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new & looking advice etc

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Guest
Guest

Hi Folks, done a spirometry on friday & the results indicated copd with a lung age of 68, has freaked me out a bit & looking advice info before i return to the docs in 2 weeks time.

38 year old male smoking 30 a day, symptoms include breathlessness when active, occasional pain in left lung area when lying down, reflux in middle of night & fighting to regain ability to breath during these attacks, extreme tiredness when driving long distances & also whilst working at computer,difficulty swallowing food at times also & heavy snoring & also snore whilst awake.

In listing the above im hoping someone can relate to my symptoms & offer any advice, I hope to quit the smoking asap & i am looking for any advice no matter how small with regards to the above & hopefully find out what helps whether that be vitamin supplements or whatever.

Thanks in advance

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Vee2
    Vee2

    Posted

    Hi Wayne

    It is a shock when first diagnosed and your description of symptoms are well worth getting sorted asap.

    1. Stop smoking asap - this is extremely important and will help your symptoms tremendously, if you can't go cold turkey immediately ask your doc in 2 weeks about cessation clinic. Meantime try to reduce smoking.

    2. Ask for referral to respiratory consultant to be properly assessed and ensure you get the correct medicines for your health situation.#

    3. Snoring / tiredness you may want to ask if you can be fitted for a 24 hour oxipulse monitor as an aid to diagnosing or eliminating sleep apnoea.

    4. Mention all you have here to your doc - re the acid reflux, tiredness, breathlessness, snoring, pain in lung when lying down etc. difficulty swallowing food, don't leave anything out, it is all important information to help you get the right diagnosis.

    5. Try to keep up with some exercise such as walking out each day or walking inside in the warm when the weather is bad, this is also very important.

    6. Look after yourself with a good diet and getting your fresh fruit and vegetables, drink plenty of water too. Vitamin C is said to help for smokers and when stopping smoking as is drinking plenty of water to help flush out the toxins.

    7. If you get a cold see your doc asap so he can check your lungs to make sure they are not further at risk of infection. Try to avoid contact with people who have colds or flu symptoms as damaged lungs are much more vulnerable to infection.

    8. If you find you are now or become so in the future, out of condition re fitness levels do ask about pulmonary rehabilitation, this is useful to help you learn how to manage your lung condition successfully. Your GP or consultant can refer you - (its an NHS run course)

    Take good care Wayne and let us know how you go.

    Look after you.

    V

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Thanks for your reply, will be taking on board your points & hopefully start to get to the bottom of my medical condition.

    regards

    Wayne

  • Vee2
    Vee2

    Posted

    Good Luck with it all Wayne

    V

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