Posted by garyTX....Chris Post... on 5/9/2008, 9:38 am
69.46.49.216

New to COPD.?..conditions we need Posted by Chris M. on 8/8/2007, 11:01 pm 216.39.190.182 We have perhaps three new folks on the forum today, so it helps to know what you need other than just a diagnosis. First, you need some patience. You really need to find some good Docs who understand your lungs...it's seldom your old friendly family Doc you've bent to your will for years...You need the best meds possible, and all we can do here is make some experience show...Find a Pulmonologist if possible. Lung specialist. You need to learn how to take your meds. When you inhale something, you don't want to treat the back of your throat! Getting meds into your lungs where they belong means you need to get clearance. You may even need to treat nasal problems...or coughing problems. We need to be fairly relaxed. If we are all bent out of shape with angst over all of this "stuff" one doesn't breathe as well. Your meds are trying to relax muscle groups that tightened in your breathing tubes, so don't stress out and tighten everything up with more stress...Rushing will get you nowhere. Pacing things...calming down will do wonders for your lungs as well as you, in general. One got addicted to oxygen at first breath of birth...Don't invent a new problem. COPD lungs are so tattered up, they often don't exchange out the bad air (CO2) for good air, (O2)...If your disease has done some damage you may well need to add some extra oxygen to help your brain and heart get enough to work well...oh yeah, and your lungs. COPD usually means we slow down...That includes getting stuff done. You may not realise it, but you've been slowing down for years...compensating for less oxygen circulating. Muscles get quickly out of shape. You may even be pushing yourself off chairs to rise...or having trouble combing hair. Ask your Pulmonolgist if you can be prescribed Pulmonary Rehab. It's a program certified by Medicare for improving your ability to walk, exercise, avoid infections and introduce basic exercise while you are monitored...It's important. Most studies show that those who attend do better over time...and no, I can't give you book and page, but after reading this forum for years, those are the ones still contributing, still alive and thriving. No, you do not need to have an annual infection, especially that "goes straight to your lungs.." We spend a good deal of time suggesting how you can avoid ending flat on your back all choked up...Converts are posting regularily, and thriving! Which is part of the picture: get informed! Know as much about this disease as others who thrive and stay well, year after year. One way is to keep on reading, day after day. Folks here are dedicated to beating this dumb disease, so you might want to wander in and benefit. Know everything you can about your own condition. Your records at your Docs office are things about your body...You may ask for and get copies...just as if you were thinking of moving to a new Doc, you may want to add some(Docs) and they want more info about you. Get copies of any tests run on you. Yes, you will probably have to sign a bunch of releases to get past the "confidentiality Laws" to protect you from everyone else...BUT not from your understanding and abilty to go back and compare results and learn about over time. Yes...tests are priviledged imformation but YOU may see what your body has and does. Get copies of tests...The next test you don't have to repeat for a new Doc will convince you... Always ask questions...ask us, ask silly questions or good ones...the only silly question is the one not asked...We may not always have the answer, but sometimes we know where to look for the answer. We can only make suggestions based on our opinions, not as medical folks. You must let your Docs do the prescribing...They do have medical degrees and much more experience. One very good question is: "Doctor, What can I do to help myself?" Just listen! Your Doc may even pause..shocked that you wish to participate in getting better, staying healthy...It's often a novel approach and Docs are sometimes not sure you are serious...so give a break before you object! Hope some of these helps, and I bet others have have even more suggestions.

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