COPD.

[Northernlight]

Have been told by my Doctor that I probably have Copd at my last appointment. Have had four chest infections in the last year. I was diagnosed with Asthma several years ago, and have managed it with inhalers and steroids up until quite recently when it seems to have become a lot worse. I have always been very active and tried to stay healthy and fit. Im 52, I work for myself, and find each time I get a chest infection, the asthma flares up, it wipes me out and I cant work for around Two weeks. Dont really think I'd last long in a job, having all this time off, I'd probably get fired. Got a chest xray tomorrow and Spirometry tests in 6 weeks. Just wanted to check in, say hi, and am glad to have found this site.

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi Northernlight and a very warm welcome to you. Hope your xray and spiro go well. cx

[initial]

Welcome to the community, Northernlight. Good luck with your spirometry test, and fingers crossed your x-ray is clear x

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Hi and welcome Northernlight.

[peege]

A warm welcome to the club northernlight. You're in the right place.

Good luck tomorrow and at your first opportunity ask your medics for a referral to PR, Pulmonary Rehabilitation. A course which will help you immensely. Don't let them tell you you're "not ill enough", it will help you to stay as well as possible.

In the meantime, do everything you can to improve your immune system.

All the best, Peeg

[Hidden]

Hi & welcome.Hope all goes well with your tests Northern light.

I had asthma for some years,before getting diagnosed with Copd.So I know how you're feeling.I still worked for quite a few years,which helps to feel you're still in control,while you can!

Good luck with it all,let us know how your tests go xxx

[Dedalus]

Welcome - when I was first diagnosed with COPD I fortunately found this site by accident when trying to find out more about the illness - I have found out so much more information on this site than from any professional, so just keep asking any questions that come up, and there's always some great answers to help you. Hope tests go well. All best wishes

[Offcut]

It is all down to control now. You do not mention if you smoke if you do give them up! If you can get on a PR course jump at it. (Might be hard when you work) Good luck with test that will show your levels in far more detail than a peak flow ever will.

Do not forget to ask for your readings and let us know (We are all nosey but can offer help I am sure )

[helingmic]

NorthernLight, welcome to our group.

Like many of us, you start with asthma and then the problem unveils itself. The tests you will have will be part of discovering what's happening.

Do establish a relation ship with your doctor and ask him/her to refer you to a consultant, to a pulmonary nurse too.

The best thing to do is to maintain your fitness. This is where the pulmonary nurse can help with advice.

You may have to slow down at work, Keep the morale up and tell us more of how it goes with your tests.

[Grahamw66]

I'm 49 have had a cough for around 6months or so was told I had asthma but they are also giving me spiriva I do get short of breath have a tight chest was wondering how you know when you have copd as I'm confused ??