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diagnosed with copd 3 years ago, but thought it was nothing

Posted , 4 users are following.

roger-2009
roger-2009

I was diagnosed with copd 3 years ago by my gp, I didn't pay much attention to be honest as I didn't think it was serious.

I had a spiro test back a year ago and my test showed 88% which I thought sounded fine.

Now today I had to have another spiro test as a matter of routine

, this time the test showed up at 66%, that's a 22% drop in just one year. Now after reading on the web about copd I have got myself into a right state.

I think I am about to die very soon and it is frightening me to death.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Roger

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • waterman
    waterman

    Posted

    hi Roger. Its possible that you may have a chest infection which could affect your results. Also if you are not taking your inhalers regularly that too can affect test. I know that it can be frightening and frustrating at times but I have been down at 59% and I'm still here and expect to be for a long time to come. What does your Doc say and have you access to Pulmonary Rehab classes which you should be able to be referred to by your Doc if you are in U.K.? God bless.

    Regards,

    Robert.

  • roger-2009
    roger-2009

    Posted

    Hi Robert.

    Thank's very much for your reply, I really appreciate it.

    I was not on any medication at all till yesterday, they gave me a ventolin inhaler, states 1 or 2 puffs upto 4 times a day if required.

    No, I don't have access to Pulmonary Rehab, but I shall certainly get my GP to refer me to one.

    Can your spiro test percentage go up as well as down, I mean if I were to start an exercise regime, could that improve my spiro results.

    Regards

    Roger

  • waterman
    waterman

    Posted

    I can only speak for myself Roger but I have found that the exercise and breathing techniques that are taught at Pulmonary Rehab and Pulmonary maintenance classes have been helpful for me and along with proper medication have helped my spiro results. The exercises and techniques are tailor made for people with COPD and are monitored by Health Professionals. I would have thought that you should have had a preventative inhaler as well as a reliever inhaler but I am not your doctor. Flu jag and Pneumonia jag are also recommended as well as Referral to a Chest Consultant. You might, if you like, have a look at the British Lung Foundation site where you might find more information re COPD. I think for me the hardest thing has been to accept that I have COPD and the frustration with lack of energy and not being able to do as quickly the things that I used to be able to do. If you are a smoker it is highly recommended that you try to stop and I know how difficult this can be. Passive smoking and dusty, fumy atmospheres are not recommended either. I also think that every bodies experience of COPD can differ re medication, exercise and how they feel and what helps them. I try to keep myself as informed as I can. These are only some of my experiences with COPD and may not be the same as others. God bless.

    Regards,

    Robert.

  • roger-2009
    roger-2009

    Posted

    Hi Robert

    Thak you for your reply.

    I shall take a look at the BLF and see what info I can collect

    regards

    Roger

  • Jostled
    Jostled

    Posted

    Hi roger2009 have you found anything of interest on the BLF site. When I have looked in the forum is a chat room with inane drivel unrelated to lung conditions.

    regards J

  • roger-2009
    roger-2009

    Posted

    Hi, Yes I had a look on the BLF site and found the same as you, I did however find some usefull links to self help/support organisations.

    I was thinking yesterday, For the past six weeks I have been on a blood pressure lowering drug called Ramipril, while I was on this I developed a very bad hacking cough (this is listed as a side effect in the patients leaflet) My gp took me of the Ramipril today as a result of this cough and put me on a different medication.

    I am now beginning to wonder if it was the Ramipril cough that made my spiro-test drop by 22%

    Regards

    Roger

  • waterman
    waterman

    Posted

    Hi Roger, glad you got some useful links on BLF site. I would have thought that you should be able to request another Spiro test from your Doc just to put your mind at rest. As for Chat Forums I think that you can look at them, find what is useful for you and ignore the rest as is the same with any subject. Patient .co.uk plus BLF sites both have good information re COPD without having to go into the condition forums. God bless.

    Regards,

    Robert.

  • roger-2009
    roger-2009

    Posted

    Hi Robert

    Yes, I mentioned the spiro-test to my doc when he changed me from ramipril, he said he would do a further test in 6 weeks when I have to go back to see if the new medication has lowered my BP

    take care.

    Regards

    Roger

  • newbee
    newbee

    Posted

    Erm what is this BLF site it has been enough finding here with lot of writing about COPD

    oh regards

    Tom

  • waterman
    waterman

    Posted

    Hi Tom.

    Both this site plus (BLF) British Lung Foundation site have a lot of good information re COPD. You dont have to read the discussion forums either unless you want to although I find that other peoples experiences have helped me keep informed.

    Regards,

    Robert.

  • newbee
    newbee

    Posted

    Hi

    looked on google found lung foundation not a COPD site has about lot of other lung stuff what i have not got it is better hear where it is about one thing not all mixed up about what is not for me

    regards

    Tom

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