I am 59 and retired early from a very demanding career as a Senior Manager in telecommunications "it's good to talk".
The job required precision and detail etc. Since I was diagnosed with COPD last year my concentration has gone out the window. I read Gordon's blog about his blood test and I have done exactly the same thing today but with a urine test for a separate health issue. My lovely and patient wife reminds me of hings I forget to do. It is not Alzheimer's it's just that I feel preoccupied ad probably worried about my condition as it is early days yet. My FEV 1 s about 40% and I think breathlessness rules my life. Anyone feel he same and any tips on how to deal would be grateful. Thanks Adrian
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beatles
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Nothing like stress and worry to rob you of your ability to concentrate - so no it's definitely not just you! I write everything down, otherwise I just forget (I'm 60, retired last yr also). I have a large looseleaf page-to-a-day diary which I write everything in and I leave it open at the right day on the coffee table and check it every morning and evening. Also I have a calendar in the kitchen so I can see what's on this month, and I use my phone to set reminders for my meds
don't panic, you're not getting old before your time, it's just that when you have a "real" problem at the forefront of your mind, it kind of takes over
Thanks FF tried to reply earlier - please see later post below. Adrian
Oh ff you sound a carbon copy of me!! Writing things down,where you can see it(most important) is the way to go.All appointments etc. on the calander in the kitchen,first thing I look at,whilst waiting for kettle to boil!! So no nasty surprises,this goes for bills that need paying on certain dates too!
I do sometimes wonder,if a bit of being oxygen deprived,affects the memory??
I do, do some memory training apps to,not sure if they help.
I think Beatles,you are still probably coming to terms with having this b.... Illness.
Try & look at the positives,having a wonderful wife etc.I am sure you have many more happy years together.Have you done a pulmonary rehab course yet? If not,please look in to it,as that would probably help you a lot.Good luck with it all,
Thank you Wendells - tried to reply earlier-see my later post below. Yes I have done PR and it was the best advice and instruction I have received. The exercises are excellent for fitness ad clearing out be gunk. Best Wishes Adrian
I am glad someone mentioned this one, I thought it was me, I make websites for friends and some days I sit down and just can't seem to get started, and like the others I need to write down important things (that's when I remember to do it). I was beginning to think the wife's mind was going, she keeps saying "I told you that" and I am sure she has not.
I have a week or so where everything seems normal but as soon as a new bug takes up residence my concentration just disappears.
Moneal - please see my update below. I got really worried at first but as others have said the breathlessness tends to dominate all aspects of life. I am comparatively recently diagnosed so guess I am on a big learning curve. Many thanks and good luck.
Oxygen feeds the blood and the brain, so as our bodys tire out easily with copd so must the brain be effected.
I've had the same problem with short term memory loss. I take Ginko and Ginseng as that's supposed to help, I also enjoy playing the memory games on my Tablet to keep the brain exercised
I,m just approaching the big 60,,i keep a notepad with me at all times,,and put appointments into my phone while i,m there,,otherwise i would never remember anything,,but still forget my shopping list,,,,i just laugh about it and call them senior moments,,,
Have tried to reply to some of you individually however keep getting error 404 message. Thanks to all for comments, support and suggestions - you are ALL a great bunch of people and this website is just sooooo helpful and reassuring. You're right I am still coming to terms with COPD and it can be scary when you think of the future. Yes I have been through PR and it is blinking marvellous. I now exercise 5 days out of 7 using the PR techniques and breathing exercises. Also it has occurred to me that stopping smoking after 40 odd years has probably affected my concentration also as well as the stress of the condition. Must keep head up and do my best for me and my wife. Thanks again
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It seems to me
Just discovered i have moderate copd (not mild as i was led to believe). Fev1 is 1.78 and 68% i haven't a clue what this means....
I seem to have overreacted…..
Is it me 
Spirometry results seem like gobblededook to me !
