diagnosed with copd, advice please

hi, approx 18 months ago i was finally given a chest xray, told there was thickening in my lungs , my dr. diagnosed c.o.p.d. i had explained how i couldnt walk fast or climb stairs etc, as i felt i wasnt getting enough air, it felt like i was trying to walk in treacle, i was just given an inhaler, which is no help, now its getting much worse, and i have to sleep propped up, i am in the uk(england), and i havent been offered any treatment , or advice to help me in any way, they just dont seem to bother with it, just tell us what it is, my mother died last year with asthma and copd, i just wondered if anyone has any tips on how to live with it, i was just told its progressive, and i am very depressed now, my dr.says just do what you can, as there is no cure,  thanks

[teko]

No there is no cure, however, if you smoke stop! NOW! If you smoke and have copd you will die much sooner than otherwise. Secondly, stay active! Do not sit down and give in to the feeling of having no energy or breath. Practice walking and doing it daily, even a coupe times a day if you can. Ask about a test called the pft, which is a breathing test done by a pulmonologist. Then c if you can get into pulmonary therepy rehab if offered in your area. Having to sleep semi upright is pretty normal as things progress. Also keep in mind that copd causes heart disease as well so it is imperitive you fight and stay as active as you can... C a pulmonologist and ask about oxygen usage and availability.

[sudie58]

well , i just wanted to know any tips on how to live with this, and anything i can do to help me feel better??? i would be grateful for any advice.

[teko]

No there is no cure, however, if you smoke stop! NOW! If you smoke and have copd you will die much sooner than otherwise. Secondly, stay active! Do not sit down and give in to the feeling of having no energy or breath. Practice walking and doing it daily, even a coupe times a day if you can. Ask about a test called the pft, which is a breathing test done by a pulmonologist. Then c if you can get into pulmonary therepy rehab if offered in your area. Having to sleep semi upright is pretty normal as things progress. Also keep in mind that copd causes heart disease as well so it is imperitive you fight and stay as active as you can... C a pulmonologist and ask about oxygen usage and availability.

[sstitanic2]

teko has given excellent advice. You probably have sleep apnea and might benefit from a cpap  Above all keep your chin up and live a full and productive life. Learn as much as u can that keeps the fear factor in check.  Good luck and keep us informed.

[sunbev]

I have Copd--they just gave me Advair diskus 100/50,   BUT I also have PSVT  this is when your heart starts beating really fast ie: 135 + beats per minute and I have to take( Metoprolo Succ ER) to keep my heart from racing....I hear everyone say that the Advair makes their heart race...and it is one of the side effects....anyone know if the heart med will keep this from happening? I have yet to try the Advair as I just got it today---and I am supposed to use it in the AM and PM one puff.....

[teko]

First off that dosage of Advair is pretty low so you must be mild? The metropolo is strong stuff and my husband was on it and it caused all kinds of side effects with him, so research and be aware. I would ask the pharmacist about any conflict of interest the two meds have. (They know more about interactions of drugs and such than the actual doctors do). Let us know what you find out k?