Quote Originally Posted by ClockworkOrange View Post

So, for the last four weeks not been well, saw the Doctor and he said chest infection and gave me antibiotics and steorid tablets, then second visit still a chest infection but given stronger antibiotics, then told asthma and given more steroid tablets.

Had x-rays and a spirometry test. Final result is that I definitely do not have asthma but COPD?

OK, I generally rely on you guys for advice, so, any should or should not's?

I am so desperate to get back on my bike, been way too long to have not ridden.

Got to confess to going on the internet but there is so much, and personally it is always good hearing from people who know first hand about things.

Clock

As a person with COPD -patient- I suggest you see a pulmonologist and get full pulmonary function testing.
You'll want to get and keep a copy of the test results... all your medical records.
Generally, FEV1 is the usual number generalizing where you are...eg: mild, moderate, moderate severe and so on. Athletes usually range much higher than 100 when they're diagnosed and slowly decrease.

Check out the American Lung Association ... and you are in luck to have COPD in this day and age. It is not a death sentence anymore than anything else.

Other than medical...exercise is the single best thing you can do for yourself.

Riding a two-wheel upright may become challenging after a time... as our lungs expand ...but the recumbent is a great second choice.

Pursed Lip Breathing is the second best thing you can do for yourself... and the purchase of an oximeter is high on the list as well.
What would you like to know from a patient's viewpoint and experience?
Annie
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