Which Is Worse..Bit Of Advice Please..

Hi All..

Been a member on here a while,but rarely come on as much as i should..I was told i had Copd a while back almost 2 years now..I also have Asthma..I am on Symbicort and have found this a great help,apart from a little weight gain esp in my face..

Had an appointment with the nurse this week and she now thinks i may have Alpha1.. But am having too go back for another Spirometry and a blood test...Not sure what too think..Is it just as bad or should i be releved is not Copd...Bit confused if am honest..I don"t smoke,i gave up over 10 years ago now..I look after myself,bit of a fitness freak really..Am in my early 40s.. Any advice as i got too wait a month now and i keep thinking about it...Thank You....

[Hidden]

Cant help but I am sure someone will be along soon to talk.

[Gordon57]

For your own peace of mind, have a chat with the BLF Helpline next week. They can talk with you about the various conditions and tests.

I know there are many on here who will want to help too, I've no personal experience of Alpha1 so will not comment on which is worse as I can't relate to it.

If you feel good in yourself and can lead a pretty normal life then that's a good start

[Hidden]

A friend of mine has Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is a cause of COPD, just as cigarette smoking is. Though as it is a different disease there are other issues too. Spirometry does not show this. I would be asking for an appointment with a consultant. Look at this for further info:

netdoctor.co.uk/disease...

[3pinks]

i have also been told my copd is probably caused by Alpha 1 which is a inherited condition

[Hidden]

Sorry - I'm going to sound awful here but has Symbicort given you a rounded face? I've just started on it and I can't bear the thought of going back to having a moon face.

[martin1945 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Marie

I have been on Symbicort for 8 years and neither I or my OH would consider I have a round face. Typically it is with Prednisone that a rounded face (amongst other things) is a side effect and then if taken long term as opposed to a couple of weeks. Stay well.

[Hidden in reply to martin1945]

Hi Martin

Thanks. Been there, been on the Pred (for 2 years) and definitely got/had the moonface. It's only just gone and I was very worried I'd get it back! Sorry - I must sound very vain!!

Marie

[hufferpuffer]

Hello Scottyboy, I'm waiting for results of tests for Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency as well as they think my Emphysema could be genetic. It is a 'protein' our bodies are not producing for some reason, might be an idea to 'google' it again I've forgotton what I read now sorry, hopefully someone else can help, take care, Carol

[Hidden]

Thanks for all your above answers..

Too MarieWF..My weight has gone up since being on Symbicort even though I was dieting and very active..It dosen"t mean yours will..Its a good medication I have found personally and works well..

I have read up on Alpha1 since posting and maybe this is what has caused Copd as I wasn"t a very heavy smoker and could take it or leave it..Will just have to wait for the tests and results and go from there am guessing...x