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COPD or Asthma?

Posted , 4 users are following.

steven42439
steven42439

I suffered a bout or breathlessness around 3 years ago when I was a tobacco and pot smoker - was told at the time (I was 48) that I had the lungs of an 85 year ‎old. My mum also had asthma. Despite this, I have only had 2 exacerbations in 3 years that I think were due to smoking a mixture of tobacco and dope - I play tennis regularly, work doing a lot of lifting and walk a lot. No issues climbing stairs. In fact recently scaled the Monument in London without any issues. I have recently stopped smoking pot completely and stopped taking any medication. And in the past 2 weeks have not had any issues. Mainly stopped as I am concerned about possible side effects of the forstair inhaler. Recently saw the nurse at the copd clinic and she said there had been no change in my lungs in the past 3 years. I would appreciate any views on this as I can't understand why I do not seem to have any major issues with mobility unless I suffer from asthma and not copd. Also, the ventolin inhaler did work when I smoked, but don't use it at present as don't need to. Is the GP surgery just trying to scare me? Would appreciate any views. 

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • sandy58386
    sandy58386 steven42439

    Posted

    Hi Steven:  

    Definitely, get a 2nd opinion and/or go to a Pulmonary Specialist.  ALL of us that are first diagnosed, are scared out of our pants; however, if you have COPD, it is managable.  I admire you for no longer letting pot and smoking rule your life.  I am 72 and feel SO much better because I am taking control of my life, living healthier, eating healthier and I was NEVER a heavy smoker.  Keep in touch and live EVERY day with a positive attitude and do EVERYTHING you can to hellp yourself!!

  • jude65855
    jude65855 steven42439

    Posted

    It sounds to me as if you're doing really well:  it does seem possible that for some of us we can arrest the deterioration if we do the right things and it sounds as if you are:  my percentage of loss was 30% when first diagnosed about 3 years ago and is still the same, but I do use Spiriva and Symbicort daily. 

    I find if I exercise and stay away from pollutants (sometimes difficult with mates who are tobacco and weed smokers!) I manage ok.  At the moment a govt dept is doing huge burnoffs in the forest near hear (I'm in the mountains near Melbournein a high bushfire area) and the smoke from that has affected me quite badly.  Fortunately 3 out of the 4 recent burnoffs, including the current one, have been put out by rain.

    I don't go into the city very often, in fact about once or twice a year, and find the pollution very detrimental.

    The substance mentioned actually opens bronchial tubes if eaten rather than smoked - last time this infor was taken down after 1/2 an hour so I hope & others get to read this 

  • Emis_Moderator
    Emis_Moderator steven42439

    Posted

    I have copied a reply from the other duplicate discussion from user eleanor55804 below and deleted the duplicate.

    Hi Steven,

    I was diagnosed with severe emphesyma and I have no mobility issues.I can walk for miles I can,go up and down steep stairs,carry loads which are quite heavy for my size  (I am small).

    I believe my case is definitely COPD however I can lift weights,spend 6 hours in the garden without a problem etc.

    My last lung function test was a month ago and apparently I am still 'severe'.

    In the last 6 months I have felt short of breath once.

    I inhale Spiriva bronchodilator and that's about it.

    Cheers,

    Eleanor

  • Nanny1086
    Nanny1086 steven42439

    Posted

    Ask to be refered to pulmary nurse specialist ,great to hear you have stopped smoking etc,that's probably why you feel better and not need to use your blue inhaler ,it's good news that your lungs are no worse than 3 years ago ,again maybe because you stopped smoking ,,,,keep up the good work so far ,no smoking ,eat well ,and exersise as often as you can ,even if it's just a brisk walk ,this will help to open up your upper air ways helping the oxygen get into your lungs ,which improves your breathing,,,,good luck ,
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