Think I'm starting on a very steep do... - Lung Conditions C...

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Think I'm starting on a very steep downward slope.

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12 years ago•11 Replies

I saw my GP couple of weeks ago as my COPD seemed to be bothering me more. I was diagnosed with early changes of this disease 20 years ago and it has been relatively stable for the last few years, apart from the odd chest infection and tweaking of inhalers. However, GP sent me for a spirometry and I am shocked to find out that my lung function has decreased by 25% in the last six months. This has really scared me. The want me to go to rehab - I knew at some point it would start to deteriorate but not as quickly as this. My mother died last August - she also had COPD. All of a sudden it has become very very real.

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11 Replies

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elian12 years ago

It would be easy for me to say don't panic or become overly depressed about this ann when I know personally how difficult this situation is for you.

My lung function was 48% just 3 years ago, now it's 28% but I try not to think about it too much and continue to lead a relatively normal life. It's not an immediate death sentence and provided you are sensible about what you can and can't do there's no reason you can't go on for many more years yet

There's always a bright side no matter how dark it seems

jojam12 years ago

Hi Ann

You will benifit from PR course, it is one of the most effective programes to enable you to manage your COPD the exercise will be tailored to your needs & it will improve your well being.

Please don't panic regarding your spirometry results they could be a blip, It all depends on how well you were on the day! My results deteriorated shortly after I lost my mother, I did get better results a few month later, Several things can affect the results. Depression , a mild infection etc.

I think you have done amazingly well havig been diagnosed 20 years ago.

Best wishes

tanyamarie12 years ago

Thinking of you, chin up and try and be as positive as you can. Easier said than done, I know but like Jo said, it may have been a blip.

richardcrossroads12 years ago

i have had copd for 7 year since the diagnosis, and it is stable but i have had times when the lung function tests have been poor, rehab is very good for you and can be fun if you get in with a good group and it will help you lots

libbygood12 years ago

Hello Ann,

My lung function test a few weeks ago had improved slightly, so don't take yours too literally, I think alot depends on the actual day, the weather, how you are feeling etc.

Libby x

Puffthemagicdragon12 years ago

Although I've only been diagnosed with COPD for a year, I wonder what condition I'd be in now if I hadn' t stopped smoking ? It was only AFTER I stopped smoking that my COPD was found. What would my sats and lung function be now ?

The point I'm trying to make is that although we go downhill, I wonder how much worse some of us would have been if we hadn't altered our lifestyle. I wonder if we would be here even ? We have been given a chance of a few extra years ( A lot in some cases !) is the way I see it.

Ann3. I didn't know if you ever smoked but if you did and gave up then you have probably gained a lot more years than you would have otherwise. Imagine what condition you would have be in after another 20 years of smoking

12 years ago

Hello, Try not to panic - we are all getting older and when my husband was first diagnosed I can remember the Doctor telling me that we all age and sometimes it can just be getting old with COPD! My husband too had a great shock when his lung function has reduced to the same levels as yours - my attitude is forget the numbers and get on with life! Easier said than done - the pulmonary rehab he went on last October I think saved his life. He has an understanding of the illness, a knowledge of his meds and now understands the importance of fitness and more importantly it has taken away some of his fears. His mother also had COPD. My advise would be - don't panic, lots of people live great lives in spite of COPD and take the opportunity to do the pulmonary rehab. Good luck TAD xx

lynnalyson12 years ago

Hi! I can only reiterate comments on here, keep positive, work on what you can do rather than what you cannot. I have had chronic brittle asthma since aged 2. Spent half of my childhood in hospital in oxygen tents and having tests. No inhalers in those dark days! My mum was told do not expect her to live into her teens. In my 20s I was told do not expect to live much past your 40's. In my 40's I had ovarian cancer. During the operation my lungs kept collapsing. I was in intensive care for some time. After this I developed bronchiectasis and was told....you probably will not live to a ripe old age. Last Jan I celebrated my 60th birthday, now it might not be a ripe old age, but I proved a lot of doctors wrong!

I keep smiling, enjoy life, especially the good days, the bad days I forget about. My very worst day was when my son was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis. That would not have been diagnosed if he had not told his GP my history (he kept getting told was a repeat virus). The GP sent him for Xrays in case it was COPD or asthma and discovered Sarcs, So now he is being treated and I am thankful my problems came in useful for my son. (He lives 300 miles from me so not the same GP)

Every cloud has a silver lining. I wish you the best

davidbryn12 years ago

hi Ann. i was diagnosed copd in 1984. i was expected to live about two years, not smoked for 43 years lung function test Sept 2010 was 19% Feb 2012 back up to 25% ,its all very frightening but read as much as you can about the disease and be careful to do all you can with the various advice available its all very worrying but its not inevitable you will get worse quickly . i have weeks when i think that's it. ive had it, then i get better again, so don't think like that , be positive ,best regards

12 years ago

After 20 years you know best Ann so judge how you feel

12 years ago

Thank you all so much, your positivity is an inspiration. I will do the rehab and use what I learn to try and slow down whats happening. I feel so much better than I did last night. The last year has been a difficult one on a personal basis but I am determined now to get back on track. TADAW - your comment 'forget numbers and get on with life' has really made me think and that's exactly what I am going to try and do. Thanks again - I.m so glad I found this website.

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