Questions following consultant meeting and another breathing test 😆

[ljkd2]

Morning People 😉 - Is any1 on tiotropium spray ? Also what is the meaning from a consultant's saying " your lungs are only filling up now 30percent"? Am i doomed sooner thn later so to speak? .. he also says an exercise course would be good for me , whatever this involves 😕

[Inamoment]

That's the handyhaler one? The first time i used it there was a clear improvement, i was walking upstairs and all sorts. After that it is presumably just maintaing me, the only way i can tell is by stopping it, not doing that.

I assume that's a PR course. Do it. They are seriously brillint, informative and fun. When i did mine i walked 25% further in the bleep test at the end than at the start

[ljkd2 in reply to Inamoment]

Thnxs Inamoment (great name lol) I noticed it was great the 1st time i took it 2 days ago , but thought it was my imagination 😉.. I have been on a breathing course in the past and found this helpful 😉 But was wondering what an exercise class would involve 😕

[2greys in reply to ljkd2]

The exercises are tailored to suit respiratory disease. With various types of exercise designed to improve all your muscles to operate more efficiently with lowered blood oxygen. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an absolute must do, not only is it about exercise it also contains education for 50% of the time, to teach you how to manage all aspects of the disease effectively. After your course you have to keep up the exercising on your own. You will be surprised at how much better your life will be afterwards.

[ljkd2 in reply to 2greys]

I did a breathing course last year ...is this exercise class the same or different ?

[HungryHufflepuff]

I was mid way through replying to you when my phone turned itself off. I think it’s in worse condition than I am. But we’re not here to discuss the well-being of my phone. Is that the Spiriva Respimat you’re talking about? I have that but have stopped taking it which I haven’t yet told the doctor. At first I thought it was great and it really helped things, but after a while I noticed a number of things going on with me and I stopped taking it, and most of those problems went away. It may all have been coincidental but I haven’t had the courage to start taking it again. The exercise course sounds like PR which I’ve never been on but everyone here says about how helpful and positive it’s been for them. I hope it will be beneficial for you too 🤞

[Caspiana in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Talk with your doctor Huff. There are always alternatives if you need it. xx 😘💕

[ljkd2 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Thnxs for your reply ... And yes thats the inhaler ... gotta say i did a breathing course last yr and i tate it ( i am a funny so and so to please - sometimes) Assuming thats what it was 😂😂

[Caspiana]

Hello ljkd2 . 👋

Why would you be doomed?? I bet almost everyone on this forum uses an inhaler. I am assuming Tiotropium comes under a common brand name like Spiriva? (I have used this) It will help your airways to open up to help you breathe better. And yes, exercise is a must to help your lungs work better. The less exercise we do, the more our lungs and body weaken. The worse we become. It is a vicious circle. I am glad if your doctor is willing to help you find ways to get more exercise. You should ask for advise and please don't do anything drastic.

In short, don't fret about starting an inhaler. And remember that Tiotropium is not something that works on the spur of the moment . You should use it at a regular time every day whether you are breathless at that time or not, as of course advised by your doctor.

Don't worry. It's not the end. It may well be the start of the beginning. Sending best wishes,

Cas xx🍁🍃🍀🍂

P.S. If you ever worry about what the doctor says. Ask for clarification. They owe it to you to own their comments.

[ljkd2 in reply to Caspiana]

Awww Thnxq ... It was just an inhaler i had never heard of, and saying my lungs were now only 30percent - i thought oh oh ... is this it - stupid me at times !! Lol

[peege]

I can see your alarm at his comment "your lungs are only filling up 30% now". Filling up with what? Mucus or water?

Exercise class is possibly PR, Pulmonary Rehabilitation. I'm sure it wouldn't be anything more difficult.

I've recently cracked ribs and find it amazing to find how many muscles we use just switching on a light. I usually do Pilates weekly, it uses controlled breathing a bit like pursed lip breathing, it's marvelous.

Don't forget there are the BLF DVDs you can get hold of.

[ljkd2 in reply to peege]

Nice1...and Thnxq 😉

[soulsaver]

If s/he said only filling up 30% s/he is talking about air.