Mild copd

[bryan45735]

Hi everyone im constantly worried back and forth with doctors ect last September 19 I had lung function and it was 64% fev so gave up smoking there and then Feb this year it had got better then it was 68% i walk alot most days I can do 20 miles aday I do get really out of breath if its like a 45 degree angle hill im 45 I smoked for 31 years my question is I spoke to some lovely nurses on British lung web site and the said I need to question my doctors weather ive got it or not im getting confused my doctors say now I wouldn't even call it copd and that I probably wouldn't need any inhaler for 20/30 years or if at all, my lung function had improved and that was without any inhalers ect and doctors say there not even worried about my breathing its anxiety, if im out of breath like that going up steep hill and they say I won't need inhaler for that amount of time I dont understand, although my breath does come back quite quick, and advice would be very appreciated ♥

[Badbessie]

I have roughly the same lung function. It is great that you are exercising and have quit smoking. My consultant told me getting mildly out of breath is good whilst exercising. Providing that your breathing and pulse recovers fairly quickly then I would not be overly concerned. Remember that even people with normal lung function get out of breath at times walking up steep hills. I brought myself a pulse oximeter to test my oxygen saturations whilst exercising and even when out of breath they were always normal. Personally I believe your doctor is right. Inhalers can have their own problems and I would not want one unless I really need one.

[bryan45735 in reply to Badbessie]

Thanks for reply I all way take my oximeter out with me on walks but when im going up steep hills heart rate can hit nearly 200 and oxygen is 99 told doctor this and there not concerned

[Badbessie in reply to bryan45735]

I think 200 is slightly high but the important concern is how fast it recovers.

[bryan45735 in reply to Badbessie]

I've spoke to doctors about how high my heart rate can go ect ive had chest xrays and a 72 hour heart monitor strap to me and there's no concerns although if ive been out on a long walk my heart rate can stay high for the hole day but I have severe health anxiety so that probably plays apart

[Patk1 in reply to bryan45735]

Maybe helpful not checking ats,just enjoy yr walks.

[Bingo88]

Hello Bryan45735. If you don't mind me saying It just sounds to me as if you have a combination of the smoking affects and being a bit unfit. So I would just try not to worry and enjoy life I have just gone 65. And have a fevi of 35%.. And are on no meds at all for copd. Still keeping going on the flat and keeping stable Take care. Brian

[bryan45735 in reply to Bingo88]

Its just every day I constantly thinking of my breathing and it makes things worse but doctors say its anxiety 😕

[Bingo88 in reply to bryan45735]

It does sound like it to be honest. Bryan45735. I suffer with it myself. Your worrying about it. Your mind is working overtime and this leads to panicking. Try breathing in for 4 seconds. Then hold for 4 seconds and breath out and repeat that a few times and see if it helps to calm you down. Let me know how you get on. Brian

[bryan45735 in reply to Bingo88]

Its been like this for 2 years I could be laying there and then its like air hunger all the doctors sais its anxiety I do constantly think of my breathing thats the problem

[Bingo88 in reply to bryan45735]

They usually recommend breathing exercises bryan. Have you tried what i suggested. The fact its been going on for 2 years. It's taking over your thought process. And you need to break that cycle i should think

[bryan45735 in reply to Bingo88]

Hi bri yes I've tried all sorts of breathing exercises mate but I cant help thinking this is copd not anxiety but I guess I cant argue with doctors

[Bingo88 in reply to bryan45735]

Have you spoken to a Respiratory nurse through your gp. And see if they can help you. I should keep asking until you get someone to listen to you and help you. Because its not nice pal. Take care and try Google the problem as a question and see if anything comes up. Take care. Brian

[bryan45735 in reply to Bingo88]

I keep speaking to the nurses even the ones through the lung foundation on here and they all say the same its not your copd its anxiety its making me feel like I'm making it up just because im very mild I can walk for miles and I suffer with severe health anxiety I dont think they want to no I see to doctors and to be fare they are good but the both say in not worried about you breathing

[Bingo88 in reply to bryan45735]

Can only keep trying to research and try different options until you manage to sort this out. bryan45735.. Take care. Brian

[fritz18621934]

hi bryan your doctors sound right to me. i was told i had fev 52% after 8taking part in an unrelated medical research project. I have never had any complaints about my breathing. I was given an inhaler to try which made no difference because I was already feeling fine. Then I was retested which came out ‘a bit better’ and was put down as ‘mild symptom-free copd’. I am 69 and cycle all round london, go to the gym and can run 10K but then my legs give up not my lungs. Sure I can get out of puff but just like everyone else and I bounce back. I was a heavy smoker but gave up in 2005 and I think I have somehow adapted. So I wouldn’t think about scores but how you feel in yourself and you sound fine. Keep off the cigarettes and you will look forward to a long and healthy life. good luck.

[Patk1]

Bryan do u mean 2 miles or 20? X

[bryan45735 in reply to Patk1]

Yes 20 miles most days but that doesn't mean to say I dont get out of breath ok my fev/fvc is 68% 2% short of normal I dont understand any of it doctor says I wouldn't even call it copd yet others do

[Patk1]

Wow! U must be v fit.i would imagine with not smoking now,theres room for improvement yet