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Im 17 and yesterday i was told i have COPD.

Posted , 10 users are following.

faith11593
faith11593

I just want to know more about it. im only 17. im terrified. 

0 likes, 39 replies

39 Replies

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  • robertgreynomad
    robertgreynomad faith11593

    Posted

    So sorry to hear that you have been given this type of news without ANY sort of explanation as to what COPD  includes. It does cover a multitude of breathing type complaints and I would have thought that this would have been explained.

    Without having ALL of the tests that have already been suggested by the other contributors, you and the doctors will never know.

    I would point out that to my knowledge non of us have a medical qualification and therefore can only offer advise based on our own experiences.

    I find it really hard to understand why your doctor has treated you this way. I would certainly be getting a second opinion and expecting a FULL diagnosis based on FACT not fiction.

    I read an article recently that indicated that more than 60% of doctors miss diagnosed the symptoms of COPD.

    So it seems that we can ALL be wrong some of the time. Just don't give up and just keep insisting on the PROOF and the probable CAUSE that has led them to this conclusion.  

     

  • robertgreynomad
    robertgreynomad faith11593

    Posted

    Forgot to ask? where do you live i.e country and what work do you do ?.

    Wish you well.

  • aitarg35939
    aitarg35939 faith11593

    Posted

    Faith, I was terribly brusque in my earlier remarks. I apologize.

    Robert Grey Nomad is right: we're not doctors. In our various fashions, though, we are your cheerleaders, and we're always here.

    • robertgreynomad
      robertgreynomad aitarg35939

      Posted

      Thanks for your response.

       I get to the point at times with some of the comments that are posted, that some act as doctors and that the advise that they give should be followed.

       I have issues with my specialist at times, so  am very critical of some of the " advise " given here. 

      The biggest problem is the amount of lung complaints that have been placed 'under the COPD " umbrella.

      Its little wonder that some are totally confused.

      PLEASE go and have ALL the tests and get a definitive FULLY detailed diagnosis before you drive yourself crazy..I am 74 and now use oxygen when I do anything physical. 

      It wont be the :copd" that kills you but  the normal coughs and colds so stay away from anybody that is sick, especially grand children. 

      I developed a dry cough that just would not stop.. As a result it  placed such a strain on my heart that it caused a mild heart attack. So I think that I can offer advise. BUT  I will not nor cannot diagnose any complaint  GO see your doctor. IF you don't like what you are told, see another one. If they both come up with the  same results , then they are probably right.

      Don't give up, I do not believe that you have much to worry about given your age 

       

       

  • Vee2
    Vee2 faith11593

    Posted

    Hi faith, put into your search engine:

    "A Guide to COPD in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, and Beyond "  The website has the word health in it.

    In addition whichever country you reside contact the helpline of the Lung foundation or association in your country of residence who will be able to advise you what questions you should be asking of your doctor.  Perhaps you should also ask for a referral to a specialising respiratory consultant if you are not already under one.

    Best wishes V

  • david_36509
    david_36509 faith11593

    Posted

    Hi Faith , I pray that you do not have this problem. I am not a doctor nor a trained medical person but I did have severe Asthma when I was young . Know I have emphysema and COPD but I have been through enough test to know that they make mistakes all the time. I know it easy to right try not to over worry or to read these sites to much but yet I'm here right . But do go and seek out other options don't just go by a few they tend to think they know everything. My prayers go with you and I wish you the best.

    • david_36509
      david_36509 abhi3112

      Posted

      Abhi3112

      I was diagnosed last week after going through 5 different Cat-Scans , 3 MRI's some with contrast. I was first told I had what is called ground glass in my lungs. Then after all the test they called me to say they had good news . To be honest I'm not sure if that's good news.

    • abhi3112
      abhi3112 david_36509

      Posted

      How old were you when diagnosed ? I have asthma too, I am 33 yrs. I just wanted to understand what to expect in coming years and how to delay it or avoid it.
    • david_36509
      david_36509 abhi3112

      Posted

      I had Asthma when I was a kid very bad , i was in hospitals a lot and I grew out of it around 13 . I learned with the asthma even though it's hard to do try not to panic and I know it sounds weird but read a book out load and it will slow your breathing down . Also certain perfumes can set it off , I just found out 2 days ago I can't be around Rihanna perfume it almost put me in the hospital. Stay away from smoke , Ginny pigs , dogs and cats and fragrance aerosols , all these can irritate your lungs and trigger your Asthma. It is a life change and there is medication out know to help . I real wish the best for you and remember try to be calm and slow your breathing by reading out load slowly.

      God bless you and if I can help with I'm to please write me.

    • david_36509
      david_36509 abhi3112

      Posted

      P.S. please do not smoke anything, this was my down fall and it could make your Asthma developed into something much worse. I stopped smoking everything 16 years ago but my lungs where already damaged by the asthma and know I have emphysema and COPD.
    • abhi3112
      abhi3112 david_36509

      Posted

      That is the reason I am asking how old are you now which you still haven't answered. I need to know your age. 

      I used to smoke too but not anymore. I will try my best to avoid it and stay away from smoke. My asthma was not as bad as yours though. I am thinking a plan of action to delay it.

    • david_36509
      david_36509 abhi3112

      Posted

      I'm 56 and I wish I could step back , I would not even do the recreational smoking. I do have my asthma back with the emphysema and COPD. Don't even do here and there smoking remember you only get this life one time , for better or worse it's worth living. Women only have 3/4 of the lungs of a man so be careful.

    • david_36509
      david_36509 abhi3112

      Posted

      I'm 56 years old know , you have a lot of good life in front of you . Asthma gets worse and like me it can go to much worse conditions. Don't ever think you have your Asthma under control it controls you.

    • abhi3112
      abhi3112 david_36509

      Posted

      That is the reason I am on this community to better understand my condition and try to be on top of asthma before it gets on top of me. Will talk to my doc. to work on a action plan to delay it for as long as I can. Medical technology is growing really fast. I am hopeful by the time I grow old(next 10-15 yrs) there will be lot of treatments available or may be even cure for this deadly disease based on all the research that is going on around us.
    • david_36509
      david_36509 abhi3112

      Posted

      If you avoid certain perfumes and even a little smoking and cold dips in water you can keep asthma at bay. They do have medication for it.

      I wish you the best and your on the right track , your a young Lady make your life count and I wish you a the best Christmas.

    • david_36509
      david_36509 abhi3112

      Posted

      Also work on breathing exercises by taking a deep breath in threw your nose as much as you can and hold it for the count of 10 , then blow the air out threw your mouth til you have no more and repeat. This will help build your lungs , asthma doesn't let you get all your air out so you can't take much in. If you learn to push all your air out you can take a deep breath . The more you practice breathing exercises the better you will breath.

    • abhi3112
      abhi3112 david_36509

      Posted

      Well, I am a man not a lady...LOL !! But thanks for the advice. I will surly follow them.
    • abhi3112
      abhi3112 david_36509

      Posted

      Thanks, I do try that exercise to keep air in for 10 sec or more and breath out.  
    • david_36509
      david_36509 abhi3112

      Posted

      I am sorry except my apologies but keep up the breathing exercises and can go away if you avoid the triggers. Again young man have a great Christmas.
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