Worried I have copd
What can I do if COPD shows up on a chest x ray ? I know I had signs of it a couple of years ago but coughing lately has prompted this recent x ray & I'm scared stiff !
Hi
. My heart goes out to you. The wait can be worst than the news itself should you have COPD. Probably the best thing you can do right now is to keep busy, No matter what is causing your cough, stress can reduce your immunity and make it worse. Keeping your mind and body occupied can help take your mind off things. If you do have COPD, know that we are here for you . It sounds awfully scary, but the reality is that many people live with COPD for decades and still enjoy life. There are medications to ease symptoms and lifestyle changes that can improve lung efficiency and slow progression. Feel free to post whenever you need to vent or have questions. You have tons of support here from people who get it. Keep us updated if you don't mind. Sending lots and lots of healthy vibes your way. - Lori (Team Member) Hello and thank you so much for your message , it means so much to me & I really appreciate it! I have health anxiety, which makes me think the worst, but your reassurance has eased my worry & I'm so grateful for that ...I'm still waiting for my X ray results & I'm anxious the doctor will call to say I have COPD, just worried it's nothing else as my dad had lung cancer & it plays on my mind constantly! I'm keeping as busy as I can & like you mentioned, it does help ...I will keep in touch thank you again for your support jean
Hi Jean (
). If it helps, it's been my experience that bad news comes within two days of testing. If the news is good, doctors often push off the notification a week or more because it's not urgent. I'm hoping that's why you are still waiting. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member) 
Ugh, I also have health anxiety and I can totally relate to your worries. It has helped me to try to practice mindfulness through meditation -- learning to focus on the present moment, learning to shift my perspective toward positive things, etc. Therapy can also help with this if that's something you're interested in. Just know that you're not alone and you can get through this. -Melissa, team member
I have found what the Moderators have already posted to be accurate. Dismal news travels at light speed. They want, and need to gear you up for actions in response to the changes you may experience. The longer the wait, generally for a simple evaluation, the better. It may not be as pressing as a more serious issue. Best wishes, and regardless of the results, the changes that it may bring are in many ways up to you to control and work with or around. Life always changes. Sometimes, things come along to move the process forward when we least expect it.
