Am I getting the right treatment?

[Festie]

Hi

I have struggled with my breathing for about 10 years and didn't mention it to the doctor until 3 years ago. I was in denial and a smoker. I had a lung x ray and peak flow tests at my gp surgery. The GP told me I have stage 4 COPD and gave me spirva inhaler and a steroid inhaler. I also have a rescue pack that I can order whenever I need it of oral steroids and antibiotics. I was offered pulmonary rehabilitation but the day I was due to attend I was too ill and have to wait until the next sign up period. I am 55 and feel as though my life is over! I struggle through the day and manage to get things done but get so tired and worry every time I get a cold It will turn into yet another chest infection. Every one I have seems to make me weaker and recovery takes longer. I was wondering is it normal for a gp to give a diagnosis of COPD and not order more tests. My dad had emphysema and I read thay this could be genetic. Should I be having more tests to find if I have a specific condition? COPD seems to be an umbrella term. Any help would be truly appreciated. Thankyou

[stone-UK]

Hi

Indeed COPD is a umbrella term for chronic bronchitis (over production of mucus and Emphysema. Damage to the Aveoli resulting in poor gas exchange and air trapping

Both incurable. What we are being treated for is the effects, mainly breathlessness, Chest infections.

Normal treatment is three inhaler Therapy. One long acting, one long acting with steroid and a reliever. Typical Spiriva, Fostair and Ventolin. Plus a rescue pack. There is also extra to help clear mucus. Extra for anxiety

You can have element of both.

If you produce lots of mucus then you are likely to be more bronchi. .if you are unsure arrange a appointment with your GP for a more definitive answer.

[Festie in reply to stone-UK]

Thanks Stone uk. I do have lots of mucas and forgot to mention I have carbocistene 6 capsules a day. I see so much on here of people having treatments that have changed their lives and wondered at 55, which is quite young to be this bad, if there was anything out there for me?

[stone-UK in reply to Festie]

Hi

Pulmonary rehabilitation is the first to go for, you will learn a lot from the course both in exercise and education.

There’s is a form a hereditary emphysema, for which you can be tested for. bing.com/search?q=alpha+one...

The treatments that are being mentioned recently are more for emphysema.

As you mention lots of mucus, a regular routine helps, which i’am sure some members will offer advice on.

[Festie in reply to stone-UK]

Thanks so much Stone. I get very little support from my GP or nurse. I just have yearly reviews and feel a bit of a nuisance to them.

[SquirrelsHolt]

Hi there Festie , you really should ask your GP, to refer you back to PR again. I had to miss the start of mine a year ago, or so, due to a severe cold....however I was allowed to rejoin the group on week 3 and then ,I overlapped into the next group. It really is worth going to,I learnt so much (and I thought I knew it all,already). If your GP isn't on the same page,so to speak,then ask the surgery if they have a specific Respiratory Nurse. If not then you MUST be referred to your local hospital and see a Resp Nurse and a Resp Consultant. These are the minimum standards! The way I see it, COPD,Emphysema ,much alike, cannot be cured but with monitoring and some medications,it can be a lot easier to manage. Myself,I find the illness attached ie. depression/anxiety far harder at times to cope with...and then throw in a portion of SOB,weight gain/loss and loss of mobility to.......that is enough reason to ask for help from the medical profession,so start at your doctors surgery. Its a real shame,lots of Doctors dont know very much about respiratory illnesses, but you can be referred to specialists.

Please let us all know how you are getting along. Oh and I'm 55 and at the severe stage but dont plan on going anywhere yet! (apart from the big Tescos using their mobility scooters!!)

Best wishes.

[2greys]

You are able do so much more, if you are prepared to work at it. I am now at borderline severe/very severe COPD and at 68 years still working full-time. Do not despair, exercise is the key to getting on top of this disease, as my consultant has said "The more you do the more you can do".

I was diagnosed 2 years ago as severe and the beginning of this year diagnosed with lung cancer and I am still able to work full-time to this day. The power of positive thinking is so underestimated. You can do it too. It is a horrible disease, but it is possible to get on top of it.

[nils68 in reply to 2greys]

You are so right 2greys. "The power of positive thinking"

[donut43]

Just as 2 greys says will power exercise use all the knowledge you can get see your GP regularly and never give up do your best.

Dan