How I learned to manage my wellbeing after being diagnosed with COPD

Being diagnosed with COPD knocked my confidence  

When I was diagnosed with COPD, it really shocked me. I was in denial that I could have it, as my mum passed away from it when she was 87. I was only 63 when a healthcare professional first mentioned that I could have COPD. 

I was overwhelmed, and I felt vulnerable. It really knocked my confidence, and I didn’t know how I could build it up again.  

But my wellbeing is better now compared to when I was first diagnosed. I’ve adjusted to living with it. 

I learnt how to pace myself and when to rest 

I think it takes time to learn what helps you manage your wellbeing, and it’s important to be patient with yourself.  

I’ve found that it’s about pacing yourself more than anything. You have to make adjustments around things you can’t do anymore. I learnt it’s okay to say, ‘Sorry, I need a rest’. 

Don’t be afraid to try lots of different things. You can keep them in your kit bag to help you look after yourself.  

Managing my breathlessness helped me take back control 

I’ve learnt that breathing techniques are vital when I’m feeling stressed. When I feel panicky, I can forget to breathe out. The Asthma +Lung UK support groups like Singing for Lung Health taught me lots of helpful techniques and tips, like remembering “If in doubt, breathe out”. They also reminded me that breathlessness is good when you’re exercising, but speechlessness (struggling to speak) is not. 

I didn’t know I was eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), but I found out through the Asthma +Lung UK website. I got referred by my GP, and it was so helpful. I learnt a lot about managing my COPD and breathlessness, and I felt like I gained lots of strength by the end.   

I walk lots more now. A few years ago, it took a lot for me to do a 10-minute walk. Now I can do 30 minutes of walking.  

Mindfulness helps me start the day in a good place 

I find mindfulness and meditation really useful. It helps me to start the day in a good place and to be more present. I enjoyed the Asthma +Lung UK Mindfulness for lung health online course, which helped me learn tips to relax.  

I like doing a calming morning routine to prepare myself for the day. For me, this means I do things like get some sunlight and spend some time with my cat. This helps me wake up gradually. 

People with lung conditions need understanding from loved ones 

Especially when I’m feeling low and stressed, I find it helpful for people around me to take the time to listen and show understanding. 

I don’t think I fully appreciated or understood how difficult it was for my mum until I experienced having COPD myself. There are days where even just getting out of bed can feel like a challenge. 

Support groups made me feel less alone 

It was really reassuring to find the Asthma + Lung UK website because there was a lot of information about COPD.  

I tried lots of the Asthma +Lung UK support groups, and I still go to Singing for Lung Health most Mondays. It made me feel like I was less alone and there were people out there I could ask for help and advice.  

I actually found it a bit scary going to support groups at first. But at the same time, it’s motivated me to appreciate what I can do now and to look after myself as much as I can. 

I’m now tackling the big dreams on my bucket list  

I’ve decided to do all the things on my bucket list that take the most effort now, while I have the strength to do it and while my health is good. I enjoy travelling, for example, and recently went to India with my husband. It was tiring at times, but I’m so glad we did it. We’d been wanting to go for ages. I’m saving the other things on my bucket list for later on.