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Diagnosed this week (29 years)

Posted , 7 users are following.

jane41440
jane41440

Hi, just after some advice/guidance.

I have been diagnosed this week with COPD I was rused to resus 8 days ago with what I assumed was an asthma attack.

I had childhood asthma (severe) and surgical emphysema in early teens but from 14 years till 28 years my asthma as good as vanished. Then last feb was admitted to hospital for 2 weeks with asthma, again for 2 weeks in August and then again recently.

This time I had a load of tests done and records pulled from the past year hospital records ( had constant problems with my breathing, coughing...).

Saw the chest specialist yesterday who has stated it is COPD (?) I've been placed of extra pumps and a tablet I've got to take twice a day along with my normal asthma medications.

A repeat precription of steroids and antibiotics which I've been advised to start as soon as I think a chest infection (get loads)!is coming.

I'm back at the hospital this week but just wondering if there is anything I should be asking about etc?

Kind regards

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • peter46309
    peter46309

    Posted

    Hi9 Janet

    The key is to accept that this is a condition you will have to manage very carefully in the years and decades ahead.

    Firstly, i can't stress this enough, get a good quality air purifer, (i have the IQ Air Health Pro) it costs a lot, but it is worth it. £900 in uk money.

    Get an oximetre and monitor yourself from time to time, without getting neurotic about occassional"natural" fluctuations in your score.

    Never smoke of course.

    Eat a proper well balanced diet and avoid eating till you are stuffed (a full stomach can make you feel breathless)

    You can askthem at the hospital about good quality air monitors, the iq air for example is used by chinese hospitals for SARS prevention, and screens out many horrible little particles from the air and gives your lungs a break.

    hope this helps pete.

  • eileen39770
    eileen39770

    Posted

    Hello jane sorry to hear your having a bit of a rough time I would ask you consultant about breathing exercise and physio to help keep your lungs as clear as possibleif your suufing with phlegm ask about how to drain you should be doing this morning and night make sure you drink olenty of fliuds good luck be well eileen
  • Doug1253
    Doug1253

    Posted

    Jane, I'm sorry for your plight -- particularly at your young age.

    I would definitely ask about an oxygen option: Is that something that should be considered for you?

    I know it would be a pain in the whatever to haul an oxygen hose all over your house or flat, but better to breath easier than not, right?

    I wish you all the best.

    I have a feeling we'll be hearing again from you.

    BTW, keep your eyes open for a post I'm trying to find time to on breathing suggestions for COPD sufferers from a US-based web site focused on health advice for women.

    doug

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