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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2009 10:13:59 GMT -5
Hi, Thought I'd touch base with everyone and give you an update. I did the test back in June 18,2009 and was diagnosed with COPD. My Doctor put me on Spiriva , and take it daily. I went for a follow-up appointment today, July 21,2009 for a follow up, and my Doctor and I spoke about quitting smoking. The reason the Doctor stated not to worry about quitting on my last appointment was to see how I reacted to the Spiriva, as I'm also on meds for blood pressure and also had three stents put in 3 years ago after a heart attack. Because of the medications, he suggested the patch which I agreed to. Anyhow, before Spiriva, at times I couldn't walk 200 feet before I had to stop and catch my breath, but now, I feel fantastic. My tests indicated "severe emphysema" but the "strange" thing is, I feel better now (with Spiriva) than I had in the past 5 years ! I then gave my Doctor some advice, HE better stay healthy because I plan on sticking around for another 40 years and need a Doctor !!  ;D |
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Jul 21, 2009 14:15:05 GMT -5
You've got an "unusual" doctor shall we say Canuckster!
Good for you going on the patch! As for Spiriva; I'm glad it's working good for you. What other meds are you on? Also; just curious; you said you were "severe" Any ideas what your numbers are?
As for you heart and stents; we've a few members here that have been down that road so they'll certainly be able to relate.
It's good that you're feeling/doing better!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2009 15:39:09 GMT -5
Hi Blossom,
I could only think the Doctor's reasoning was I smoked for 30 years, 2 weeks wasn't going to do any additional damage . (My thoughts) Anyhow, went on the patch today, so will see where it goes from here. As far as the numbers, I didn't ask, I just saw the high lighted "severe emphysema " Sure am happy with the Spiriva !
Scott
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Post by susanny on Jul 21, 2009 21:54:25 GMT -5
Hi Scott., I am glad you are breathing better. Isn't it great? You'll feel so much better after you've been on the Spiriva for a while, and quit smoking. It's not easy, I know.
You have the right to ask your dr.'s office for a copy of the results of the test. Then you can tell us what your FEV 1 results were. It'll give you two numbers, one before and one for after you used the inhaler.
So happy to have heard from you again. Keep coming back!
Sue
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2009 7:47:39 GMT -5
Hi Sue and everyone ! Well, today is DAY 1, put a patch on this morning, said good bye to my 30 year "friends" (smokes).  Its going to be a little rough for the first couple of days, but then it'll get better. ( I quit smoking for almost a year last time) but you know the saying, " your a puff away from a pack aday", they're not kidding Oh well, just have to try again ! I put myself in this position, I have no one to blame but myself , just too bad it took me 30 years to see the light ! Just curious Sue, after I've taken Spiriva for awhile, I'll even feel better ? Maybe I don't understand this disease, COPD, but I was diagnosed as "severe" but I don't cough, can walk for miles, never short of breath and don't wheeze, AFTER I started with Spiriva ? I guess my point is I haven't felt this good in years and I'm "severe"?? Maybe I shouldn't rock the boat, huh ?? Sorry if I got off topic,,, but I feel fantastic !!!!!!!!!! Scott |
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Post by susanny on Jul 22, 2009 9:59:57 GMT -5
I apologize, Scott. I looked at your dates for starting the Spiriva and seeing the dr. and saw "July" for both. My bad. I thought Wow, he's getting benefits fast!
I wish the Spiriva had been that dramatic for me. I've heard people say they didn't think the Spiriva did much for them, and then after, stopping it for a while, find out it had been doing a lot. I'm not going to chance it. I'll just keep using is and be glad for what I am able to do.
Keep up the good work! I'll put in a good word for ya to the big Guy in the sky on the quitting smoking bit. Mastering that will, for sure, make you feel like a million bucks. If not physically then mentally. You did it once and must have been proud to have accomplished it then. Don't kick yourself for falling off the wagon. we've all done it.
If you have any good suggestions for quitting, as you are going through it now, you might share them. Who knows, you may have some magical words to pass on.
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;D
