Diagnosis relief

Hi, this is my 1st post. Basically, I've had asthma from birth, had my tonsils out at 18, have had 2 to 3 chest infections per year for at least a dozen years or so, but was only diagnosed with copd (moderate), about 18 months ago. I am 56. Whilst many on the site seem horrified to get the diagnosis, I was glad to finally have a diagnosis so at least I know what I'm dealing with. After all, I've obviously had the condition for some time, and not knowing was causing me much more worry. Partly because my partner (and father of my two now teenage daughters) died a horrible painful death 11 years ago, with only 7 months from diagnosis, from small cell lung cancer. I was pleased to only have copd. Of course it's not much fun, but could have been much worse! I currently have a nasty chest infection which has been on going for nearly 3 weeks. I've had the usual steroids and antibiotics, but still have the breathlessness, and a terrible cough that doesn't seem to want to get better. Very debilitating, any suggestions?

[Hidden]

Welcome to the forum Lady. I would phone the BLF helpline tomorrow for advice.

Take care x

[mrsmummy]

Hello Hidden and welcome to the forum. We have many members here with COPD.

[Stumpy55]

Hello LadyClaraby, I can understand your relief in knowing about your illness. Yes it means you can deal with it and move forward. Sorry to hear that you lost your partner to lung cancer, that's awefull, I watched my mother die of the same cancer and it's heartbreaking. I suffer with very severe copd and the breathless ness and cough are all part of it I'me afraid but I use a nebuliser and pumps. You need to talk with your G.. P. My doctor has put me on Carbocisteine as I suffer with Bronchiectusis and have trouble with coughing up flem off my chest, this really helps me. I wander if you mention that you have got this continuous cough, he may surgest it for you. It's worth asking anyway I reckon. Good luck to you, and let us know how you get on ✋️😊

[diesel12]

I was a little older than you when diagnosed (59) but at the same stage and similar to you in so much that I had multiple chest infections which dragged on and on. I would suggest you go back to the doctors as you may need more anti biotics/steroids. They changed my inhaler too which helped me. Back to the doctors for you

[lKeith]

LadyClaraby

Don't beat yourself up, we all have problems around this time of year, I've had 3No chest infections since 21st December and am still breathless but I'm sure it will eventually pass. Have you had the right antibiotics, Clarithromycine or Doxycycline plus steroids usually get to a chest problem better than amoxicilline. Also have you tried Carbocisteine for the cough,it helps to bring up the mucus.

IKeith

[Hidden]

Copd worry.

I have now had this current flare up for 3 weeks. Usually, the flare-ups are better or much improved by now, and this time I'm no better at all. I've had antibiotics and prednisolone, which are now being reduced, so I will be left with no medication from the week end. ( Except my inhalers) I've seen 2 nurses and the doctor yesterday who has referred me for blood tests, an ecg, and a chest x Ray. My main symptoms are breathlessness, and a dry cough (which won't go away and has kept me up the last few nights) . Hence I'm not bringing up any mucous, which I usually do.

Should I be worried that my copd has developed into something even worse? It's really getting me down now. How can I stop this intense coughing? This is hurting my lungs. Worried, fed up and exhausted.