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Misdiagnosis of COPD

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mikefc
mikefc

For last 3-4 years I have been using various inhalers, steroids and anti-biotics to treat asthma and chest infections. Last September after taking a spirometry test I was diagnosed as having "moderate COPD". I was finding it very difficult to breathe especially when out in the cold damp winter air and things seemed to be getting serious when one night i couldnt find my inhaler and was close to calling an ambulance as I felt I needed oxygen. Fortunately I found the inhaler and was able to continue without medical assistance... On December 22nd 2015 I had minor surgery for chronic sinusitis as well as the removal of polyps as I had completely lost my sense of smell and taste... Since that procedure was carried out the chest infections and breathing difficulties have virtually disappeared. I've not used my blue inhaler once and after seeing my GP i'm now only taking a preventative inhaler (strengh has also been halved) which im hoping to cut out completely at the end of this month. 

I'm not counting my chickens just yet but I reckon I was misdiagnosed by the spirometrist and having ENT surgery has cured my ails...

I sincerely hope someone reading this forum has the luck that I feel i've had and that someday real soon they find a cure for this ailment....  Mike  

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • jason16293
    jason16293 mikefc

    Posted

    Mike

    I am going in to see if I have COPD. I too had chronic sinus infections that I had minor surgery for. I was on inhalers too but also got very tired and fatigued. I am praying to God I don't have it but with an abnormal heart and lung x ray what else can it be???? Jason

    • Vee2
      Vee2 jason16293

      Posted

      your doctor will be able to advise Jason.
    • mikefc
      mikefc jason16293

      Posted

      Jason, if your GP doesn't come up with answers ask to be referred to a specialist especially regarding heart... good luck my friend
  • Vee2
    Vee2 mikefc

    Posted

    Hi mikefc, welcome.

    Sinus infections can cause lung infections and breathing problems, so glad you have it sorted now.

    Check in with your doc to get spirometry and peak flow measured, that way you may have indication if you are now asthma and COPD free.

    Yes a cure would be good, stem cells may be a possibility for the future wink

    Best wishes V 

    • mikefc
      mikefc Vee2

      Posted

      Thanks Vee, Yes doc has already asked me to have another spirometry test so hopefully will get all clear and lets hope your right regarding stem cells.....  Mike
  • DeeSmith33
    DeeSmith33 mikefc

    Posted

    I also have sinus problems, plus Gerd, and was diagnosed just yesterday with COPD, Still having a ruff time with all this, but still wonder if this is what i really have too with my sinus problems, allergies, and esophageal gerd, All of these things can cause breathing problems! 
    • mikefc
      mikefc DeeSmith33

      Posted

      Hi Denise, Its well worth asking your GP to refer you to ENT specialist. A CT scan will determine if you also need surgery and if so it may well make a difference as it did for me.. I still can't believe i'm breathing easy after years of breathlessness...  good luck  X 
    • DeeSmith33
      DeeSmith33 mikefc

      Posted

      Mikefc..I plan on asking her, and also talking to her about how Gerd can cause copd and cause other problems. Ive had esophageal gerd for 4 years, and allergic rhinitis since i was a child. So i think all of this plays a part.
    • mikefc
      mikefc DeeSmith33

      Posted

      I too reckon it plays a part Denise, fingers crossed for you and please let us all know how you get on       X
  • DeeSmith33
    DeeSmith33 mikefc

    Posted

    What type of surgery did you have Mike?
    • mikefc
      mikefc DeeSmith33

      Posted

      was diagnosed by ENT as having chronic rhinosinusitis and polyyposis so they basically removed nasal polyps and open up the sinus below the eye. Was my first ever general anaesthetic op and was a little nervous but I needn't have worried as I was in the operating theatre for approximately one hour and home about three hours later. No scars and no pain whatsoever just feel bunged up for a few days...
  • DeeSmith33
    DeeSmith33 mikefc

    Posted

    Mikefc, You were lucky! , With going threw Gerd for 4 years, its been about as much as i can tolerate, now this....and this is why i think its asthma, but i could be wrong. I made a appointment for tomorrow with a pulmonary Specialist. The Nurse Practictioner that ook care of me yesterday was nice and all, but i dont feel i got the correct DX...I just dont know...Im not doing good with any of this, and have felt so sick since yesterday...nausea and so nervous that im shaking! 
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