Could I have been misdiagnosed?

Question

I went to my doc because I felt I wasn't getting enough air out sometimes.  She had me breathe into this thing to measure how strong my lungs were.  I had over 60.  She told me I had COPD. What? I freaked and thought I had a death sentence.  She told me since I stopped smoking my COPD would not get worse, but would not get better.  She shook my hand and told me good luck with my weight loss (trying to lose).  I got no information from her, no meds, no follow-up appointment...I have never had Bronchitus,  emphazima nor do I even have a cough. I do lose my breath easily when I exercise though. I know I am out of shape . I have read a lot about COPD and seem to have only one symptom...the breathing. Could I possibly have Asthma instead?  Sorry for my spelling!

Matt · Accepted Answer

So your doctor told you that you have the early stages of a progressive, and currently untreatable pulmonary disease.  Losing weight and getting in better shape will probably slow the progression of your disease.

I have news for you.  You do have a death sentence.  You are alive.  That means you are going to die.  COPD is not going to kill you any time soon.  You don't even notice it unless you are workign out.  So try to build some more stamina and lose the weight, which will help to alleviate the (very mild) symptoms you currently have and slow the progression of the disease.

Bentley · Answer

I would definitely go to another doctor.  I am surprised she did not order x-rays to confirm her diagnosis.    I was diagnosed 10 yrs ago.  When I was first diagnosed, I was not given any medication nor much information.  Exercise as much as you can to get your lungs working.   It's not a death sentence if it ends up you do have COPD.  But I would want more information if I were you.  Before you go to another Dr.  Write down all of your questions.

Jackie M · Answer

Advanced asthma can be considered as copd and if this is what you have surely the doctor would give you an inhaller? I would go to another doctor and ask advice, Good Luck

april · Answer

That's not asthma either. Go to an intelligent dr.

mildred f · Answer

You can have more testing of your pulmonary function.  Try that.  You go back to your doctor for episodes of severe distress.

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Could I have been misdiagnosed?

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