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COPD

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Moorcroft
Moorcroft

Hello Everyone,

I am very new to this site and I dont really know if I am on the correct page. My husband was diagnosed about 12 months ago with COPD and slight Emphsema(sorry about the spelling) since diagnosed he has been attending out-patients and they have said that his chest x-rays are fine(well as they can be) and he was given 2 injections each time plus a follow up about a month later, I think it was to tell if his oxygen levels had gone down, yes he's a smoker and trying terribly hard to give up. However the GP has told him that the medication(I assume the injections)

and that he is not responding to this treatment and now has to go to Immunology, does anyone know what happens there, I am really worried, he is on no other medication.

Thank you and thanks to everyone on this site I have read some of your

experiences and my heart goes out to you.

Jean

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Jacee
    Jacee

    Posted

    Hi Jean, yes you are on the right site. This is for people who have COPD or for the families of those people. I was diagnosed early last year and also have emphysema. It can be a very frightening and confusing time. My oxygen level was tested using a finger pulse oxymetre, and it can also be tested by blood gases being taken. We are often also tested by spirometry testing, blowing down a tube to measure airflow. However, I was not given any injections at the time of my diagnosis and can't think what these may have been in relation to emphysema and/or COPD. I am also unsure why he would be sent to the immunology department, though I am no medical expert and may have missed the point here altogether! I would also expect anyone with COPD/emphysema to have been prescribed some medication, including an inhaler. :?:

    I can only suggest you get in touch with his GP who can listen to your worries and questions and maybe explain things a little better. Your husband should also have been referred to see a doctor or specialist nurse at your local hospital, who specialises in COPD. If he has not then he could ask to be referred. Remember, knowledge is power and if you know exactly what you are dealing with it gives you the edge.

    What I can say, with absolute certainty, is that your husband desperately needs to stop smoking as every cigarette worsens his condition. I know how hard it is (I smoked from age 11 until last March, age 57). If I had stopped only a little earlier I may not now be an oxygen user. Please encourage him all you can and bear with his slips - each one is another step towards giving up altogether.

    I wish you both lots of luck

    Jacee

    xx

  • Moorcroft
    Moorcroft

    Posted

    Hi Jaycee,

    Thank you so much for getting back to me. We have today been to the hospital (Immunology Dept) and the consultant there had received a letter from my husbands consultant at Wythenshaw Hospital apparently

    he seemed to think that he was immune to the injections he was given(which was'nt helping his chest infection) although the immunologist did'nt think so, he has had more blood tests and we should hear in about 2/3 weeks. Did I mention he does'nt get very breathless (not yet thank god) and as of Tuesday this week he has not had a fag, its driving him mad, he has the dummy cigarette which his GP prescribed.

    I am new to this COPD and yes its very frightening but it good to know others are out there who can help with our worries.

    Jean x

  • Jacee
    Jacee

    Posted

    Hi Jean, I still find this very confusing but it generally seems to be good news doesn't it? I am glad you feel a little better. A great big WELL DONE to hubby for going without a cigarette :angel: . Yes, it's tough but I know that if I can do it (I was up to 50 a day) then anyone can if they are prepared to have a good go, and it sounds as though he is.

    This is a good site for finding out about anything, posing a question usually brings results or at least pointers on where to get answers. It is also a good site for friendship and support. Although we are all individuals, most of us have \"been there worn the tee shirt\" so can identify where people are coming from and what they may be facing/feeling. When I have felt down there has always been someone to cheer me up. Other's relatives have also helped me to see we are not the only sufferers, our loved ones are in there with us. Keep popping in and let us know how you get on. Best wishes and hope to you both

    Jacee

    xx

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