feeling depressed after being told I have copd

Chest and lungs
1

I had my spirometry test yesterday with the practice nurse even though I had an idea there was something wrong I tried to dismiss it I have been a smoker for many years but stopped smoking 28 day ago so I am early days on that at the moment

I blew 79% and all other test were fine the nurse said she wants me to have another blow test in 6 months she give me an inhailer bricanyl and said use it if and when I need it I don't get out of breath a lot have no cough but I feel so depressed about it all and find it hard to concentrate just like to ask how other people felt when when they were diognised

thank you for any replies

2

It is not unusal to feel depressed when we receive an initial diagnosis of COPD.

But looking on the brighter side, it is not causing you too many problems at the moment other than the psycholical effect of knowing that you may have it.

If the depression become a problem I would suggest that you revisit you with a view to obtaining some help with it.

It is not easy but try not to focus too much on the negatives - and maybe concentrate on the positives - the fact that you are still alive and are still able to live and enjoy the rest of your life.

3

That should say 'revisit your doctor'..................

4

i was diagnosed with copd at the end of last month and became depressed has mine was stage 3 but on the brighter side yours sounds good not taking away your fears but try and stay posotive 

5

That's a fairly good lung function percentage.

I was shocked when I was disagnosed because I'd been fooling myself for years that I was strong and healthy and it couldn't happen to me.  My then GP snapped me out of it very quickly by telling me to stop panicking, she'd just been to a patient's funeral who'd lived for 25 years with COPD!

Your lung function percentage is very good:  I was diagnosed with 30% loss about 3 1/2 years ago and have kept it at the same level with exercise, breathing techniques learnt at rehab and medication.   I'd stopped smoking about a year and a half before I was disagnosed, but had smoked for more than 40 years.

It's important you focus on the positives:  the most important one is that you've stopped smoking and that your lung function percentage is still relatively high.  The next positive thing to do as soon as possible is to get yourself to rehab.

A;ll the best

6

This is almost exactly what happened to me. I had 2 X-rays and was very frightened so, in a way, it was a relief to find out it wasn't cancer. I must say it was a wake up call. I hadnt smoked for 15 years but generally took my health for granted and was becoming overweight. I have, since then, taken very good care of myself - vitamins, exercise etc. I too became depressed and frightened. But the diagnosis was 5 years ago and I have told myself I am going to be fine for a long time. You can live with impaired lung function for years. My mother was diagnosed with poor lungs when she was in her 20s and is now 90 and still managing to get around very slowly. My advice is to take the very best care of yourself that you can by diet and exercise and you will find your general health improves and hopefully your lung function will stay as it is. This is definitely something you can learn to live with and put to one side as you go about your life. My doctor told me that keeping the lungs functioning as well as they are today is the important thing. Also he said, to my surprise, that as we age all our organs shrink but it is the lungs that shrink the fastest. That's why a lot of old people are breathless when walking uphill. Apparently there have been successful trials done in America relating to lungs so there is always hope that something new will be available before too long. Also, do find a Breathe Easy club near you if you can as they are excellent and extremely helpful.

7

Thank you very much seahorse your words have made me feel a lot better I just need to get that positive attitude back ☺ and I think I will nice to hear you are controlling yours

take care x

8

I was recentl diagnosed with COPD after being told by my GP that I 'only had asthma';  I have never been a smoker and was shocked to find that my lung function was only around 50%, so I was extremely depressed, especially as my own mum died from Emphsema.  However, the diagnosis meant that I could at last start using a steroid inhaler which actually does appear to be helping with my breathlessness and I dont have to use my Ventolin reliever inhaler so much as I did before the diagnosis.  My diagnosis was back in November and tomorrow I have a follow up appointment with my pulmonary consultant to see if my lung function has improved at all.  Although any diagnosis of COPD is bad news, at least the illness can be monitored closely and treated to slow down the progression of the disease and many people live for many years with a good quality of life if the illness is discovered early enough.  Your lung function still sounds pretty good, so fingers crossed you will get treatment which prolongs the function you do have for a very long time.  Good luck.

9

Thank you very much for reply

hope everything goes good for you at your follow up x

10

Thank you :-) x

 

11

For me I wasn't shocked when I was diagnosed ,as my breathing had been bad for a couple of years ,and a year to the day the year before ,,, of my diagnosis ,,,I had written in my diary,,," must give the cigarettes up there killing me ,,,,," after my diagnoses on that day I swore I wouldn't have another one ,,,and I haven't ,,I know ,,,that if I had carried on smoking ,,I wouldn't be here today ,going to gym twice a week and enjoying my life at 69 years of age ,,,I was diagnosed after being rushed into hospital with breathing problems,,,back in 1992 ,yes I have chest infections ,when I'm sometimes admitted to hospital ,but as soon as I'm well I'm back at the gym ,my advise would be ,,,,,,stop smoking ,,,,for ever ,,,,,eat well ,,,exersise ,,,and keep positive ,,,,don't think about the things you can't do ,,,think about the things you can do ,,,,my favourite pleasure is being here and being able to spend quality time ( when well ) with my gorgeous 12 year old grandaughter ,,,,that's all the incentive I need to keep strong ,keep well ,and keep positive .best wishes ,and keep healthy ,

12

Ty very much nanny I to just keep thinking about my grandchildren and want to be with them as they grow up my daughter is arranging for me to attend a gym with her I'm going to try my hardest to fight this I am so thank full for the positive attitude everyone has on this forum I wish each and everyone one of you all the best

your all stars ☺☺xx

13

Hi going to the gym with your daughter ,,,,,brilliant ,,,,you will benefit greatly from the exersise,,,,and you get to spend quality time with your daughter ,,that's a bonus ,,,,

not sure if we've mentioned pulmary rehab to you ,but if not it's worth asking your GP for a referral to them ,they are specialist nurses in copd ,,,,,,in my opinion ,,,,,,life savers ,,,,I can't speak highly enough of the benefits they have made to my life, 

good luck at the gym ,,,,take it easy to start ,,,but keep going, wishing you all the very best ,

14

I was just diagnosed a few days ago with mild COPD.  I did smoke and stopped about 32 years ago.  It has made me both panic and feel depressed all at the same time.  I have always exercised plenty, but I have noticed a wheeziness and slight chest tightness sometimes over the last few years; now that feeling happens on a daily basis.  Regarding inhalers:  With the recent research on anticholinergics (causing memory issues), I told my GP I would rather not use the long lasting bronchodilator (Spiriva).  My mother had Alzheimers, and I do not want to do anything to increase my risk of getting Alzheimers.  Therefore, I feel like I either need to let my lungs go or my brain!  My GP is very good; she sat with me for close to an hour as we discussed treatment, progression, etc.