Appt with consultant

[Looseloafers]

Hi everyone. I don’t often post but like to read all yours. I was told 8 yrs ago I had mild emphysema and given Tiotropium I have been fine all this time. 6/8 months ago I started getting more breathless until now going up stairs or uphill is a bit of a nightmare. I have a blue inhaler but it doesn’t help. I have an appt with my consultant on thurs and I am so scared that he wont be able to help me

[gingermusic]

I am sure he will be able to help you, I have suffered from Emphysema for the past 29 years and yes it does get slowly worse but there are other inhalers which do a really good job of helping with the breathlessness. Stay positive

[Looseloafers in reply to gingermusic]

Thank you so much for your reply. I’m trying to be positive x

[Ergendl]

In the meantime, there are things you can do to help yourself, such as losing a bit of weight if you're overweight, stopping smoking if you smoke, eating healthily using mainly fresh foods, increasing exercise and maybe taking up singing.

[Looseloafers in reply to Ergendl]

Hi I’m going to start swimming again hope that will help. Stopped smoking 20 years ago but damage must have been done!!

[Lemon7]

Do you mind me asking if you ate healthy and took regular exercise during the 8 years you were stable?

[Looseloafers in reply to Lemon7]

Try to eat healthy no processed stuff. I swim with a friend once a week not in the winter though brrr. Going to try and swim more

[patmc1]

I know it's scary but I'm sure the doc will help. Perhaps trying a new med. Are you utilizing Pursed Lip Breathing when you're climbing stairs?? I've been as active as possible but with all the nasty weather (and taking my 94 year old Dad to his docs) I've missed a few Pulmonary Rehab sessions. So lately I've noticed a slight increase in my SOB (shortness of breath). Hopefully all you need is a "lung tune up" Good luck for Thursday---.

[Looseloafers in reply to patmc1]

Thanks for the reply. I breathe in through my nose on one step up and out through my pursed lips on the next step it does help

[Kristicats]

Ask for a ct scan to confirm an actual diagnosis ( you may not be offered one unless you ask)You could also ask for a referral to pulmonary rehab where you will learn about how to look after yourself and be advised re exercise for your condition . Write down the questions you want answered as it may be a while before your follow up appointment . Cx

[Looseloafers in reply to Kristicats]

Hi I have just had a ct get the results on thurs!! X

[Hidden]

you might get more relief it you ask your Doctor to give you Symbicort, it's a powder which you inhale and then take your Tiotropium capsule immediately after,you take this once daily,try taking it the same time every day.

when you describe how your breathlessness is getting worse sounds like you have COPD I would ask your doctor to investigate further tell him you like to see a specialist, don't worry about having COPD I have a friend who has had COPD for 20 years can still get out and about with the of help of oxygen

all the best

alan

[Looseloafers in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Alan I’m seeing a consultant on thurs will have a word x

[Andyhaler]

Don't worry about seeing your doctor as im sure there will be something they can do to improve your quality of life. There are so many new meds availiable and more coming thru all the time. Im no longer on tiotropium and have moved to a medication called trelegy which is helping. I hope it goes well for you.

[Looseloafers in reply to Andyhaler]

Hi andyhaler. My appt wasn’t so good I now have IPF. So am working on staying positive. So onward and upward x

[Andyhaler]

Let me know how it goes.

[Andyhaler]

Sorry for both asking and my ignorance but what is IPF. If you dont feel like replying or just don't want to talk about it....its fine i just hope you feel okay considering.

[Looseloafers in reply to Andyhaler]

That’s ok. I’m 75 yrs young so just trying to stay positive I would like another 10yrs so fingers crossed for specialist appt

[Looseloafers in reply to Andyhaler]

Ipf is scaring on the lungs. No cure just possible relief we will see