Changing Medications and the Effects on COPD Sufferers

I needed a new doctor after moving. When we arrived in the UK, we registered at the local GP's surgery and I got an appointment to see her really quickly. This was all very surprising considering we are going through some trying times with the pandemic.

Changing my medication

At my appointment, my doctor gave me a thorough check-up in her office and we discussed my medication. I had fortunately bought with me about 4 months' supply of the meds I was on in South Africa.

Unfortunately, I was a bit worried that some of the meds I was on were not available in the UK. That was a bit daunting for me, as I was already in a new country with a new doctor. Changing meds was the last thing I wanted to do.

Effects

It's been about a week now since beginning the new medication and my body is slowly adjusting to them. It was however quite a scary time for me and it took a while for my lungs to really feel the benefits.

During the transition, I felt anxious, which led to more breathlessness. I think we are our own worst enemies sometimes. Through this experience, I have learned to adapt and embrace my new regime and relax more. It still has been difficult to keep tabs on everything as I'm not that close to my doctor yet.

Balance

Added stress

Finding the right balance when you begin a new medicine is so important. Beginning a new regimen can be extremely stressful for many people who suffer from COPD. There are so many challenges we face on a daily basis, so changing meds is an added stress. I had run out of my South African batch of meds, so I knew I needed to begin taking the new ones.

Acceptance

For the first few days, I kept feeling some side effects that I now realize were simply subconscious fears. After a while, my body relaxed and I accepted the new meds with ease.

Knowing your body

The only one

It is so important to understand your body and what works for you. I'm the only one who truly knows what my body needs and I learned that fairly early on with this disease.

A good doctor

After my diagnosis, I felt completely lost and extremely vulnerable. But I did some research and found out so much information about how I could help myself. The first thing I needed to do was find a good doctor who could point me in the right direction.

Empowered

I also knew that I couldn't cope without the right medication. The only way to do that was to follow my gut and find the right person to help me. I'm just grateful I did. He has set me up for life and I now trust that all that he did for me has helped me navigate this illness and be empowered.

Confident

I am learning to trust another doctor in a new country. I have been really blessed with some amazing people here. My new doctor is very kind and thorough so I'm sure I will receive the best possible help here. I am learning to trust a new way of doing things and I feel confident about the way forward.

Editor's Note: We are heartbroken to share that Liana passed away in November of 2021. She is deeply missed but her encouragement and positivity live on through her articles. Thank you for everything, Liana.