That's why I've joined this forum.I was diagnosed with severe copd about 6 weeks ago and prescribed bronchiodilators.Since then I walk 2 hours a day including hill/steps and about 1 hour per day the other 3 days of the week.I have not been short of breath since beginning the inhalers and my coughing has lessened to about twice a day.I cough up about half a teaspoon of gunk per day.I saw a second gp about 3 weeks ago who said the copd must be mild/moderate rather than severe.When I had the original lung function test I had severe bronchitis which had been misdiagnosed(!) for ateast 3 months and I was a very sick girl.Any thoughts on all this?
Hi Eleanor, OK what are the problems you have found with GPs as the treatment you have been offered is by all accounts working for you.
Hi. you can look around and find plenty of advice here. You have a funny sort of COPD if you can manage all that hill/step stuff, well done. Can you join an insurance scheme, then go straight to a specialist ? Good luck - jay
Hi Jay,I am a bit perplexed myself!I am going to see a specialist on 20th August so maybe he can shed some light on it.My diagnosis 6 weeks ago was "severe copd."I feel really good after I climb a hill or stairs,as if my lungs have opened up.I saw the lung physiotherapist today who, after treating me said he thought I was a lot better and I didn't need to see him for a fortnight.I was terribly upset after the initial diagnosis and thought I was going to drop dead on the spot,but I seem to be doing lots of stuff now.The bronchodilators are obviously working well.What is your own situation?
Hi. I have had chronic bronchial asthma all my life, Symbicort 160 2x daily and occasional Ventilan , halved the dose after buying a saltpipe. They said I had a heart condition years ago and copd, but I ignored that as I was busy. Well the heart thing kicked in and now I eat more drugs, Verapamil 2x daily. Must have been a shock for you. I am slower now bu then never been very fast except when motorised !