Scared

[JanBis]

Hi everyone, I am new on here, have just been diagnosed with moderate emphysema which was really scary till I came on this site and read some of your posts. Hope everyone has a good day.

Jan

[sassy59]

Welcome to you JanBis and hope you enjoy being on HU. Xxxx

[JanBis in reply to sassy59]

Thank you Sassy. It has calmed me down a lot coming on here. I had looked on here a few weeks ago when I was diagnosed with pleurisy for the first time and CT scan last week revealed emphysema. Waiting to have Spirometry test now xxx

[mrsmummy]

Welcome to the forum.

[Hidden]

Welcome Jan you have a good day to

Angie x

[diesel12]

Hi welcome to the site

[2greys]

Hi Jan, if you have been using Dr. Google then yes it can get scary. Being anxious is very bad for your breathing, it will actually cause breathlessness so "cease and desist". Worrying about it will not help or alter your diagnosis one bit.

You are going to need to accept that your life has now changed and you are going to have to change your bad habits over to healthy ones. the biggest one being if you smoke then you must give up.Take all your medications as prescribed and at the correct times, ask your pharmacist to show you how to use any inhalers, as different types of inhaler require differing methods. Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy BMI. Drink plenty of water. Then use the secret weapon, exercise and when you have done it, exercise some more, "the more you do, the more you can do". Use "pursed lip breathing" techniques when exerting yourself, search YouTube for instructional examples on how to do this.

Ask to be referred to Pulmonary Rehabilitation which will teach you about all the above.

[Fionab67]

Hi Jan, like you I'm a newly diagnosed and the people on here are so supportive and knowledgeable. Welcome from another newbie!

Fiona

[JanBis]

Thank you all for warm welcome. And thank you 2greys for your advice

Jan x

[lKeith]

JanBis.

Welcome, lots of interesting people & comments.

Keith

[Fionafish]

Hi Jan, welcome and glad you feel comforted