UPDATE: My partner has a brain aneurysm AND NOW DIAGNOSED WITH COPD - please help

merlin68

I have had tremendous help from the british lung foundation, they have been really helpful and run support and exercise groups for people with copd.
I went to one today and it was really good. They will also help with benefits.
I only get lrc and lrm. Do you know what her lung function is as mine is 50%.

fifitrix123

I have COPD but am not entitled to any help with DLA or benefits, however I do have a blue badge and bus pass from the council if that helps?
The bus pass fools everyone as they think I am 60!!! Mind you I probably look it!!!

Oldernotwiser

Nice_Username wrote: »

UPDATE: My partner has now been diagnosed with COPD.

Does anybody have any advice regarding support groups, and whether this entitles her to a blue badge, financial assistance etc? This has come as a real shock, she has been wheezing a lot lately but they always thought it was asthma, now we have learned it is COPD which is irreversible.

My husband has very severe COPD but in the early stages you're unlikely to qualify for any financial help as it's only when it's well advanced that people have care and mobility needs..

The site mentioned is very good and I can also recommend http://www.copd-international.com/ although it can be very USA orientated.

There are Better Breather support groups organised through the BLF (who are absolutely useless by the way!) but you should push for her to be seen by a specialist or you'll get stuck being dealt with by your GP. You really need to be proactive to get decent care for COPD but it is available if you push. I would strongly recommend that she asks to be referred for a course of pulmonary rehabilitation, which has been an absolute life saver.

If you want to pm me for any more advice and information, I'll be happy to help.