Update

I have mild sleep apnea no treatment, said I need to address my anxiety around diagnosis of COPD, consultant said I am worrying over nothing

[joyful4u]

Emily, thank God you don't have something else to contend with. Now you can focus on getting your anxiety & panic attacks under control. You can do this. It took me a bit of time & effort to achieve a sense of calmness & you can do it too. When I felt one coming, I replaced it with walking or breathing exercises. Keep on keeping on.

[Hidden in reply to joyful4u]

I just don't understand how I am being told a. It will get no worse. B. Stop worrying...it does get worse over time. I do need to get anxiety under control. As a lot of time being wasted worrying over something I have no control over

[joyful4u in reply to Hidden]

Emily, it may help you to focus on what you know will be helpful to your health & do that & forget the rest. It'll make life more simple & less confusion. One step at a time.

[dalbass72]

When was your diagnosis? It's a real shock to the system when you first hear that you have COPD and feeling anxious is a natural reaction. However its important to understand that COPD is not a death sentence and can be managed with some lifestyle changes for many many years. If you are concerned over what your consultant is saying i would suggest speaking to another doctor as it is easy to say don't worry but its another thing actually not worrying lol. Understanding the condition will go long way to easing your anxiety. Hopefully you can get some help and support here as well. Best of luck!

[Hidden in reply to dalbass72]

Diagnosed May this year

[Silentknow1 in reply to Hidden]

Having anxiety can and will worsen COPD. (I am diagnosed 17 years.... have had other urgent lung issues outside of COPD, including a resection & mass removal, 2 collapsed lungs and other complications....). It is imperativr to yoir future to wrangle anxiety. i used to take xanax, until I learned it shits down breathing centers in brain. (*as do opiod based pain meds etc...) There are alternative means... without meds.... Google no drug anxiety treatments. HPR treatment centers accept most insurance. Also talk therapy can offer multiple paths to peace. Anxiety, fret and distress will make you feel COPD symptoms are worse, than what tjey actually are..... Learn relaxation and meditation. Learn to be calm.... cool and at peace..... I know it is easier said than done, but your future depends on how YOU manage this dissease, and NOT allow the disease to manage YOU. Praceful good wishes....

[Silentknow1 in reply to Silentknow1]

pardon my naughty word typo... shoild say shuts, but i ca not correct it.

[Hidden in reply to Silentknow1]

Haha did think

[Hidden in reply to Silentknow1]

So you have gone through all the stages then

[Hidden in reply to Silentknow1]

Thank you and trying to but then anxiety kicks in and I think of getting worse and I can just about manage this

[panda22]

I used to focus on what I couldn't do but now have found my own way of going i decided to take up a hobby i haven't done before. I have taken up crocheting and not to do well at the moment but I will preserve and my mind is on this and not my emphysema. It helps to find something to take your mind off things that will make you feel worse. Have a go and good luck

[Hidden in reply to panda22]

Thank you for that I think if i get my anxiety in check i will know what i can and cannot do