how do i cope with being so scared - Lung Conditions C...

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how do i cope with being so scared

Decor profile image
22 Replies

I was told i have enphasema in dec with 37% lung function . was in hospital in january with sever chest infection and pleurisy . and am finding it very hard to cope at the moment any suggestions to help

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Decor profile image
Decor
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22 Replies
azaard profile image
azaard

Calm down there's help at hand call the blf 03000 030 555 they can talk you through this and give you all the advice you need

Decor profile image
Decor in reply to azaard

Are the blf there 24 7 or just certain times And thanks for the advice

raptor profile image
raptor in reply to Decor

Helpline open mon to fri,,closed sat sun :)

raptor profile image
raptor

Try not to worry,,on here we all have a lung disease,,we all cope in different ways,a sense of humor is a must,,along with a positive attitude..Being scared is normal,,give the helpline a ph on mon if you can,,they are great,,:)

azaard profile image
azaard

24/7 i know its scary my lung function is 40-45 cant breath at best of times, but worrying will make it worse

azaard profile image
azaard

Sorry thought it was just checked wish i could help more,

Hi decor the blf are there mon to frid try to relax there are people on the site that have a lot off knowledge

azaard profile image
azaard

Raptor is right we all have lung & breathing problems, chatting on here can make a real difference, just don't laugh to much at the funnies, doesn't matter what its about, join in and try to put things to one side fer a while,

Decor profile image
Decor

Had critical care team out on tuesday they say i was overdoing things and was panicking cos i was finding it hard to breath told them iwasnt but they dont seem to understand and i dont seem to be any better just at a loss as what to do nice to know ther are people out there that understand

kimmy59 profile image
kimmy59

Hello and welcome

I have severe Emphysema I was diagnosed Feb 2012 and my lung function is lower than yours, last year I had double Pnuemonia, I lost a stone in weight I'm only 6st 5 anyway I really didn't think I would ever be well again.

But. I was referred to a Pulmonary Rehab course run in my area by Community Respiratory Team, it was fantastastic I've gone up to 6st 11lb and I exercise every day at home for 1/2 hour which I use oxygen for, but they would tell you if you needed it as it's a prescription, I take my medication and try to stay away from people with colds.

I understand your fear we all do on here, please try not to be scared I know you've googled and frightened yourself, but it's not reallly like that it can be managed you just adapt.

Sorry to go on but I remember the sheer terror I felt. And breathe.

Kim xxxx

Decor profile image
Decor

Hi kim thanks for that am feeling a bit calmer now will talk to blf on monday

azaard profile image
azaard

So go on what happened or need i guess :P

raptor profile image
raptor in reply to azaard

had a go at multiple button pushing,, very bad idea,, thought i had killed it,,,always wondered what would happen hahahahhhhhaha

azaard profile image
azaard in reply to raptor

Sure you dint try t feed it yet dram. Her her ;)

kimmy59 profile image
kimmy59

Have they showed you how doing control your breathing, I'm sure some wonderful person on here has a link, I only ask because they didn't mention it to me until the rehab. If not just google it.

Kim xx

Pepsicoley profile image
Pepsicoley

Hello Decor

I haven't been a member of this site for very long. When I joined the site it was just after I had been told that I had emphysema/COPD (not yet confirmed) and to say I was scared is putting it mildly. I was absolutely terrified and when my breathing took a turn for the worse I panicked. Needless to say, I was making a drama out of a crisis.

If you are able to, come onto the site every day and have a look to see what is happening.

Because of all the messages, help, and advice from all these lovely people I am feeling much more positive. The 'funnies and puzzles' from the King of The Cocktails really are cheering.

Everyone here knows what you are experiencing and they have probably been through the same thing. 'Talking' to someone who knows that you are going through and knows how you are feeling is wonderful.

I wish you well.

Beathe easy

Love from Annec

xxxxx

Puffthemagicdragon profile image
Puffthemagicdragon

This guy is good and well worth watching all his COPD videos.

youtube.com/watch?v=jFqrWVe...

sillywitch profile image
sillywitch

Hi Decor, come & join us on the blog page, on weekends we let our hair down & try to get as many laughs in as poss before the serious stuff of supporting each other takes off on Monday! we really are a nice bunch & they can answer all sorts of questions there & just be there for down right bad days of being so scared breathing is nigh on impossible,

you can just read or join in & you will be welcome just the same.

looking forwards to "seeing" you soon

Karen xxx

Decor profile image
Decor in reply to sillywitch

Could do with a laugh had a real bad night .Cant really breath to well very scared

Please don't be scared. I look after my husband who has severe COPD and I know how frightened I can get! On a positive note I found that taking a bit more control and having a plan helps. Have you heard about pulmonary rehab which is a course of exercise and knowledge that really helped my husband so much. Perhaps you could ask your Doctor to refer you.

Please ring the BLF helpline they will be able to give you practical advise and advise what you can be asking your Doctor and nurse to help you.

My husband has very bad attacks of SOB - particularly this last last month. Dreadful and very scary. He has found that using a spacer with the ventolin (reliever) inhaler has been really helpful - in fact the most effective and speediest way to relieve it. If you use a nebuliser - make sure it is set up and ready to go - takes the stress out of trying to set it up when you are very breathless.

The respiratory nurse told my husband that this is a common problem and they now have a CBT (cognitive behaviour therapist) working with patients who have been referred.

He has just finished three courses of antibiotics and although much better is not well yet. BUT he will be I am sure. It just take much longer to recover with COPD and sadly some days are just bad days. Equally there will be good days (just remember to take advantage of them!)

Try to stay positive - difficult especially when you have had a bad night. Try to take control and have a plan. Start with the helpline. I am sure that you can feel better and more positive and start to enjoy life. Hope that you have a better day. With much love TAD xx

Hi

Please give us a call here at the helpline, an experienced repspiritory nurse can give you a call back with advice or if you are after a chat about the anxiety or just to get things off your chest I'm here for the emotional support side so feel free to give me a call, I'm Heych by they way. Unfortunately we can't be here 24/7 you know the routine ;-( but we will try to help as much as we can.

The forums are very supportive, as you may have found and the advice and resiliance and general cheer is heartwarming.

Take care and keep smiling, you're with family now.

Heych

Decor profile image
Decor

Hi every one decor here just want to say a big thank you to all those people who answered my question you were all a great help .I have spoken to the BLF they were great .i will stay in touch now I know your all here thanks again

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