Have you recently received a diagnosis of COPD? I am sure that you have a lot of questions. You may be asking; what do I do next? You may also be experiencing many different feelings. I just want to tell you; you are in the right place.
- Allow yourself time to adjust: For some people, a diagnosis provides some relief that they are finally able to put a name to everything that they have been experiencing. For others, receiving a medical diagnosis sparks all kinds of feelings. You may be feeling overwhelmed, angry, scared, or a little anxious. Allow yourself time to absorb the news and work through the emotions. The amount of time this takes can vary from person to person. Be kind to yourself; you are doing a great job!
- Create a support system: For some people, their first reaction may be to hide the news. You do not have to talk about your condition right away if you need time to process this new diagnosis. But keeping your feelings to yourself can cause stress and may leave you feeling alone at a time when you may need extra support. Support can be found in many places. You can talk to friends and family or join local or online support groups. Ask your health care provider if there is a COPD support group near you. The COPD Foundation’s online community at COPD360Social is a great place to ask questions and talk to people who may have had similar experiences.
- Find information from credible sources: Having a new diagnosis of COPD may leave you with a lot of questions. You may want to search the internet for answers. While the internet is great for some things, you cannot always be sure that the information you are getting is correct or current. Using credible sources such as hospital websites or organizations like the COPD Foundation will help you get reliable information. Reach out to your health care provider if you have any questions; they are your best source of information.
- Take care of yourself: Things like exercise, sleep, and nutrition are important. They help to keep you healthy and living well. Make sure that you are getting enough sleep and participating in some form of movement/exercise each day. Talk with your health care provider before you start any kind of exercise routine. Eating well-balanced meals and drinking enough fluids will help strengthen your body and help you stay healthy. It is essential to not only pay attention to how you are feeling physically but also to how you are feeling emotionally. If you notice that you are starting to feel down or anxious reach out and talk to someone. When you receive a new diagnosis, it is easy to focus on what is wrong. Make sure that you are spending time each day thinking about what is going well in your life. Practicing thankfulness and doing something each day that brings you joy can lift your mood and help keep you healthy and happy.
- Take it one day at a time: It is important to remember that each day is different. Some days are better than others, and that is ok. There may be days when you do not have the energy to do the things that you used to do. And there may be days when you feel like you can take on the world! Listen to your body. Rest when you need rest, move when you can move, and take it one day at a time. You’ve got this!
The COPD Foundation has some wonderful resources for those with a new COPD diagnosis. Learning about your new diagnosis can help you live well with COPD.
Let’s chat. What did you find most helpful in navigating a new COPD diagnosis?