My question for you wonderful, bright people is this, and it pertains to my very hard-headed friend. She says she really thinks she has COPD, but feels that she will handle it a lot better is she doesn't see a Dr. to confirm it. She feels she is better off not knowing...as far as the mental part, (anxiety..etc.) She is most likely in very early stages, if she even has it at all. She argues with me that there is nothing they will do in the early stages anyway...so why worry about it, or even get tested. I actually thought that some people do take a medication, or get some form of treatment early on. So, I disagreed with her about her opinion. Do they ever give you any medication, or treat it if you are Stage 1 Mild? I am Mild, and I don't take anything...YET. Nor do I go to Pulmonary rehab just yet. I just can't talk her into checking to see if she has it or not. It's up to her, I know that, but I honestly believe we should all know if we have COPD, and the sooner, the better. Whether we need to be treated yet or not. Do you all agree with me? Her fear of knowing if she has it is a bit odd to me. She says she will just 'wait and see." I'm worried about her.
Thanks for opinions,
Phyllis
Written by
phyllis_liberty
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I kinda understand your friend’s fears. I have major anxiety disorder since ever and today I was just telling my partner If I can turn back the time and not do that doctor visit I would’ve been blessed , since I heard I have mild COPD I lost around 5 KG in 1 week .
First doctor gave me an inhaler first visit when he suspected I have problem , after spirometer he gave an additional one which is horrible keeps my heart pounding for couple of hours every time I take it. Second doctor told me not to take any medicine and that first doctor diagnose was not entirely right as I don’t have hyperinflation and air trapping which was the diagnoses of first doctor. Today 3rd doctor even told me that I don’t have small airway disease which was mentioned in my first report. You can imagine how confusing it can be .. hope you get well
Wow, you had a lot of different Drs. telling you different things, and yes, I can understand your confusion. She said that after researching it, she read an article that stated: Some people fair way better if they are not told..I'm assuming a lot of that is the mental toll it takes on people...and the anxiety it entails.
I can say that I understand in a way too. I still believe she should get checked, but the anxiety you can have does impose another challenge in your life.
I have hyperinflation in Stage 1, and my understanding is that hyperinflation usually occurs later. ?? Or maybe I'm wrong. This disease is confusing, and challenging to say the least!
Thanks for your reply, and maybe she was right in the first place. lol I just don't know. I'm concerned for her though. She is a sweet lady, and great friend.
When I was diagnosed it was because I was having problems with a constant cough. I would take antibiotics and it would be right back. I think you have to be more proactive with your own health other wise you can end up with a load of medications, surgeries you don't need that can comprise your health even more. I trusted in doctors to much. And paying the price now.
She thinks she has it? That implies that she does have some symptoms, short of breath or coughing. SO there might be some evidence that she has copd. If it is mild and really doesn't effect her lifestyle, she doesn't smoke, and gets regular exercise. She might be able to stay mild and stable the rest of her life without taking a list of medications. If she smokes and doesn't move, you can go downhill quickly and she will be at the doctor getting diagnosed and a list of meds real soon. I understand her apprehension as I am also one that really doesn't care to go to the doctor, it seems to me that they often overtreat mild conditions and just keep you coming back for tests. I don't understand that people that smoke their whole life are just SHOCKED!! when the have COPD. Thats like being surprised you end up fat with heart disease after eating bacon and sweets for every meal for 20 years.
Sorry to tell you but I was diagnosed with mild COPD 8 years ago (prescribed inhaler) and I live in an area of Dr. shortage. My internist (who I’d love to leave but can’t find another accepting new patients) never mentions the COPD. When I mention a track to take, i.e. yearly low dose CT scans, she orders regular X-rays 2 views.
So I understand your friend’s reluctance to seek medical help. In my world I should just take chicken bones to the doctor’s office for her to throw and read.
I’m still looking for a doctor: pulmonologist, internist or geriatrician accepting new patients. I won’t give up!
Sounds like your Dr. is avoiding you, and your questions. I'd be looking for someone else too. It really is difficult to find a caring Dr. Good luck, and I'm glad you aren't giving up!!
I have mild emphysema, I use an inhaler and carry a rescue one. I understand the stress involved in knowing, but in my opinion, better to know so you can take steps to keep yourself as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
Oh my goodness, this is a difficult one as people are very different. In my opinion I like to know what I'm dealing with & look into all the facts, but other people don't. I do think that the sooner you know you have COPD the better & then you can take a proactive course to halt it's progression. By taking inhalers you help keep the airways clear & help stop more damage, increase your exercise helps enormously .I'm mild/moderate & take inhalers , exercise more & feeling so much better however shying away from my Spirometer check as I really don't think I do it right x
Of course you can't force an unwilling person however I would encourage her to walk a lot,exercise, practice breathing techniques and keep a healthy weight! Sometimes that's the best you can do. Good luck!
Phyllis, I can not stress the early diagnosis of this disease. There are many medications and exercises that will help your friend. Please stress that knowing what your dealing with gives you power over the disease. I am in stage 4 and am meeting with hospice nurses who are going to start coming to help me in my home. Light and love to you and your friend
Being afraid of knowing is one thing. But as far as knowing being helpful I can say it hasn't helped me at all. I have been told by 5 different doctors i have it , I don't have it, not sure if I have it, etc etc. Leads to a lot of worry and confusion...and no real treatment. I never smoked or lived with fumes or smoke either. So, if fear is her problem she can look into fear. But if knowing she has or might have Copd is useful at her stage, I'd say no. Fear with confusing and conflicting reports might even make things worse for her. When she really wants to know she will find out.
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She says she really thinks she has COPD, but feels that she will handle it a lot better is she doesn't see a Dr. to confirm it. She feels she is better off not knowing...as far as the mental part, (anxiety..etc.) She is most likely in very early stages, if she even has it at all. She argues with me that there is nothing they will do in the early stages anyway...so why worry about it, or even get tested. I actually thought that some people do take a medication, or get some form of treatment early on. So, I disagreed with her about her opinion. Do they ever give you any medication, or treat it if you are Stage 1 Mild? I am Mild, and I don't take anything...YET. Nor do I go to Pulmonary rehab just yet. I just can't talk her into checking to see if she has it or not. It's up to her, I know that, but I honestly believe we should all know if we have COPD, and the sooner, the better. Whether we need to be treated yet or not. Do you all agree with me? Her fear of knowing if she has it is a bit odd to me. She says she will just 'wait and see." I'm worried about her. 
Challenging copd diagnosis
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