Recent COPD diagnosis

[Maj35]

Hi I am just looking for some advice. My Mam has recently been informed she has 30% lung capacity. I do not know much about COPD but I know this does not sound good. Does anyone have any advice on this. Thanks in advance.

[Bkin]

Hi Eilsmac

Your best bet is to go to the British Lung Foundation Website for all the information about COPD, they also have a helpline you or your Mum can contact if concerned about things, what things help, what to avoid etc.

blf.org.uk/

A pulmonary rehabilitation course would be a good idea for your Mum so she can learn about those things that help and harm, to be able to manage her COPD and what to do in times of exacerbation. Her GP or respiratory specialist may have already referred her.

The BLF page on PR is here if you want to read more about that:

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

Many patients after attending a PR course can benefit from improved lung function and easier breathing too

Throughout UK there are Breathe Easy groups which you and your Mum can go to for additional information and support. BLF Breathe Easy Page is here: blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

If you do not live in the UK, I would suggest you contact the Lung Foundation, Organisation, Association in the country you reside for relevant local information.

Best wishes

[Maj35 in reply to Bkin]

Thank you very much.

[mskpjb]

Hi Maj35 and welcome. I just wanted to say of course 30per cent lung function isn't great but it isn't a death sentence either. The main rules if your Mum wants to get no worse or even improve are 1) NO smoking 2) Healthy eating 3) Keep moving, gentle exercise at first and gradually increase even if it's only walking 4) Use any inhalers as prescribed 5) Make sure you have a "rescue pack" of antibiotics and steroids for when you have an exacerbation. Hope you Mum's not feeling too down about things it would be nice if she or you or both, keep in touch. Take care, Sheila x

[lKeith]

Maj35,

Hi sorry to hear about your mum but many of the people on this forum have the same problem or worse. Tell her to eat sensibly, exercise as much as she can within reason, pace herself to doing everyday things at a very much slower rate and accept there are some things she can no longer do at all. Her lifestyle may have to be slowed somewhat, accept the situation for what it is and what she can still do, do more slowly.

IKeith

[Maj35 in reply to lKeith]

Thank you Keith.