Hi, new here, recently diagnosed with mild COPD

[NSM245]

Just been diagnosed with COPD, mild. 67 years old, retired, stopped smoking a few years ago. Following retirement, became a total couch potato until October 2017, when increasing breathlessness and gaining 2 stones in weight made me think it was time to take myself in hand. I went on the NHS diet plan, and started walking between 1 1/2 to 2 miles daily, including some uphill stretches. I also saw my doctor, who organised spirometry with the practice nurse. I'd previously (a couple of years or so earlier) had spirometry tests following coughing up some blood and was told by a specialist at the local hospital that I was ok; I had two uncles who died of emphysema and asked specifically about that, and was told that I definitely did not have it.

As a result of my (ongoing) healthier diet and exercise regime, my weight has gone from 15 stones 9lbs down to 14 stones 3lbs, and I'm managing to walk further and more easily, although over the festive period, I'm not being too strict - I'll be back on track within a few days though, it's been frankly easier than I thought - I'm managing to cope with the diet with no problems, and I'm now enjoying my walks.

The diagnosis of mild COPD was a bit of a blow, but the doc says it's not at all something to worry about (yet?) and in fact I've been put on no regular meds and have been given no inhaler. I did have a course of antibiotics after catching a nasty coughing ailment, but other than that, I've had no medicines prescribed at all. Still, I can't help worrying, being only human, and already I've learned NOT to spend much time on the internet other than on sensible sites such as this one - you could scare yourself to death that way!!!

Sorry for such a long post, I meant it to just be a 'hi, nice to be here' kind of thing but I'm afraid I've rambed a bit!!!!

[mrsmummy]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

[NSM245 in reply to mrsmummy]

Thank you! My medical practice nurse put me on to the BLF and my first impression is of a well run and supportive community, very positive!

[hypercat54]

Hi good to meet you and welcome to the site. It's always a shock to get a diagnosis like this isn't it? The good news is you are doing all the right things with diet and exercise and have been lucky enough to be diagnosed at the mild stage.

I was diagnosed mild 9 years ago and am still mild. Whilst copd is progressive it rarely progresses quickly especially at the earlier stages and I would expect you to be around 100 before you got any real problems! There are no guarantees of course but I would expect old age to get you first x

[NSM245 in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks for the friendly welcome and the encouraging message, hypercat54! It was indeed a nasty shock to get the diagnosis but already I'm developing a more positive outlook. I'm also glad that the practice nurse from my medical centre recommended the BLF - I'm impressed by this site and its community and although I know and accept that there are no guarantees, I'm not the type to roll over and give in; I'll continue to do the sensible things re diet and exercise, and pay close attention to the medical advice. The medical practice I attend is excellent and well organised, and I'm determined to do my bit to fulfil your expectation that old age will get me first.

[hypercat54 in reply to NSM245]

You are very welcome. By the way I was 13 years younger than you when diagnosed and my doctor told me not to worry about it as old age would get me first! x

[amberbond]

Hello and welcome, keep on doing what you are doing, try to keep as healthy as you can.

[NSM245 in reply to amberbond]

Hi amberbond, and thanks!