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So scared

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deborah77892
deborah77892

Hello all I hope some one can help.  I have had a dry barking cough on and off for months, maybe 12 minths.  Been to the docs a few times and was told my own body would fight off the weezing.  Never has done !  Went back to the docs today as I have been up most nights barking like a dog, dry and sore and uncontrolble.  I am 56 and a smoker.  She asked me to blow in a tube and my result was I had the lungs of a 65 year old.  She did say her test was not accurate so I am having the other test in a few weeks as that is the earliest I can get in.  I was also sent for chest X-ray which I had today.  Doc started me on reflux meds but said it is likely to be copd and there is no cure. I am sat here petrified, the X-ray will not be sent to my GP for 7 to 10 days.  The cough is oainful and hurrendous.  It is at an all time worse even the wheezing keeps me awake it is that noise.  And very breathless.

1 like, 20 replies

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  • sandy58386
    sandy58386 deborah77892

    Posted

    Hi Deborah!

    Bless your heart!!  My heart truly goes out to you.  We have ALL been scared when we are told "it's COPD", myself included.  I too coughed all night long and was very breathless.  My oxygen level was 72.  I was diagnosed in January 2014 with COPD; was inaccurately diagnosed 2 years before that with asthma - wish I had gotten the correct diagnosis originally.  Since January 2014, I have been on Spiriva, Advair, and oxygen during the night.  I walk 2 to 3 miles a day and I am feeling great!  COPD is not curable, at this time, however, it can be controlled and even slowed down.  I have talked to/heard of people that have had COPD for MANY years.  I even talked to a person that has had it for 20 years!!  It's best that you are aware of it and learn how to "help yourself" by changing a few habits. Since you are a smoker, it is SO IMPORTANT that you quit!  I personally know a man that has had COPD for 7 years and won't give up smoking.....and he wonders why he feels so terrible!  I'm not condemning smokers, I quit 12 years ago so I understand what it's like to give it up! Don't panic, get a good doctor/pulmonary specialist and continue to LIVE!!  By the way, I am 72 years old and plan to live to be 95!!!  Bless you.....you CAN live a pretty normal life with COPD if you follow doctors orders and self-help.  A positive attitude helps a lot!!!  Hugs to you!!!XOXOXOX

     

    • deborah77892
      deborah77892 sandy58386

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply.  I wasn't told what my level was as this was done in GP surgery and was basic she said. I went thinking I had chest infection.  I am a bit vexed I had been a few times to see GP  and was told my chest sounded fine.  So imagine my horror today.  It is a lot to take in.  So am I right in thinking my GP will get the result of my chest X-ray and that coupled with the better lung functioning test (which is done by the practise nurse) my GP will then refer me?  Yes I know about the smoking and how I have to stop it is just common sense but I didn't run out of the GP and throw the cigs away. 

      My my cough is terrible and really hurts my throat. Is that normal. I was not given any medication just some reflux medication - I have another long night to face. 

      Os is it only a specialist who provides a treatment plan and at this stage you do nothing until diagnosis?

  • Patty1234
    Patty1234 deborah77892

    Posted

    Dear Deborah,

    sorry you are so scared.  It's normal at first...I was the same way.  Like Sandy, I was misdiagnosed as having asthma, which I've since I was 25 or so. Just a few months ago, I got the diagnosis of COPD.  I never smoked but my parents did.  I have oxygen at night which helps.  You do need to quit smoking...your PCP can help you with this and you will feel more in control.  I'm praying for you, dear and please know we all care about you and want you to have the best life possible.  We are here for you, day or night.  Hugs and best wishes for you...😉

  • eleanor55804
    eleanor55804 deborah77892

    Posted

    COPD can't be seen on an x ray. You need to get a CT scan and you have to be assertive even though you are not feeling up to it.Try to cut down on the fags while all this is being sorted.Ask for a referral to a specialist and don't take no for an answer. Be polite at all times but if your instinct is nagging you,take notice of it.It's ok,COPD is not a death sentence.Love and best wishes.
    • deborah77892
      deborah77892 eleanor55804

      Posted

      I am very upset today, left the GP with nothing to help me.  So had no sleep again last night with the cough,  I was lead to believe the the xray and test from the precise nurse would be the diagnosis.  So do you suggest I make another appointment with different GP or go back asking more informed questions.  I had not heard of it until yesterday.  I feel so ill.. Does copd flare up and then eases. Surely I won't feel exhausted and fluy all the time, this is the worst I have ever felt sad
    • hypercat
      hypercat deborah77892

      Posted

      Hi Deborah I don't know whether or not you are in the UK?  If so then a spirometry test is usually given to determine whether you have copd.  This will also give you your lung function.   Have you had one of these done?  This is where you breathe into a tube fast then slow etc.  

      Because you have a chest infection you will feel worse at the moment but once they have sorted out your meds properly and your infection goes you will start to feel much better.  Trust me.   

      COPD is constant but it can flare up when you have an infection or sometimes with other pollution ie traffic.   You will feel better soon.  x

    • deborah77892
      deborah77892 hypercat

      Posted

      Hi, yes I live in North East England.  The practise nurse's diary was not available for 2 weeks to do the spirometers test so I have to wait at least 3 weeks to jibe one done.  My GP had a basic test which I blew in 3 times it came up my I have lung capacity of 65 year old.  But I have an infection too which has not been treated.  I left with nothing but a card for chest X-ray and a 3 week wait to see the nurse.  I don't know how I will cope for 3 weeks the cough is so bad 
    • hypercat
      hypercat deborah77892

      Posted

      Hi google British Lung Foundation    They will send you out loads of bumph on copd.  They also have a free helpline and trained nurses if you have any questions.  if you need to get benefits they have an advisor there too.  

      They also have an online site which I am on which is brilliant.   The more info you can get the better.  x

  • linda83143l
    linda83143l deborah77892

    Posted

    hi I have COPD, at least they know now, the xray will confirm.

    I,was told in the same,way you were and I was mortified I didn't know what to do. Did I need to book my funeral.

    No COPD can be controlled now with inhalers, tablets etc.

    Don't wory about the xray results they are done with. Nothing you can do.

    Why not ask for "Pulmonary rehabilitation"

    It would be an advantage .

    I truly know how you feel, keep your chin

    With love, Linda x

    • deborah77892
      deborah77892 linda83143l

      Posted

      Hi Linda I asked for nothing because up until yesterday I had not heard of it.  Why is Pulmonary rehabilitation. Is this something I should have been given. I feel so upset today, due to a long night if hard coughing and I feel ashamed of myself. Only smoker in the family and I had been told about it for years. 
  • mandy1410
    mandy1410 deborah77892

    Posted

    bless deborah I know that feeling I too had to wait for my xray to be told there's mild changes of copd.and have to wait for other test.i am to very scared.i haven't smoked for five years now..and yet every time the doctor's check  my chest my lungs are never clear. I hope your results come back okay I can't say stop worrying because am the same . please let us know how you are getting on . i can't belive the doctor's has not given you and antibiotics and to say for a whole year that you will fight the infection off yourself is. beyond me. xx  smile here any time you fancy a chat to pick you up.
    • deborah77892
      deborah77892 mandy1410

      Posted

      Hi there, I got nothing. I feel so ill too.  I was awake barking like a dog last night I have woken hot and achy.  I won't be smoking again I cannot do this to myself.. Well I hope not  ~this is my intension.  I feel really ill today. Just can't believe I was not given anything to help before diagnosis. 
    • jonah23
      jonah23 deborah77892

      Posted

      I do hope you keep strong with your new resolution to stop smoking. My husband has COPD and had been smoking  for 50 years when he was first diagnosed 5 years ago. He did stop smoking. You will be Ok once you start the treatment prescribed by doctors and stop smoking. He gets that terrible cough, but he found something that helped him a lot with it. It is called broncho Mel. I get it by post from Dennis Chemists, but others supply it. It is honey. Of course he never misses his medication. Good luck.
    • deborah77892
      deborah77892 jonah23

      Posted

      Hello, I have found the broncho mel on amazon I will order some.  So a spoonful of that daily?  I have not been given any medication until the GP has the results of my chest X-ray and the spirometry test but I cannot have that done until after christmas.  I looked at British lung foundation and I think it have had a flare up which needs antibiotics - rang my GP again on the telephine service and she has prescribed an inhaler.  I feel so ill I nearly rang ambulance last night as the cough was making me so breathless.  My children and husband are very unsympathetic as I think they think I have a normal cold !  I ache in every possible place, cough hurts like mad and headaches.  And GP gives me nothing !   I feel fed up sad
    • jonah23
      jonah23 deborah77892

      Posted

      Hope by now your cough has settled. How are you doing with your effort to stop smoking? By now you should have received the bronchomel. Just 5ml morning and night. It is crucial that you stop smoking and follow instructions for inhaler prescribed by your doctor. A spacer might be a good  idea for puffs. Check with your doc. If you are still bad And suffering maybe you should  go to A & E. Might certify you with COPD quicker and right meds prescribed straight away. 

       

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