Re: Sue / all--

[Guest guest]

Sue- yes these conditions- R/A, and many others like Crohns are quite common in people with COPD.

Also the meds we have had to take for so many years- the anti biotics, the steroids, and early days the antihistamines all played havoc with us--

THUS many of us now with bone probs, allergies to almost everything and bowel probs etc.

Luckily through so many of us finding out the hard way- doctors basically trying anything and everything on us -- ( those who have had bronch most of lives-) there is a much better awareness of the dangers of too many AB's, too many steroids, too long stretches on them all etc.

Doctors are more aware and so are WE.

Serevent, Atrovent- can leave nasty problems if not given a break from etc.

even ventolin has its good and bad--

I was never able to take any of the powdered forms - all aggrevated my asthma- in fact often brought on attacks--

Sigmacort, pulmicort also made me quite unwell--

Once you find something that does work- best stay on it-- until the best you can be then ask docs to help find an alternative- so can have a healthy break from the usual-- without getting into too much trouble.

That way you can take the breaks 3 times a year etc.

In the good times also get the body used to some new things like fish oils, herbs and spices , garlic, ginger, sage, root vegs, purple colored vegs etc-- NOT to substitute, but to compliment-- gradually building a healthier you- and then maybe docs can then safely wean you off things to a safer dose long term etc.

I did it that way---

I have sadly too many other problems now at 63- BUT believe me-- I would never ever allow doctors to keep me on high doses of anything now-- and no long stretches- ever--

I am far more learned.

Too late for my internal organs and my bones and muscles-- all because of medications doctors saw worked and well just left us on them--

It is NOT too late for anyone to learn about there illness, and the good and bad things-- especially if newly diagnosed.

What you read here- should be a good guide to take note of- even print some things off and take with you to your next visit to specialists and doctors-- they are often learning too, and are pleased to see you taking a real interest in your conditions etc.

Whether prescribed meds- supplements, herbs, better ways of PD etc-- all are worth trying when time is right- and under SUPERVISION of a chemist or doctor and or BOTH.

Also remember stress and anxiety can be major cause of a lot of our lung probs our breathing etc.

Garlic is anti coagulant too, like aspirin--often is a substitute for aspirin

many of the meds will have same side effects-- fluid retention- too

Thus the need to drink lots of water- and keep kidneys flushed, liver clean, pancreas clear too-- liver damage can be fixed without a disaster IF people keep all flushed with lots of water- at least 2 litres a day--

If retaining fluids, ask docs to add a fluid tab to take only till fluid goes, then alternate days till under control- don,t want to leach out your potassium and all the good things.

Keep well.

Sandy OZ