C.O.P.D.
Posted , 3 users are following.
I stopped smoking in1995-early retirement(voluntary) from a tyre manufacturer in the West Midlands,where I worked for 32 years in what was called the Banbury section,in 1998.
During retirement,up until 2006,walked the Lake District,North York Moors,New Forest and lastly the Quantock Hills-Somerset.No real problems except when walking up steep inclines,walked for miles with only occassional rests.2007 with no real warning,walking got extremely difficult-even on the flat-inclines were a no go.Diagnosed as C.O.P.D.-smoking was blamed for my condition,have also developed Acid reflux on top-never had indigestion in my life.Today cannot walk 100 yds.without resting due to lack of breath. :cry:
0 likes, 5 replies
Tessa
Posted
Sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with COPD. Have you been referred to a chest specialist? Between you it should be possible to work out a good management plan and the right medication (if you have been given any). When you next see your doctor don't hesistate to ask him any questions that you want answers to regarding this condition.
Let us know how you get on.
Tessa
alanM
Posted
I`ve just been told a CT scan has shown extensive Emphysema.
I`ve had a persistent cough since 2004 but X-rays never showed anything this serious.
I`ve had regular chest infections for years.
I`m now waiting for an appointment to see a specialist.
What can I expect to happen next please?
Thank you
Alan
Tessa
Posted
I am so sorry that you have been dianosed with emphysema. You don't say if you smoke or not. But this is some information and roughly what you can expect to happen.
Emphysema is a chronic (long-term) lung disease. Having emphysema means some of the air sacs in your lungs are damaged, making it hard to breathe. Emphysema is part of a lung disease known as COPD
Signs and symptoms of emphysema
Shortness of breath- feeling like you can't get your breath out
A barrel-shaped chest
Wheezing
Feeling tired (fatigue)
Losing weight without trying to
How is emphysema diagnosed?
To figure out if you have emphysema, your doctor many do some of these tests:
Physical exam, including listening to your lungs & breathing sounds
Spirometry- this test measures how much air you can move out of your lungs
Chest x-ray
Blood tests
Treatment for emphysema
The number one treatment for emphysema is to quit smoking and stay away from smoky places. By quitting smoking, you can slow down emphysema.
There are other treatments for emphysema, including medications, supplemental oxygen. You need to talk to the specialist and work out a good treatment plan and a healthy eating plan.
By quitting smoking now, you can't undo the damage that's already done, but you can protect your lungs from any more damage.
I hope this is of some help to you Alan and hope you don't have to wait too long to see the specialist.
Take care
Tessa
alanM
Posted
Thanks for that information.
I actually stopped smoking 23 years ago.
I will await my first appointment with the specialist.
Thanks again
Alan
Tessa
Posted
The fact that you stopped smoking so long ago is a very big bonus for you. Do you have an appointment yet for the specialist? Once you both can agree on a treatment plan you should feel much better about the condition.
Let us know how things go.
Tessa