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COPD

Posted , 2 users are following.

Guest
Guest

I need to bore you with my health bacground as i am confused as to how things have gone so wrong so quickly.

I an now 50years of age, approxamately 6 years ago i gave up smoking, i was a fairly heavy smoker maybe 20+ a day, was diagnosed with COPD 4years ago.

At the age of 15 i worked in the car body repair industry as a car paint sprayer, in those days the paints were cellulose based, after roughly 4 years 2 pack paints were introduced, they were hardened with poly isocyanate based activators which were above the 3% as banned by todays standards and we were given little or no information on RPE, so an important question i have is how can i find out how my COPD occurred, as there are support charities for motor trade related illnesses (BEN) but for smoking it seems none.I stopped working in this industry 5 years ago as my stamina wained, i cannot tie my shoelaces now!

I also confuse my GP i feel as my first ailment was hyperthyroidism diagnosed due to severe weight loss and cramps, this occurred 2 years before my COPD and i was treated 18months afterwards with radioactive iodine drink, 1 month after the treatment i was then diagnosed with hiatus hernia and barretts, so again a question my GP cannot answer is : How many of my illnesses have been either triggered by each other or triggered by remedies?

COPD, my illness now leaves me struggling in my working life, which is now not a physical job, i now sell products and advise to the repair industry,in addition i find it hard not to get cross and interfere with people or companies not conforming to HSE RPE & PPE.

I am being seen by a lung specialist through my local Hospital every year, they take x rays, spirometry etc etc, same medication, they say i am bouncing between 29-35% efficient, which they say i quite good for a 75year old man, I AM 50, i cannot walk on even the slightest incline without stopping for a breather, specialist says inhale ventilin every 2 hours and in addition on demand, bearly comes out of my mouth.

I look for information as i am not convinced i am taking the best route, with the best advise.

Glen :?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Tessa
    Tessa

    Posted

    Hi Glen,

    You have a history of ailments there. If you don't feel you are not getting the best treatment, have you thought of seeking a second opinion or asking your gp to refer you to a hospital with a good track record treating COPD.

    Let us know how you get on.

    Tessa

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Tessa, Thank you for your prompt reply.I am regularly asking both my GP and specialist if there is anywhere else i can get help or information, but do not seem to get answers.

    My GP has respitory clinics, where they ask for exactly the same tests to be done that i may have had within weeks of my Hospital visit to see my specialist, then to add insult to injury the clinic will change my medication, i then get crossexamined by my specialist asking why i have changed again, so i no longer visit the respitory clinic or my GP other than get repeat prescriptions as conflicting information like this only confuses and depresses me! GLEN :?

  • Tessa
    Tessa

    Posted

    Hi Glen,

    You are so right. Conflicting information does confuse and distress.

    There are some really good hospitals around the country who specialise in COPD and the various other conditions that come under the umbrella of COPD. If you can research where there is a good one that is fairly near where you live or at least easy to get to and you ask him specifically to refer you there. I don't think he can refuse you.

    I don't know where you live but there is sure to be one in that part of the county, where they will explain and help you find the best way of managing your COPD.

    Let me know how you get on.

    Tessa

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Please read my addition today in Pleurisy/pneumonia.

    This will update on my latest episode to this condition

    Thanks Glen

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