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I've just been diagnosed with COPD.

Posted , 5 users are following.

Patty1234
Patty1234

I've been diagnosed with asthma about three yrs ago.  Because of  continued breathlessness, my neurologist ordered a Spirometry Test which is positive for COPD.   Wondering if I could have been misdiagnosed.  I've never smoked a day in my life, but both of my parents were chain smokers.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • AmericanGirl
    AmericanGirl Patty1234

    Posted

    Hi Patty1234, my mom has COPD and never smoked either, but her father smoked, as did my father, her 3 brothers and other family members. The doctor told me her lungs looked like a heavy smoker's lungs. Second hand smoke will damage lungs!

    Hang in there, it is managable on the right prescriptions.

    • Patty1234
      Patty1234 AmericanGirl

      Posted

      Thank you, American Girl for the encouragement...I'm only 61 and estimate I've had this disease for 5 yrs. now.  Thinking of you and your mom.
  • ladyjack51
    ladyjack51 Patty1234

    Posted

    Hey Patty1234,

    I'm 54 and have just been diagnosed with SEVERE COPD...and i smoked for over 40 years. Plus, both parents were smokers. I was so bad on Sept 3rd. 2014 when I was taken to the ER by ambulance...my blood oxygen level was in the 70 ' and normal is 95+ for most people, which u have probably learned by now. I didn't even register on the lung function test....I couldn't blow out enough to even register me. I was admitted for 6 days and sent home and instructed that I am to be on Oxygen 24 hours a day. I was devestated....and very depressed. They Set Up This Oxygen Machine Here in my bedroom...that makes oxygen continously, and I have 4 of those long tanks to take around with me...which are heavy and have to be pulled behind me on its own little carrier with wheels. They put me on Spiriva, another puffer with a steroid and then Albuteral for emergencies. This medicine is extremely expensive so  i had to get on the county program, but together they are the best treatment for COPD worldwide that we have bc they do work. Now...I haven't gotten to see my new lung specialist yet but I seem to only need the oxygen sometimes when I exert too much but I seem to maintain just using the medicine a pulse ox of about 92....With Oxygen it's about 95 to 97!!! I still need to get with a specialist and get permission to use the oxygen less but that's what my numbers look like now. There is hope and you can live many many years with this. As long as you exert a bit less and take your meds. And keep n in touch on here, you will Learn alot. Praying for you...ladyjack51

    • Patty1234
      Patty1234 ladyjack51

      Posted

      Hello there!!  When I was diagnosed, my doctor just  set up an oximetry test and left the room.  My ox measured 72.  We heard from no one!!' Being breathless is horrible and scary.   I finally got oxygen for night time use and day time if I need it.  I have this constant headache, sometimes really bad...that's the worst.  Thank you for writing me with encouragement!!  And so glad you are doing better!!   Praying for you as well...Patty
    • ladyjack51
      ladyjack51 Patty1234

      Posted

      Hey Patty....you shouldn't have a headache. Sounds like your Oxygen might be set too high? Or...when do you get the headache? Are you on oxygen 24/7? That's a flag that something is too high...Like your blood pressure maybe? I have no clue what else is wrong with you so all I can do is guess but you need to tell the dr about the headache. That doesn't just come with COPD. I never have a headache. If I use the oxygen it's just set on 2 ltrs. Let me know what you find out!!
    • ladyjack51
      ladyjack51 Patty1234

      Posted

      Patty...I'm also wondering if your headache is bc you can't breath....Like maybe your pulse ox is too low and you don't realize it? You have to purchase a pulse oximeter if u haven't already, so u can check yourself. Again...please let me know!
    • Patty1234
      Patty1234 ladyjack51

      Posted

      Hi Ladyjack!  My pulse during the night before oxygen was 72.  I need to purchase a pulse Oximeter to check myself during the night.  I also have sleep apnea.  Do I stick with CPAP Therapy or do oxygen therapy.  As of now, I'm on oxygen,,,can't do both!!  Thanks for helping me with this!!  Hugs and prayers...
    • ladyjack51
      ladyjack51 Patty1234

      Posted

      Hi Patty...you gotta ask your Dr about this...call his office and ask for the nurse and send him a message. My question is..why can't you do both? I don't have sleep Apnea but I still did the CPAP machine a few times in the hospital and was still on oxygen the rest of the time as well. I had a huge build up of CO2 in my lungs so I needed the CPAP to blow it out. I think the bottom half of my lungs is useless and could not move the CO2 out. Yes...go on Amazon and purchase a pulse OX....you need one now to check yourself. Please let me know sweetie!!
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