Just diagnosed with mild copd, gave up smoking 2 months ago, my husband says its not bad coz its mild and won't get any worse, is this so?

[Lindylou52]

New to site and worried, am I over reacting?

[Hidden]

Depends ... COPD Is Used To Cover Lots Of Illnesses .... Might Have Reversible Or Might Have None Reversible

Giving Up Smoking By Far Is Best For You Condition .... Might Be Worth Asking Doctor What Are You Suffering From Exactly .... If Your Worried

Lot Of Doctors Use Term COPD And T?o Be Honest Could Mean Anything ... Would Not Surprise Me If Term Come From DWP or IIDB From What I Have Read ..... Thats Just My Rambling

Don't Think You Will Get Worse Just Have To Stay Clear Of Dust And Watch For Colds Flu Or Chest Infections

Sure Others Can Expand Further Al The Best Hope That Helps

[Lindylou52 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for that, I gave up smoking 2 months ago, had a breathing test because of chest pain and test came back worse than when I was smoking. Will stay on this site, seem to get better help etc. thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to Lindylou52]

That's To Be Expected Really Because Your Lungs Have Started Cleaning Them Self Again ... Try Not To Worrie

All The Best

[Lindylou52 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, suppose its because its all new and can't talk to my children, about my fears and my husband says all is ok. But thanks very much. All best to you too.

[Hidden in reply to Lindylou52]

Ye Just Watch For Chest Infections If You Have Mucus On Chest

Is Quite Normal To Have Bad Chest When You Stop Smoking ... Can Give BLF A Call Or Even Email .... Or See Your GP Again

Sure Its Nothing .... All Swap Mine For Your Problems Anyday

Cheers All The Best

[Lindylou52 in reply to Hidden]

You are so kind, thank you, would give you smiley face back but don't know how to do them. You look after your self too. X

[Hidden in reply to Lindylou52]

Cheers You Too

[Lynne1955]

Hi. I too was diagnosed with COPD ( emphysema) two months after I stopped smoking. I am moderate, so not as good as you. However, it doesn't stop me at all. The worst I get is breathless at times.

I am on a daily dose of Spiriva which really helps, and a salbutamol inhaler which I rarely use. I am 58.

You have done the very best thing in giving up smoking. My consultant says that as long as I don't smoke, keep fit (real aerobic exercise), maintain a good weight and try to avoid infections, then there is no reason why my lungs should get any worse than with natural ageing.

I go to the gym, work and eat a good diet. I actually feel fitter than I used to be. A bonus for me is that I have no other health issues so I am luckier than many.

Let us know how you get on.

Lynne xx

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I'm a bit similar to Lynne. Diagnosed with emphysema a couple of months after I stopped smoking. I'm very severe. I'm nearly 63. I try to keep fit with everyday tasks, walking upstairs, repairing my car, working, etc. I don't go to the gym or have a special diet but i do eat healthy food. No other health issues. Apart from getting short of breath I too feel quite fit. Fitter than when I was diagnosed two years ago anyway.

[music in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

hi puff i know everyone is diferant but this is what i like to read when i worry about how i will be when i get to very severe i am 55 with moderate COPD at the moment ...but looking how you are i just hope i can be like you when i get to the severe stage has it looks like your copeing well

good luck mate keep it up

[Puffthemagicdragon in reply to music]

Being positive helps. I try to do everything I would do without having COPD but rest a lot more than I would normally. I try not to overdo it but do a little as that was told to me at Pulmonary Rehab and for me it works. I work part time in the evenings for 4 hours at the job I had before being diagnosed. A lot of the job requires walking for some of the shift so I think that keeps me reasonably fit as well. After giving smoking,exercise is the next best thing. Keep healthy and good luck. Emphysema doesn't necessary get any worse once you have stopped smoking. Your lungs will deteriorate over time because of age like anyone else's.

[music in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

thank you so much for info and advise puff

have took note

[HeatherS-UK]

I was diagnosed with emphysema which the gp said was on the border of mild to moderate. I have lost 9kg since sept last year and can't eat hardly anything. Can't sleep and find that I am constantly exhausted. Walking any distance makes my body hurt and feel like I have an elephant sitting on my chest. I am 50 and feel like 90. It is very scary but I think what is important to point out as I am sure you will see from speaking to all the good kind people on this site...... We are all individual and our symptoms and effect of those vary greatly. We are all on this journey and that's why it's helpful to talk to the people on this forum as no one else can really understand.

Good luck with everything and congratulations for stopping smoking!

[Hidden]

Hi

Call the BLF Helpline - 03000 030 555 - and have a chat with someone.

Mild copd - you've given up smoking - be more active - eat healthily - concentrate on what you can and want to do now - not what may or may not happen 40 years down the line.

Please call - we don't bit - hearing it from someone over the phone will help to stop the worrying.

We can also send you some info about COPD - don't go researching too deeply on the internet- that will just drive you mad.

Thanks

Mark

[Lindylou52]

Thank you all so much, your comments have all helped. I will stay on this site and stop looking for advice anywhere else. Feel a lot better. Will take you up on your offer of advice pack please mark. Thank you. X

[hamletvv]

"Might have reversible" - I had no idea and am very reassured. Thank you.

[southend]

i was diagnosed with mild copd 2 months ago quit smoking straight away my doctor told me if i never have an other cig my copd will stay at mild and my lungs will decline with age as anybody eles been told that

[ptliverpool]

I also quit smoking 2 months ago after being diagnosed with mild/moderate COPD and Bronchiectasis. Specialist says the same as yours but my GP is not so optimistic and says its because the specialists can see people who are a lot worse than me so, to him, I am not so bad. I am confused.

I am feeling a little better since starting on the steroids, but still feel very tired and get fits of coughing once or twice a day which leave me breathless.