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new diagnosis

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Ojo
Ojo

Hi everyone.

Yesterday I had the wind knocked out of my sails with the moderate COPD diagnosis.

Can't tell you any of my spirometry levels yet, not till I see my GP tomorrow. We have a respiratory nurse at our surgery who after the test sent me home with various inhalers.

I have been getting progressively more breathless for years but have always blamed this on the acid reflux that I suffer.( GERD ) No matter what I have tried the acid comes up & backlogs into my ' tubes ' at night.

After a bad attack the breathlessness would increased very slightly.

I have had this problem for about 10 - 12 years & taken all sorts of medications. .....

Only been with this GP for about 1 year. Last year needed a shoulder joint injection, which worked very well.

Since Christmas I was found to have a high B/P, blood tests last week showed high Hb level ( Haemaglobin) the GP & I discussed polycythaemia etc....... that was when I again mentioned the breathlessness. Hence the full spirometry test.

I hate to admit .......... I was a smoker , but gave up almost 17 yrs ago.

I have found endless pages of information on COPD, all of which tells you ....that once smoking has ceased the condition can improve a little.

None of my family or friends smoke, & I live in the country side.

Last week I was in Cornwall. Stayed in Mevagissey. The gardens at Heligan were just a bit too much, and it was at the end of that day that my feet for the first time were a little puffy, the Eden project was easier. Both were fantastic. Feet normal again.

We retired in July 08, and plan many holidays now that the cottage we bought is fully restored. My name is Jo, I'm married & grandmother,

Thanks for putting up with my ramblings.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Jacee
    Jacee

    Posted

    Hi Jo, These are not \"ramblings\", the are thoughts and feelings - both of which are very important. You have not had it easy have you? Positives? You have already stopped smoking and your diagnosis is \"moderate\" not severe. I have recently had GERD and found this:

    \"Pay attention to frequent heartburn. Constant heartburn can indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back into your food pipe (esophagus). This constant backwash of acid can aggravate COPD, but treatments for GERD can help. A pH Probe Study measures the amount of gastroesophageal reflux and will help identify if you have increased amounts of reflux and if it is causing you to have trouble breathing or other symptoms.\" So maybe this is impacting no your breathing at the moment?

    I am also a grandmother, and enjoy holidays. My diagnosis is severe and I still manage to go abroad regularly, the only difference being I need oxygen during the flights. You are lucky in a way as many of us did not get a diagnosis until very late in the day and so carried on smoking. Advice offered - is to stay away from smoke, eat sensibly, take regular aerobic exercise and enjoy your life to the max. I wish you \"Good luck\"

    Jacee

    xx

  • Knitty
    Knitty

    Posted

    Hi Ojo & Jacee,

    I had a huge shock last week, my mother is 76 years old & has many health problems. I rushed her to hospital on May Day Bank Holiday to be told she had COPD & was having an exacerbation. We are so shocked that we hadnt realised that was the problem as her father died of it years ago & my father died of it at age 54, plus I have it!

    After 5 days of steroids she is much better, she has now been given Flixotide & ventolin & has promised not to smoke again!

    She has been giving up & starting again for over a year so hopefully she will keep off them now!

    At least now I know I can keep an eye on her in future.

    Take Care All, Knitty x

  • Van
    Van

    Posted

    Hi knitty, hi ojo,

    Sorry I must have missed this thread somehow until just 'pottering' around the site today. How are you both? Hope Wales and Lincolnshire had their fair share of sunshine and that you managed to get out and enjoy some of it.

    Knitty, how is your mom doing? Has she come to terms with it OK? Let us know how you all are.

    Ojo is the cottage you mention in Cornwall? I live just along the coast at Polperro (near Looe), though I plan on moving inland to Liskeard later this year so I am closer to hospitals, breather's group etc. Funny though, I'm always wishing I had the energy to sort out a new life somewhere like Lincolnshire where it's a lot flatter than Cornwall, or somewhere in East Anglia. Daft really, it's just I have unrealistic dreams of being able to ride a nice red tricycle with a 'boot' on the back for my shopping - the reality of course is that I would probably only manage a few yards no matter how flat the terrain! :oops:

    Anyhow, hope this finds you both well and happy, lots Luv, Vanessa x

  • Jacee
    Jacee

    Posted

    Hi Vanessa,

    What a lovely image I have of you pedalling along on your red trike to the shops. I am sure you would manage it if the terrain was level enough, you do miles on your exercises don't you? Did you get DLA? With the mobility component? If so you can use this to get one of those snazzy electric scooters. Then you can REALLY whizz along.

    :wink:

    Jacee

    xx

  • Knitty
    Knitty

    Posted

    Hi Van,

    I hope you have got over the floods.

    Sorry I have been missing for so long, but things have not been too good & very hectic.

    Since Mum was diagnosed with COPD she has had Shingles & we have both had Cellultis in both legs!

    Now I have \"Children\" problems! I will pm you about it.

    One good thing, I had a Spirometry test this week & it has improved since my last one so I must be doing something right!

    Seriously, I had an exacerbation in the new year so I guess that is why the previous one was down, plus this good weather may be making a difference although I don’t like the heat.

    Take Care, Knitty x

    :lol:

  • Van
    Van

    Posted

    Knitty, Sorry to hear life's been so hectic for you lately, but GREAT to hear of your FEV1 improvement! :dragon: Blow girl Blow, well done you! Van x
  • Knitty
    Knitty

    Posted

    Yes, It was a great surprise!

    But saying that the nurse did say that with practice I would blow better & it was a different machine.

    I will be possitive at least it didnt get any worse!

    :lol:

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