Just found out I have COPD and I'm pretty freaked out

Posted by vcecere @vcecere, 2 days ago

Hi, I just found out today that I have COPD and I'm pretty freaked out. The pulmonologist said I have moderate COPD and a little asthma. I went to the pulmonologist because they found a lung nodule during a CT scan for another issue. I had a PET scan and they said the nodule wasn't cancerous. Anyway, the pulmonologist had me do a breathing test in June and I just had my follow up appointment for that today and she told me I have COPD. She said it doesn't get better only gets worse but can be managed with medication she prescribed an inhaler. I just want to know if there's anyone on here who has had COPD for a long time, what things other than meds have helped you cope with it ? I'm just trying to get a handle on this and not be so scared.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Support Group.

jerdonus | @jerdonus | 9 hours ago

In reply to @tjphillipp "@dustydawn What’s everyone using for the mucus?" + (show)

@tjphillipp Musinex 12 hour relief. As needed!

tjphillipp | @tjphillipp | 6 hours ago

In reply to @jerdonus "@tjphillipp Musinex 12 hour relief. As needed!" + (show)

@jerdonus is it a pill or liquid?

tia8marie | @tia8marie | 4 hours ago

I was diagnosed 7 years ago. I take Trelegy and was Judy started in Outovare, Formoterol and Budesonide as nebulizer treatments. I’m staying positive. Try and keep away from all fumes. Especially cleaning supplies. There are some good breathing exercises on you tube and also in some of the posts in the COPD support group. Be well!

tia8marie | @tia8marie | 4 hours ago

* just

jerdonus | @jerdonus | 2 hours ago

In reply to @tjphillipp "@jerdonus is it a pill or liquid?" + (show)

@tjphillipp

jerdonus | @jerdonus | 2 hours ago

Pill!

jlk12 | @jlk12 | 1 hour ago

Don’t panic, whatever you do! COPD is a slow progression for most people. I was diagnosed in my late 40’s (around 2004) with mild COPD. Unfortunately, I didn’t take it seriously and continued to smoke until I was 64. I’m now 71 and managing with oxygen. I went on oxygen at nighttime in 2017 and in 2024 I had an exacerbation that put me in the hospital for 2 nights. That is when I went on oxygen 24/7. I have Emphysema and it is now considered severe. Keeping active is your best medicine. I have a walking pad and use it at least 4-5 days a week. I do stretching, breathing exercises, and about 10-15 minutes of various exercises during the day. I also have Severe Spinal Stenosis so when that flares, I need to ease up on exercising. I take no medications for my COPD other an inhaler called Stiloto Respimat. 2 puffs every morning. I stay active, I travel, dine out with friends and family and continue to enjoy life. You got this. Easy breathing!