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Just diagnosed with moderate COPD

SirGeorge profile image
38 Replies

This is my first post and wanted to join a community where I could get information about COPD. I am 77 years old and was first told by the VA that I had emphysema. This was about 20 years ago. They put me on some meds and and then I was put on Respimat, Combivent Respimat and albuterol rescue inhaler. I started having shortness of breath and went to a local doctor who did x-rays and said I had Pneumonia in my lower left lung. Went back after 2 weeks of meds, and found out that left lung was clear, but the lower right lung was in the beginning stage of Pneumonia. More meds. I was then sent to see a pulmonologist who order a CT scan of the lungs which came out normal. I then had the pulmonary function test which showed a baseline of 55% that went up to 63% after I was given 4 puffs of Albuterol, I think. The pulmonologist changed my medicine to Anoro, once a day, Budesonide Inhalation Suspension, twice a day, Albuterol Inhalation Suspension, and Albuterol Rescue inhaler, as needed but not together.

Sorry for such a long post but I was looking for input on this condition, what to expect and if there were thing that I could do to improve my lung function. Thanks for any suggestions or information.

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SirGeorge
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38 Replies
mrsmummy profile image
mrsmummy

Hello and welcome to the forum SirGeorge. :)

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to mrsmummy

Thank you for the welcome.

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana

Hello SirGeorge . Welcome to the forum. It's lovely to have you here.

Cas xx 🌞🐞

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to Caspiana

When I found this site and saw that you folks were so nice I had to join.

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply to SirGeorge

😄🐾

Welcome to the forum SirGeorge. That's a fine looking animal you've got there. :-)

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to

That is my French Bulldog, her name is cuddles. She is on my lap as I am typing this.

in reply to SirGeorge

I rather fancy that T-shirt you're wearing too. ;-) Is that a Jack Russell?

in reply to SirGeorge

Something about dogs isnt there especially when we have ongoing illness or medical problems. I wouldnt be without mine. Very loyal and sensitive towards me. 🙂

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply to

I was thinking the same Don. 😊

casper99 profile image
casper99

Hi SirGeorge and welcome.

I have no advice to give, but I hope you enjoy the friendly forum.

I ou've been diagnosed for 20 years and still at 63% !!! That's amazing.

I'd be interested to know what you Fev1 was at diagnosis, because still having 63% after twenty years, is so encouraging to read.

I would love to know, how you have kept yourself at this level after all this time. xx

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to casper99

I don't know what my FEV1 was 20 years ago but I used to be at the gym 5 days a week and working at remodeling houses. I stopped smoking January 2006. I believe what helped me most was that I was active in a home prayer group and we would get together to visit and pray for each other. It is sorta like you folks here who love and care for one another.

casper99 profile image
casper99 in reply to SirGeorge

Exercise has obviously been a huge factor in your fev1 level.

Your prayer group sounds great. Food for the soul xx

music profile image
music

Welcome SirGeorge

Casper99 has ask just what i wanted to know in her post to you.

You seem to be doing well my freind, keep it up

best wishes

Music

katieoxo60 profile image
katieoxo60

Welcome to the forum, you have chosen the right site for info. BLF have some useful leaflets about exercise, diet ect. You must do a fair bit of exercise walking the dog and they are brilliant company too. Thats a lovely picture & testiment that you can manage for many years with lung diseases.If you have any questions just ask I am sure someone will have experience & advice to offer. Speak again soon.

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to katieoxo60

I also have a Boston Terrier, and yes they both get a walk each, weather permitting. I do have a set of dumbbells and started using them to build up my chest.

katieoxo60 profile image
katieoxo60 in reply to SirGeorge

I have some small weights I use to strenghten my hands, but in reality am limited to lesser exercise as COPD is not my only health problem. But there are lots of chair exercises for less able to improve the lung function. Have a good day.

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to katieoxo60

Hi Katie, I am just using 5 pounds to start off. The pulmonologist told me to work on my chest area and that would help my breathing. You are right any exercise that you can do safely will help I believe. Wishing you a great day also.

frances21 profile image
frances21

Welcome SirGeorge - i find exercise is the crucial thing with my COPD. I swim in the summer and walk in the winter. Good luck - looks like you're doing really well. Frances

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to frances21

I agree Frances, exercise is the key. My middle name is Francis by the way. :)

Welcome SirGeorge, what a lovely photo of you and your dog. I've only just joined myself so haven't got any advice or info for you but I'm sure you will find lots of info and lovely people to chat to on here. Everyone is so supportive, you've come to the right place!

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to

Thanks Chloe

ggeorgiou profile image
ggeorgiou

Welcome to the forum SirGeorge - I too would be interested to know what your FEV1 was at diagnoses 20 years ago, because now having 63% is very impressive and quite encourgaing for us all.

Roysieboy profile image
Roysieboy

Hello SirGeorge. I was diagnosed in June 2017 with emphysema and copd. I have been going to Pulmonary rehab since last August and I cannot sing it’s praises enough. It involves exercises which is the last thing I thought would help, but it does. I also(with a few stops) walk the long way round to the paper shop. I find I feel better with gentle exercise. I don’t know if this is of any help but it works for me. Might be worth a try. Good luck to you mate. 👍🤓

in reply to Roysieboy

Definately helps. Walking is one of the best exercises, as ling as not too much uphill. I feel much better when ive been for a walk, not so good lately as its been so cold, but better weather coming.!

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to Roysieboy

Thank you so much, it does appear that exercise is the key. Years ago it was push, push, now if my Frenchie, wants to go off the path and smell the Roses, that is fine with with me. Good luck to you also Sir.

SquirrelsHolt profile image
SquirrelsHolt

Hi and welcome to Sir George & Cuddles! I'm sure we'll be chatting about all sorts of things medical,personal and how important our pets are to us. My son has a beautiful "Hazel" who is a cross American Ridgeback & Staff ( think I've got that right,if not I'll correct her breed once I've had a telling off from my son!)She's a rescue dog who had suffered an abdominal life until my son took her. So before I get too involved in all things related to dogs,I will be looking forward to getting to know you.

Hope you have a good day.

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to SquirrelsHolt

I look forward to visiting with you also. One thing for sure is that we all have something we can talk about. And the folks here are so nice, its a pleasure just to know them.

MichelleT51 profile image
MichelleT51

Hi SirGeorge ... and a big welcome from me too! I'm sure you'll get loads of really good advice on here and I can see from above that you've had lots already. I have a FEV1 of 28% which puts me in the "very severe" emphysema category, but I lead a pretty full life - although maybe not climbing mountains or running marathons - but then I never did that before so I can't complain really!! At your stage exercise & diet is definitely the key to preventing any further reduction in your lung capacity, and keeping free of any infections too. If I'd taken that advice more seriously a good 10 years ago I wouldn't have to be on oxygen today. So please get onto a pulmonary rehabilitation course asap and keep giving Cuddles lots and lots of walkies. :-) Mx

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to MichelleT51

Thank you for that good advise. We have a health club in my small town of about 3,000 people and I think I will check with them on what programs they have available. Ah yes Cuddles, likes and looks forward to her daily walks. To tell the truth I do also.

Appydayz profile image
Appydayz in reply to MichelleT51

Hi well first of all what a good point you made about I should have taken it more seriously 10 years ago I have been diagnosed with copd mild I have a pulomery excecise program to follow which is on line it is very good but I will do it later then something crops up and I will say to myself I will do it later then a week has gone bye so now with what you have just said omg going to make that my priority thankyou

MichelleT51 profile image
MichelleT51 in reply to Appydayz

Please do! Mx

Putsywillow1 profile image
Putsywillow1

Welcome Sir George! First off, I love your little “Frenchie” - they’re so wonderful & cuddly like warm velvet. You’ll find this site very helpful in many ways & you’ll make new friends that you share something in common

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to Putsywillow1

She is my 5th Frenchie and you are so correct they love to cuddle.

hello sir George.i have a jack Russell rescue dog.

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to

I like the Jack Russell, they are full of get up and go sorta like the Boston.

cazbay profile image
cazbay

welcome George ,, you will get good advice on here when you need some support , lovely helpful people ,x

SirGeorge profile image
SirGeorge in reply to cazbay

Thank you, and yes there are fine folks here. I wish each and every one the very best.

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