COPD - Yet another question from a newbie

[puddy68]

Hi Everyone.....yet another question. I'm so sorry to keep posting quite similar questions - I just want to get my head around this. I know that I need to ask my doctors these questions but I don't see my Respiratory Specialist for another 4 - 6 weeks. As I mentioned, my FEV1 was 50% - moderate. I've read that by exercising [as well as taking all meds / keeping appointments / losing weight / getting vaccinated] I can increase my FEV1 score. Does this mean that my lung function is improving/my lungs are getting stronger? Does this mean that I can stop the COPD from getting worse?............and have a good chance of living a long life? Thank you so much, and I'm so sorry to bother you all again.

[CindyT]

It's great that your doing all those things, but Copd is an aggressive disease. It will never get better and there is no cure. As time goes by, it does get worse. But with what your doing, it will help alot and slow the progress of this disease. Wish they could find a cure.

[Jocopd]

Everyone progress's at a different rate with COPD. The only thing we can do is slow that progress. Get into a pulmonary rehab class or failing that look online for Pulmonary rehab u tube videos and follow those work outs. They are simple and not strenuous. Maybe 30 min to an hour each day or even every other day. Also walk a bit each day, even if its just down to the corner. It takes commitment but keep in mind without doing exercise your copd will progress faster. Not like a day or week faster but doing these exercises can add years to your life. Yes, take those meds - don't be skipping doses. Diet? Ehh, not saying not to do it and you should if your overweight but I have not seen that have as big of an impact as those exercises. You can live a long life but only if you help yourself. There are many with COPD well into their 80's and older. But they didn't get that old sitting on the couch. You are not that bad yet but now is the time to get into the habit of excise!