New Person

[Thorn]

I am still in the diagnosis phase and am anxious and a bit fearful. I am 57 and live in Texas. I have never sought support before but perhaps it is time to. I am not having panic attacks, just fearful that I may have to guit working because I feel exhausted almost every day.

[NancyLynn]

I ,myself have just been diagnosed with COPD.Beginning stages,the only thing going on at this time is shortness of breath.But other test have been done.I also just diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and CT scan done for upper left nodule 6cm in size.Going for a breathing test today for farther testing.All problems seem to be connected.Will also find out the reading of scan this week.I also had foot surgery done,once I can get around pretty good,than I will be having a stress test done for my heart.What started all this is last year I had pneumonia in Ausgust,and that is when the shortness of breath had started and all the rest seem to follow! So much going on.Off from work and to much time on my hands ,because searching out what this could all mean on my own.

[Thorn in reply to NancyLynn]

Hello NancyLynn 😊

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me.

I am finding that this is helping me deal with my new reality and that it's helping reduce the anxiety.

Discovered last year that I also have diabetes. I have been taking high dose vitamins for the last 10 years but in general dislike taking medicine. Believe it or not that issue has been a bit of a struggle for me.

Just had a CT scan and will do a breathing test next week. So am just starting down the COPD road.

Again, thank you and have a blessed day 😊

[Madonnalee]

@Thorn, good morning. If you are still being diagnosed, maybe your doc will prescribe some inhalers for you. They do help and I understand can help with the progression of COPD. I use 2 inhalers and rescue inhaler. On oxygen at night or whenever needed. At times I still have breathing problems but the meds make it possible for me to be out and about. I fought the oxygen at first but that really was not smart. Now, happy I have it. Good luck and God Bless.

[Thorn in reply to Madonnalee]

The pulmonologist who just ordered the initial testing did prescribe me a daily inhaler and a rescue inhaler, which I have not had to use the rescue one yet. Did the ordered CT scan yesterday and go for the breathing test next week. Thank you so much for your kind words. Am glad I came to this site, I didn't realize how much getting support from others in a similar situation could be so positive and comforting.

[Madonnalee in reply to Thorn]

@ Thorn, hello again. I also belong to another site, my COPD team. That is a good one too. Everyone has good suggestions and what works for them, and, sometimes it will work for us. We can understand what having a good day means, or a bad day because we've been there and done that. I know to enjoy the good days more and hope the not so good days don't last very long. I have been Blessed in my life and I try very hard not to forget that. I am happy you can get some comfort from visiting us here. God Bless and have a good easy breathing day.

[Thorn in reply to Madonnalee]

Thank you so Madonnalee much for sharing your information 😊 How do i tap into to the other site?

[Madonnalee in reply to Thorn]

@Thor, well, here I am again. Go to " My COPD Team". You will need to sign up, it's easy, just need a user name and password. You can build teams, find people near you and get good advice and meet some fine people. We all have similar illness so we understand almost all problems. Let me know if you sign up. Could add you to my team, if you would like.

[Georgia-B in reply to Madonnalee]

I do understand the good days and the bad days. Trouble is, the bad days seem to be taking over. Trying to fight this with everything I have. Not giving up yet.

[Thorn in reply to Georgia-B]

Thank you for your response and I want to tell you that I admire your determination 😊

[Mimibx3 in reply to Madonnalee]

Hi Madonnalee

Your so right mostly feel blessed....but have anxiety right now. What is the other site you belong to? Is it private? Thank you!

[Madonnalee in reply to Mimibx3]

Good morning Mimibx3, I also belong to " MyCopdTeam.com . It is a good site too and can meet and learn a lot from so many people. Some that live very close. It's easy to join, free and all you need is password and email. Give it a try, maybe you will like that site too. Good luck and easy breathing.

[Mimibx3 in reply to Madonnalee]

I did it so I will be on that site too,

Thank you Madonnalee

[Cynners in reply to Thorn]

I never thought about finding a support group on line..my dr suggested a support group.I told him I can't go all the time to support groups and he told me there were some on line..I'm so hapy5i found this group after all these years. Wish I found a group 20 years ago. It would have helped me alot

[Thorn in reply to Cynners]

Good to have you here Cynners.

I had never considered online support before either, but in the short amount of time that I have been in this group my anxiety has dropped dramatically. This awesome group will share their knowledge and their personal experiences with all who need it.

In seeking support you have taken a big step in the right direction and I hope you have as positive an experience here as I have had.

Have a blessed day 😊

[Starry1956]

My husband and I filed disability for this copd and got it try it

[Thorn in reply to Starry1956]

Thank you for your considerate words. I am thinking that I may try to file but have heard such stories about how badly they treat people who are initially filing. Though if I have to quit working I should probably get that ball rolling now. Again thank you ☺

[Cynners in reply to Thorn]

I was married at the time I became disabled and was told I wasn't eligible..a lie they told me, I found out later. Be sure if you are disabled to file in a timely manor as soon as you can't work. I can no longer get disability because I waited too long. If they turn you down get a ssdi lawyer. I know very few people that got ssdi without an atty. I just don't want this to happen to you or anyone else.

[Thorn]

Thank you so much Essiet for your response and yes I can see now that getting upset doesn't help my breathing. My breathing issues started in March this year,with what I think was pneumonia. It took me out of work for a week but I had been working while very sick for 2 weeks prior to that. I appreciate and will follow your good sense advice about going at things a bit slower. Have been so concerned with getting back to my "normal" self I truly hadn't even considered that slowing my pace down would help. Perhaps I will also look into disability, last year I was diagnosed with diabetes. It has all been a bit overwhelming.

Again, thank you for your kind words and helpful advice.

[Thorn]

I would like to thank all the people who responded to my post. I already do not feel so alone 💛

[Jeannemf]

Your biggest risk is getting sick from others as lungs easily inhale germs! Take a natural antibiotic like olive leaf extract daily vitamin D3 , 5000 unit and probiotics to stay well! Also I put colloidal silver in my saline solution bottle to inhale in my nose to keep germs out! It kills germs even in my lungs! Eat healthy organic not processed foods and fullest organic yogurt in smoothies with fruit or dill whatever you lie! Full fat yogurt and organic to avoid steroids and abntibiotics given to cows that ends up in our dairy products! Low fat non organic all have aspartame in it to taste better and they do not have to label it as of 2009! Very bad for you and so is sugar! Take care of yourself and try to stay well !

[Thorn in reply to Jeannemf]

Thank you for sharing your information Jeannemf, much appreciated 🙄 Where do I get the olive leaf extract and does it have any gastric side effects? With the Metformin of course my main concern is the diarrhea because of the dehydration. I try to stay away from all milk products so I would like to incorporate a natural antibiotic, that sounds like a good idea. I already take high dose vitamins so am hoping that will help.

[Thorn in reply to Thorn]

When I took my grandson to the doctor yesterday I was wondering if i should be more concerned with the illnesses of other patients such as cold,flu,etc. What can you do about it though?

[Jeannemf in reply to Thorn]

Give them olive leaf extract first usually cures it!

[Jeannemf in reply to Thorn]

No side effects for me or anyone I know! My dr uses it for her elementary school age kids!

[Jeannemf in reply to Jeannemf]

I buy mine on line Gaia brand per my dr is the purest ! Can get at any health food store!