only go back and check grammer after reading. I find the site wonderful as I feel when people r down they can rant away and know that somebody is listening and understands. I do not understand it when people say they have chest infections and end up in hospital. Well i was supposed to be going to pics tonight then realised I do not like pics so daughter has gone for a night on the town instead.glad to be of assistance and not go to pics. anyway welcome my god did I come up for air then i have not shutup. Why do steroids increase blood sugar levels is that why I have put on weight I hope everything goes alright and you get your test.

• in reply toelly112 years ago

Hi elly1. Thanks for your comments. I worked out at current prices I would be spending £4.5K on Cigs. had I not stopped. Like you I cannot believe how well the Champix worked, friends are amazed that I managed to stop. Not sure why the steroids increase the blood sugar levels, but thought that it was common knowledge that taking them would lead to weight gain in some cases. Like you I put weight on after stopping smoking but have managed to keep at a steady weight now although it would be nice to lose some.

Puffthemagicdragon12 years ago

Chest infections can be hard to get rid of. If oral antibiotics don't work they have to be given intravenously.

• in reply toPuffthemagicdragon12 years ago

Thanks Puffthemagicdragon, I am due back at the doctors shortly, my get more information then. Plus hopefully current medication may have done the job.

elly112 years ago

do u keep to a diet or excercise I am on Pulminary rehab at present and love it as it makes me excercise and push myself to the limit which I would be scared to do in the gym today has been beautiful and took my dogs with my daughter top the park for a walk and really enjoyed myself hate the winter SAD love light mornings. Winter should be given an injuction not to come near me. Smiley

• in reply toelly112 years ago

I try to keep to a diet and do play golf two or three times a week weather permitting, although I have not been able to play recently due to the breathing problems, but to be honest it has been to cold anyway. Have read about the P R, does the Doc. Refer you or is it your COPD nurse ?

elly112 years ago

no my doctor reffered me just keep on at them u will enjoy it if you were active and played golf just push yourself and enjoy it the good thing is u r in hospital anyway so if anything happens help is on hand.

• in reply toelly112 years ago

Hi Elly1 Please do not get me wrong I am at home not in hospital, the nurse I refer to is the one at the local doctors surgery. Medication must be kicking in as I do feel the breathing is easier this morning. Will try to push myself and get moving more, How does the cold weather affect you ?

elly1• in reply to12 years ago

No the pulmonary rehab class is in the hospital did not mean you. so u know u r in safe hands when excercising. I luv the cold weather heating does me in my poor family r freezing cannot do the wind and luv spring which i feel is upon now.

Lynne195512 years ago

I did it with Champix too, just over a year since I quit. For me it was a miracle drug. I was only diagnosed with COPD after another 3 months. I did not have any symptoms whilst I smoked except that I coughed. I stopped coughing the day I stopped smoking.

I am moderate, on Spiriva with ventolin for when I need it (which is rarely). I do a lot of exercise and am now trying to lose the weight I gained when I quit.

Lynne xx

• in reply toLynne195512 years ago

Hi Lynne Thanks. I think there should be a day dedicated to all who have managed to stop smoking as I feel sure some do not realise how hard it is for smokers, especially after having smoked for 50+ years. Can't stand the smell now. Good luck with the weight loss.

ShortBreath