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

Posted by vcecere @vcecere, 3 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.

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jerdonus | @jerdonus | 3 days ago

Find a rehab and go through the program and continue to be active and exercise lungs and body every day. This is my 3rd year-still golfing! I take 3 inhalers and prednisone-I'm 82 and also have congestive heart failure. Keep truckin!

vegac | @vegac | 3 days ago

Greetings vcecere. I know how you feel about being diagnosed with COPD. I don't know what kind of COPD you have. I was diagnosed with COPD by June 2024. This happened when I went to ER for feel short of breath and anxiety. The doctor sent me to do a CT scan and she told me that I have mild emphysema. I was almost in shock. But by the time I start reading about my condition and educated myself. I was prescribed a inhaler twice a day and Prednisone as needed ( in my emergency plan)
Try to exercise ( walk, bike, some weights) and keep monitoring your breath. Some days are good but some days are not so easy. With the time you will feel more in control. It's true that this condition gets worse with the time but with good medicine, therapy, diet and good attitude you can handle the condition. I have my next appointment in October. Keep educating yourself and keep reading about the condition. There are new medications that help to have a better life quality. I have 64 now and I keep going to the gym and I keep reading about this condition every day. Good luck.

jenicamom | @jenicamom | 3 days ago

Hi, I have had COPD for 15 years now.
I take trelegy inhaler once a day.
I caught swine flu in Jan of 2024 and it took awhile to get rid of its affects on my breathing. I am slower than I use to be, but I am also 77 now. Stay strong by physical exercises. It helps!
I wish you the best and welcome to the club!

vcecere | @vcecere | 3 days ago

Thank you all for your comments and support, I am feeling a little better now 🙂

Mary | @mjb24 | 2 days ago

@vcecere It is true that COPD is a progressive disease, however, with the right medication (inhalers), exercise, healthy diet and avoiding breathing in cigarette smoke, chemicals and anything else that is harmful to your lungs, the progression can be slowed down. We are all different and have different additional health issues or not. Be comfortable with your pulmonologist and follow a good health driven plan. Do what you can and enjoy each day!

dustydawn | @dustydawn | 2 days ago

I have had severe COPD since 1997 and asthma since I was a child. The best advice I can give you is to stay active and take your prescribed medication’s. My best friend is my nebulizer. Do not let this disease define you. I have been at stage four for the last 20 years and I still do everything that I used to do, albeit a bit slower. I use oxygen at night and as needed during the day which I seldom need.
Ask your pulmonologist about pulmonary rehab. I learned so much there and I believe it’s what’s helped me stay relatively active. And that is the key to this whole disease stay is active as you can.

randal | @randal | 2 days ago

Stay active. Get into an excerise class and other ways to increase your capacity to move. Many options on youtube and thru pulmonologist.
Stay healthy and active.
I have been on 02 for twelve years so work at staying healthy and active.
Good Breathing
Randal

pierrew | @pierrew | 2 days ago

I'm 72, was diagnosed 5 years ago, freaked out too. But like everyone here says, staying active is the key, a bit of weight lifting, walking,( I have a treadmill for the winter), keep away from inhaling cold air, and yes keep educating yourself but know that there are a LOT of scams out there who will try and sell you a magic cure. It doesn't exist! Follow your doctor's advice and take it one wonderful breath at a time. Good luck.

crabby55 | @crabby55 | 1 day ago

I was sure the drs had gotten something wrong. I was dx as mild COPD January 2025. I was much relieved when one of the moderators on this site said she has had no progression in 10 years. Dust and smog/air pollution/exhaust are my major triggers. When I travel I do carry face masks in case I encounter one of those. I still do everything I always did including run ( slowly, I am 71) 5 days a week for 3.5 miles. I also lift weights 3-5 x’s a week. I think both of those really work the lungs keeping them healthier. Any exercise as we age is good.