Depression and cOPD

[rossie1942]

Since being told that I have COPD I have lost all my energy and just sit here reading about COPD.I have always been fit and active and remain so and there is no health reason why I am currently sitting slumped in this chair moaning. LOL

Prior to being told I never gave a thought to whether or not I was breathing ok or if I felt a bit breathless as I walked up the hill.

Just wondering if other people have had the same reaction and how did you deal.

[Linda5567]

Yep I have I lie in bed concentrate on my breathing its been 2 months now but I've decided to move my butt

Its hard

[rossie1942 in reply to Linda5567]

Thanks good to know not only one

[joyful4u]

I'm sure that's a natural reaction to receiving a diagnosis of copd. We know it's going to effect us & not at all sure how much & how fast. It takes time to process all of it. I found it very helpful to read many past posts on this site. It was an encouragement to me. I finally accepted the fact that we can't change our diagnosis, but we can determine how we respond to it. The best we can do is go forward making the best choices we can that will help us remain as healthy as possible. Wish you well. Pls keep us posted. God bless, Terri

[rossie1942 in reply to joyful4u]

Hi joyful4u. What a lovely title. Thanks so much for your reassuring helpful post. I am most grateful. God bless you

[christina1947]

Hi Rossie when I was first unwell with lung problems I honestly thought I had lung cancer and couldn’t pick up the phone to speak to my son never mind face him so when I was told boarderline COPD which we all know we can manage I felt lucky Take care xxx

[rossie1942]

Thanks Christina. What a relief for you. Inspired by your comment "we know we can manage" Will keep saying it to myself

[Hidden in reply to rossie1942]

Hi Rossie,

I saw the nurse just over a week ago for a spiro test, which showed i have a fev of 43 and severe, lung age of 86. I am 56, stopped smoking 10 weeks ago and was feeling great, cough gone and so had breathlessness so thought it was just the ciggs causing problems. Was in total shock with the result and just sat and listened as she booked chest xray, which i had done last thursday and told me about pulm rehab group to join. I have yet to see the doctor to discuss meds etc. Again just like you i have been on this site trying to get info. I am not very fit as i drive everywhere, but do work and get on with life without any problems, i do avoid things like walking up hills etc, excerise that makes me breathless but again just put it down to life style. I am slim so can't blame that, i have pushed myself a little this week to test how far i could walk and found i can walk a couple of miles at a reasonable pace, i must admit i didn't enjoy it, but i could do it. The thought of not being mobile and taking oxygen terrifies me. I am not married but do have a boyfriend who wants to live in Greece in the future, i have not told him anything about this yet, and now worrying if i can have a future with him as this could affect his dream. How quick does this disease decline?? I plan to get as fit as quick as poss hoping it will improve lungs

[rossie1942 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Sukio1 Some people on other sites have been diagnosed with copd twenty years ago so it definitely is not a death sentence but it is the unknown. Would you be able to get health care in Greece if we leave EU. I hope your doctor will give you time to discuss all your concerns.. Thanks for sharing and support. Best wishes

[Kristicats in reply to Hidden]

My Fev1 was down in the 40s at one point ( at my head in the sand stage) But it is at the moment 72% after not sitting around too much, right inhalers etc. So don’t panic, take the inhalers when prescribed and keep as active as you can. Let us know how you get on. Cx

[Feelingblessed2013]

Being told you have copd is scary, but as you have read by now is in no way a death sentence.

When I was told I had emphysema and lung cancer, I did have little pity parties between doctors appointments and tests. But I decided that this was not going to be the end for me, I had too much living to do yet. I had my surgeries, I healed, I went back to work.

You just have to give yourself time to get over the initial shock.

[rossie1942 in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

I am so pleased that things have worked out for you. Many thanks for your encouraging words most grateful.

[Kristicats]

Yes it’s very common . I also wrapped myself up in cotton wool, then things got worse! Once I ‘woke up’ joined the BLF group on here and got myself moving and living again I’ve had big improvements. Good luck Rossi !

[seamstress69]

You're not the only one, it's a devastating diagnosis. I felt as though my body had betrayed me and this was harder to accept than the breast cancer diagnosis 2 years prior. It's very hard to accept and I'm probably making it worse by focusing on my breathing constantly..working hard to get on with my life now...best of luck to you!!

[rossie1942 in reply to seamstress69]

Hi seamstress 69 hope things go well for you. I never gave my breathing a thought now I am walking along thinking am I breathless etc. Thanks very much for responding it is such a a help to know that I am not alone x

[seamstress69 in reply to rossie1942]

As with most tough things, it is easier to deal with this if you don't feel like you're alone..it's very scary...I wish you all the best . What really helps me is distracting myself, which I learned from coping with panic and anxiety. I've amazed myself with some of things I can accomplish..