Diagnosis

Hi Andrew, I'm Doris! Welcome to this awesome site for those of us that suffer with COPD! I, like you am just another person with this disease and saw your post and thought, hmm maybe I can help. Yes, I am long winded by the way.


Being anxious about a diagnosed disease of any kind is very normal for most people. Could the doctor have gotten your "staging" wrong, anything is possible. Since you are questioning this, getting an answer for sure would be helpful to ease your thoughts. Here in the USA we can request a 2nd opinion from another doctor (Pulmonologist) in this case of course and our insurance have to assist in help paying for it. There is something you might want to consider, getting a 2nd opinion?


As for the Staging process I truly do not know the total medical in's and outs of it, but in simple terms that I understand is this. The PFT (pulmonary function test) is done measuring the intake of air into your lungs compared to the "average lung capacity" and then measuring of the output of air you are able to push back out. They (doctors) then take these numbers, find the percentage with a math equation and then compare that to a chart someone came up with a give you are "Staging" you being what they said as a Stage 2, nothing else is really used for staging other then those particular numbers, AGAIN this is MY understanding how it works that was explained to me. As for what our symptoms are, that is where we are all individuals and each are a little different no matter what Stage we are in. Treatments are similar and if they are not giving you relief then by all means let your doctor know and they can adjust medications to help hopefully. As time passes and you continue doctoring they will eventually do another PFT for this disease is progressive, then this new test will be compared to your last one and it will let them know if you disease (your lungs) has worsened or maintained with the treatments you have been receiving.


Examaple using myself. 2 years ago after a weird infection I was diagnosed at Stage 4 (end stage) wow scary, but I thought that was wrong for I was not on oxygen, I was walking and talking okay etc...I did some reading, asked a lot of questions and then here I am. Sure glad that I did for I thought I was going to be a goner in no time at all. Here I am today, my lung function has not worsened, but I do have other symptoms now, finally after that 2 yrs, fighting lung cancer this last few months I am now finally on full time O2, but still have the same amount of lung function I did 2 years ago per a new PFT.


Hoping for you that you are able to find your answers, try to relax, learn about your disease we share, and enjoy life to the fullest! Yes, there is blips on the way sometimes, but as you learn what things effect your COPD you will learn to avoid those like the plague. Chemical and Chemical smells, strong smells of any kind from shampoos to laundry. No smoke of any kind, if you have allergies please try to get those under control. Keep those lungs exercising, eat as healthy as possible, but still enjoy the good stuff too. You have a lot of years left of fun with the family as long as you take care of yourself and God forbid no weird accidents.


Best to you Andrew!

Hi again, Andrew. 😀 I'm glad you're here with us and asking more questions about your COPD diagnosis. As you discussed before with and others in the community, the "stage" given with COPD is a simple classification of how well your lungs are working compared to healthy lungs.

We have many members here of all "ages and stages," including stage 2. With time, you might come to notice that each person with COPD is different -- so some people may be feeling better or worse, or have trouble with some activities and not others, etc.

The most important factor, in my humble opinion, is not about what your exact test numbers are, or what stage you are, although those things can be useful points of information. To me, the important thing is -- how are YOU feeling, Andrew?


It seems from your post that you aren't feeling as well recently. People with COPD often go through periods of ups and downs. Of course, if you are ever feeling concerned or having trouble with your symptoms, you can and should let your doctor know. It may be that you could benefit from a medicine change or other support. You can also seek the opinion of another doctor, if you are concerned that your original diagnosis was not accurate -- that is your right.

I hear how deeply you care about your family and how much you want to continue to do well. That desire is so powerful! Having the right medication and taking good care of yourself by eating well, exercising in whatever way you can, and practicing pursed lip breathing, can make a huge difference. Also, a positive and hopeful attitude can't be underestimated! If you feel like you are having a lot of trouble with anxiety, you might consider talking with a therapist who specializes in people with chronic illness. They can give you the space to express your concerns as well as some tools to feel more at peace.


We are all here for you, Andrew. Thinking of you! -Melissa, copd team

‘Hi,Thank you so much for reply’Wow that really hit home for me’ Im eating well n getting fresh air daily and im now not smokeing as much as before and im in a good spirits and enjoying each day as it opens’Sending you and people who might read this a very good day to you all’Remember to take each and every day as happy as you can make it’’Its good to talk 🙏🏼

Hi ! You've received some great replies and support from my colleague, Melissa, and our community member, Doris! I wanted to share a couple of articles that piggyback along with their comments that I thought might be helpful and informative. 1) https://copd.net/clinical/what-is-pulmonary-function-testing 2) https://copd.net/clinical/early-stages-what-to-know 3) https://copd.net/living/tips-for-staying-healthy-early-stage It sounds like you are doing well with taking care of yourself as you adjust to your COPD diagnosis. Know we are always here to listen when you need support. There are so many fabulous people in this community who are always happy to share their experience and lend encouragement to others, especially those who are newer to this journey. We are glad that you are here. Reach out anytime! Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (team member)