Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.......

[MBLayfield]

I just got back from the doctor today. I was a walk in because I couldn't breathe. I have asthma and figured I was having an attack.

Well, long story short, I have COPD. And I'm scared as hell, madder than that, and even more ashamed of myself. I've been a heavy smoker since I was 13. In Oct. I "quit". I've been taking wellbutrin and am down to 3-5 cigs a day but never totally stopped. After today I'm quit, completely. I knew something was wrong with me this weekend when I couldn't even go a few steps without panting.

I've been crying and am terrified of what the future holds for me now with this COPD. I'm only 34 years old. I knew that smoking was dangerous and caused disease and cancers, but I never listened. Now as I sit here with a bag of inhalers, albuteral for a nebulizer, steriod pills, etc. I have to tell my husband and family and I don't really know what to say.

I'm typing and I'm out of breath. I guess this is what suffocation feels like..........

Just needed to talk I guess. I'm terrified........ Thanks for listening.

 

[rooster-red]

My Mother has had COPD for the last 10 years now, and there are good days and bad days but it dosen't have to be a death sentence.

It does take some adjustments to your life style.

Mom just got back from her 3rd cruise in 6 months, so it doesn't have to stop you from doing the things you want to do.

 

[Katy]

Be strong and know that you can do what you need to do for your health. You know all of us here will be praying for you.

 

[jkcove08]

I am very sorry to hear you have COPD.. My father had asma and COPD.. It can be a very dificult disease to live with but with proper management you will still have many wonderful years! It is always hard to believe what everyone tells a person and you always think it wont happen to you. Make sure that you follow through and quit smoking instantly!!! Listen to your doctor and take your meds regularly. Good luck!! Jenn

 

[eggchel]

Im really sorry that you are going through this. I think that the first thing to do is to spend some time online researching the condition so that you learn everything that you can about COPD, current treatments, and who the top specialists and treatment centers are.
Gather as much information as possible. It will help your family understand and will help you make choices about treatment etc.



Chel

 

[Cats Critters]

The name COPD sounds like something I heard before

But what is it . I can't think

 

[ncgnance]

Breathe in, Breathe out, now, calm down....I was diagnosed with COPD 3 years ago. I finally went to the pulmonary specialist because I just couldn't get air into my lungs anymore. First of all, learn all you can about the disease. You can do alot to help yourself. Next, QUIT SMOKING!! It's not easy, but then neither is dying. I quit, for a while, then starting having 1 a week, just to keep the weight off. It finally took a heart attack to make me stop. You are young, so maybe that's in your favor. Maybe the damage is not as bad as mine. If you're overweight, get it under control. Exercise--its good for you and your lungs. COPD, as I'm sure you know, stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder. That means that it can be bronchial problems, emphysema, ashma, or anything wrong with the lungs. Chronic means that it won't go away, but if you're smart, you can keep it from getting worse. Good luck, you can live with this...

I just read your last remark about suffocation. Yes, it is alot like suffocation when you can't get any air into your lungs. There are excercises to help you with breathing. You have to learn a new way to breathe. Get on your computer and read all you can find. Or maybe your doctor gave you the literature to tell you how to breathe. It is very important for you to learn how. Anxiety attacks come when you can't get air, and that only makes it worse. Been there, done that, no fun. But everything I'm telling you comes from experience. Good luck....

 

[cockadoodlemom]

I know nothing about copd but I will be praying for you

 

[sunnysidecluckers]

My mother had COPD. Unfortunately she passed away in September. She also had Emphysema. For her COPD got worse over time and it was bad towards the end. It is like suffocating. I watcher her go through it. And towards the end. Nothing helped. Hopefully your case of COPD is better treatable . I wish you well.

 

[Yogiman]

My heart goes out to you for your condition and my prayers are with you and for you. Know this:
For every day you STOP smoking you add a day to your life.
My father passed away 30 yrs. ago after having been diagnosed with COPD and emphysema 14 yrs. prior to his death. His having quit smoking extended his life. At his death the doctors said that he had 1/8 of his lung capacity, thus the feeling of smothering.
My MIL was diagnosed with COPD and lung cancer 3 yrs. ago and passed away 18 mo. ago.
My sister (age 60) was diagnosed with COPD 2 wks. ago. She has extreme difficulty conversing due to a chronic cough.

It is so sad to see a person with COPD/emphysema on oxygen, remove the oxygen long enough to smoke a cigarette.

Don't give up hope whatever you do. Pray for strength and courage. But by all means "stop smoking immediately". You have a whole life ahead of you provided you don't sacrifice it for the want of a cigarette. There are tons of aids available to assist you quitting.

You can do it. Life is to precious and you have your family to consider as well. Good luck and God's blessings to you and yours.