How was your COPD diagnosed? The standard definitive diagnostic tools are a spirometry or Pulmonary Function Test and a CT scan. It sounds like your gp is trying to treat something he really doesn't understand. Unfortunately, most gps don't know enough about COPD to adequately treat it. I would strongly suggest that you get a referral to a pulmonologist who can diagnose and then prescribe appropriate treatment for you. It doesn't sound as though your current pulmo is much better than your gp.

Secondly, there are many different anti-anxiety meds you could take and many that don't affect your breathing. Again, I would suggest that your gp is in over his head. My strong suggestion would be to find yourself a good mental health counselor who is well versed in anxiety, depression and management of chronic disease. S/He could teach you a lot of things that will help you control your anxiety without meds.

Third, toss the e-cigs. You already have compromised lungs; why are you adding more contaminants?

I strongly suggest that you get to some good websites and begin to learn about COPD. One of the best is www.copdfoundation.org

Helen.........I was stage one also...............with exercise and no smoking Im 99% oxygen level now.I don't think doctors understand some of the withdrawls and effects the meds they prescribe cause.Had horrible withhhhhdrawl from Spiriva..........about 10 days of shakes..nausea..........aches and pains.But I feel great now...............Now to Wendy......my PS told me the worse thing I could do is go to Eciggs.....so glad I didn't.If you have been on it 17 months doesn't sound like your planning to give them up anytime soon.Welcome to your new addiction!

Sherry Sorry you are not feeling well. yes the shock waves are ve ry real. hate it..get to feeling better soon... GOD BLESS.THERE IS A SITE THAT HAS Q&A ABOUT EFFEXER

Goodluck in trying to get off of ven lafaxine as i have been myself. But the side effects are so bad I can not.Been trying for years. Was on a high dose for long tine an gradualy came down and now im on 37 mg .i can go 2 days with out it and then it starts....I feel electrical shocks in my head and its bad..good luck with it ....

I totally agree with Jean.....it was because of wrong diagnosis from the start and failure to even know this COPD thingy........that i skipped ''Stages 1, 2 n 3'' and only after intubation and my first full Chamber PFT test, that i learnt i had COPD...Emphysema to be precise....

Just remember NO one shoe fits all with this disease, so you need to be pro-active and do lots of research...
....YES..finding a great Psychologist can help with the depression side which is totally understandable...

I also tolerate Chronic pain from Hyperinflated Lungs with Morphine BUT under the management of my Care Team.....So.....you can still enjoy a pretty good lifestyle, be it much slower paced and more dependent on external factors, out of your control.....

At 22% and no options, i still find that there are a few more good years ahead.....xxxxx