Feeling a bit confused.

My experience has been the other way round: over the last year I have been getting seriously breathless, suffering from regular lung infections, and almost choking on my own phlegm. Yet my medical assessments apparently show that I am much the same (though marginally worse on some indicators). Go figure.

Lots and lots of COPD sufferers sing the praises of pulmonary rehabiliation services they attend. Some for many reasons do not have access or cannot attend, but you seem to be another who proves the benefits. Well done and keep it up !!

I have a FEV1 of 31%. Doctors think I am a lost cause yet I don't feel that way. I don't take any oxygen and can do moderate exercise and walking. It's got to the stage that I don't even go for the lung functionality tests anymore.

Hi eleanor

Congratulations on doing so well, that is great news.  Keep in mind though it is likely to be the inhaled lung medicine like spiriva that is allowing you to breathe easier and be more active.

Yes lung function can fluctuate and probably the tests are reliable, however the day you got tested for instance there could have been high pollen count which would account for a lower reading, even though you may not be aware of any impairement in breathing.  By the same token another person may be having real difficulty with the pollen but lung function showing no deterioration.  Some times there is no accounting for how we feel and what test results or lung function tests show.

You could in fact have another lung function test in 3 or 6 months and the results could be different again.

Just make the most of the feeling good days.

Best wishes V

Eleanor -- An interesting report from you and it would be good to have updates on your general wellbeing over the next 12 months.

I am not yet convinced that lung sufferers are on a road to nowhere. My belief is correctly managed some significant repair can be achieved provided a holistic routine is followed. Other than one setback (a very heavy cold) in October, resulting in a chest infection, I have been fit for nearly 2 years. It is clear each of us has to take precautions. For me, I have ceased winter calls on the grandchildren as they always seem to have colds and flu.

Out of choice I have stopped medication and wait to see the results of a strenuous work programme and exercise routine. Another year will show if anything is accomplished. It has also crossed my mind that encouraging others to follow similar habits is not smart;  it is possible some readers have multiple health complications, besides age, and taking things to excess can harm a few of them.

In sum, I can confirm your findings. There is possibly no remedy better than a healthy diet with plenty of mileage thrown into the mix every week.

Hi there eleanor, I am from NZ and I too was diagnosed with Copd 3 years ago and like you I feel great I do moderate exercise still walk well I try to get walks in 3 4 times a week I still work casual hrs in retail where one is on ones feet for hours I take an inhaler once a day and just rock on.....admittedly I do have dry to phlegmy coughs but not always as each day is different depending on the weather. I also have the annual flu injection..good on you...keep up your health and well being routine for quality life.

Sounds like you are doing all the right things and are reaping the benefits!! I was newly diagnosed in Oct with mild COPD and I have started exercising, stopped smoking, changed my diet and I feel really great. However, none of my tests have shown any improvment and the mid range breath FEV25-75 is even worse than before though I dont feel my asthma is any worse. Enjoy how you feel. All these tests are great but reading how your body is responding to what you are doing may just be the best way to judge what is working for you