I went to doctors because I have had major out of breathe this week iv had it for ages but this week has been horrible my oxygen levels was 90 at doctors and because of chest pains arm finger rib ect he sent me to get checked for blood clot they wouldn't as I'm 22 but they are sending me to blow in some tubes I raised my concerns with copd as my dad has it and apparently at my age I have like 0.00001 chance of having it unless iv been smoking 50 a day since I was 10 I'm worried I have it iv had awful breathing problems I'm only 22 and iv lost lots of weight I'm now 8.6 stone from 11.10
Hi Steph , my heart goes out to you, it's frightening when you can't get your breath. Hopefully your doctors will get you the right tests etc to find out what's wrong. Good luck and try to stay strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Xxxxx Julia
Hi ,it's scary not being able to breath properly, hopefully your GP will sort it out for you ,I wish you well ,
That does sound worrying Steph, so the sooner you have whatever tests are recommended the better. "blowing in some tubes" will be a spirometry test which shows your lung function percentage and is used to diagnose emphysema and other COPD conditions.
If you dad has COPD from smoking, did he smoke in the house, because if so it's possible to develop COPD from passive smoking, although you are very young for such a diagnosis.
Weight loss with COPD doesn't usually happen until close to "the end" I'm told and certainly hasn't affected me so far, wish it would because I'm stuck at 90k for years now and it stays there no matter what I do.
Please Steph, try not to worry too much until you have the test because this can create anxiety and breathing problems too.
Good luck and please let us know how you get on ...
Thanks all does anybody know how long it takes for the results to come back I'm in UK ?
I don't even know when they will get me a appointment I'm already a anxiouse person aswell I'm afraid so this has sent me into a anxiety meltdown even more than I was 😢
Steph, just ask them! If you turn up anxious you give them an easy excuse to say that's what's causing your symptoms, which it could be, but other possibilities need to be eliminated first.
What are you doing about your anxiety and do you know what causes it? Whether or not you have a serious lung problem anxiety is also a serious issue which I think you need to address before it totally takes over your life
Hi Steph, try not to worry (easier said than done, I know). There are many reasons for breathlessness, that may not be serious ones at this stage. You may have undiagnosed asthma, or some inflammation within the lungs due to a viral infection or allergies to something you are exposed to (eg. animals, house dust mites or pollens). The tests that you will have will be to see how impaired your breathing is and you may even be sent for xrays and/or scans in due course, but that will be to rule out anything nasty. Once the doctors have all the information, it may well be that you are prescribed some sort of inhaler or medication to alleviate any inflammation and improve your breathing. It need not necessarily be a diagnosis of COPD in your case. You have youth on your side. If it makes you feel any better, I went through 3 months of hell at the end of 2014 as tests had showed my lung function was only around 50% and I had some 'nodules' on my right lung. I am 54 and a non-smoker. I got into such a state of panic because I convinced myself I had both COPD and lung cancer. However, the nodules were benign, not cancerous, and although I do have COPD, I am now using an inhaler which has greatly improved my symptoms. I also had to have steroid medication for 10 weeks to reduce inflammation in my lungs. While I was so anxious, my GP prescribed me some Diazepam to help calm me and help me sleep. It is important to look after yourself, eat healthily and try to get good quality sleep, especially with all this going on in your life. Good luck with everything and I would urge you to go to your doctor if the anxiety is getting too much to deal with. By the way, anxiety can contribute to weight loss, especially if it is affecting our appetite. Take care.
That's a great response stephx, I hope she stops worrying because anxiety can so easily cause symptoms which make the anxiety worse
So sorry to hear that you have gone through and the anxiety 😔
I wish my mind would rest today has been like a nightmare I can't focus I'm snapping at everybody I was suppose to be sorting funeral flowers out and I just can't bring myself to get up and out because I'm so focused on this or what's wrong with me and the questions am I going to me it to tommorow ect ect I just wanted the hospital to give me a reasonable answer to why and what could cause my oxygen to be that low I suppose you just answered it although they said my chest is clear from listening in Thank you for replying makes my mind a little at peace xx
Afternoon stephx
I'm sorry to read about the condition your in it's not pleasent at all & is a worry & you are very young though it's not unknown to effect very young people & younger so I've read reserching this disease though more common in people way above your age but please don't panic you made the right move in seeing your doctor who has sent you for furthur testing regarding your health meanwhile I do know it's extremaly differcult to take your mind of how your suffering right now, but could you try for your self to find something you enjoy maybe reading or something else just to take your mind away from your worries right now I know it won't take the problem away but it could ease your mind even just a little is better than nothing try if you can to focus on something pleasent if you can! if you can I hope the info I've given helps even a little but it's up to you you take care of your self dear & hope you get the answers your seeking & we are all here to offer support & guide!x