COPD
Well was at the Doctors on Friday just gone and he wasn’t that happy with my breathing so today (Monday) I have been to the local Hospital for a Chest X-Ray.
I am worried as COPD is in my family, has some of you may know my Mum had it and my 2 aunties had it so it’s very much at the front of my mind.
I was born like my mum with a Cleft Palate and Bone problems so the Doctors and Hospital do check me regular for chest problems but this first time I have been with a complaint with my chest.
What is COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also known as chronic obstructive lung disease, is the main term used to describe chronic lung diseases that are characterized by progressive limitations of the airflow into and out of the lungs, and increased shortness of breath as the disease progresses.
COPD, an insidious disease which is often first diagnosed after some of the lung capacity is already lost, is usually not fully reversible. It is possible to have early stages of COPD without knowing it.
The common characteristics of COPD are:
Shortness of breath:
breathlessness during normal activities
decreased exercise tolerance
Wheezing:
changes in your breathing
Chronic Cough:
excessive phlegm (mucus) production
morning “smokers cough”
Recurring respiratory infections:
bouts of bronchitis every winter
Prevention is the thing here, YES until recently I was a smoker and enjoyed it, but now I do regret starting, I know I may not have COPD but I could have it later in life so by not smoking I reduce the risk of me getting it, but if I have it then I reduce the risk of it getting hold of me by not smoking.
I could go on and on about COPD but it easier to take a look at this wonderful site Click here
And if you need to help to kick the habit Click here
Remember anyone can have COPD best to be safe than sorry.
Updated Blog April 2010
Another few weeks have passed since last blogged, so I will bring my followers up to speed on things.
Dean has had more and more Migraines and 3 weeks ago he finally got to see the consultant at the hospital who put him on Propanol and Naprox for the and ordered a CT Scan of his brain which he had yesterday (Wednesday 8th April) and now we have to wait on another appointment for him to get results, but think the medication is finally having some effect.
Over the Easter break we had Deans 2 younger sisters Michelle and Lisa for a week, it was hard work as it been a good few years since last had them, but even though it was hard work it was fun, but never known 2 sisters argue like these do, we took them out where ever we could weather permitting that was.
Michelle is at High School and think Dean thought she was still his little baby sister but she growing up now and more responable for her self, he helped her do her homework which they both enjoyed doing I think and she is like Dean in a lot of ways well I think she is.
Lisa is still only tiny looks like a little doll, the stuff she was doing and saying was bloody funny, she was quite happy drawing and playing her made up games.
The UK General Election has been called for 6th May 2010, and now we have election fever, most of the TV programmes have been changed to come into play for the run up to the election.
For the 1st in UK History all the 3 main party leaders Labour , Conservatives , and Liberal Democrats will have 3 live TV debates on the 3 main channels ITV on April 15th SKY April 22nd and finally BBC on April 29th so they are all hoping that this will give them the Keys to Number 10 Downing Street .
But the news is rife that this election would have us having a Hung Parliment last one was in 1974 so happen this is the year for one, who knows will have to wait till May 7th when its all done and announced.
Well not much more to say at the moment so will blog soon.