COPD and anger

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I can identify with how you feel. I am not quite having to use oxygen yet with my COPD, but my life has changed dramatically. I can no longer do the things I use to. I have to stay inside for the most part. I live in south central Texas where it is hot 9 months a year. Too hot to be outside and hang out with my friends and family. I live across the street from a lake that I can no longer go fishing in or enjoy hanging out on my daughter's dock and pontoon boat with my grand kids. I rarely get to go see my grandkids play soccer or little league baseball. The last time I did that (early March) I ended up with a bad flare up. I would love to be outside and play games with my grandkids. Or go to an amusement park, a water park, or just go hiking with them. Not anymore. But is it a reason to want to get it over with? NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT! I can still enjoy lots of things. I get to see my grandkids several times a week as they come to visit me. We play video games, set up the slot cars and race, set up my keyboard (I also play guitar) and recording station to record some music. I live next to a horse rescue. I get to feed the horses carrots. Not everyday and not for very long, but I still get to do it. I watch movies and tv series. I play my guitar several times a week (I have been playing for 65 yrs). I like to draw abstract art. I exercise, I clean, I cook, I can go to the pharmacy and get my meds, I am going to the dentist (tomorrow as a matter of fact) to finish tooth repairs, I do my nebulizer breathing treatments three times a day, I get to go to holiday celebrations with family, the list goes on and on. Sure, I cannot be outside a lot of the time, but I can hang out inside with relatives and friends and enjoy their company. Is it like it used to be? No it isn't. But we can make our lives fun and enjoyable with what we can actually do. We just have to live around our limitations. All my friends and relatives know and understand my situation with COPD and they respect what I have to do to stay as healthy as possible and not create flare up problems for myself. So I do not want to just want to get it over with. I have too much to live for yet. You might want to talk to a clergy in your area or seek some counseling. Talk to your medical team and get some help. Please!! Take care and God Bless!

Hi ,
Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty. It is not easy to navigate these immensely difficult emotions, especially the anger, frustration, and fear of the unknown that can come with COPD. Please know that you are not alone in feeling this way, and we are so glad you reached out to this community.
The progression of a chronic illness can feel overwhelming and incredibly difficult to accept. It’s normal to mourn the loss of the things that COPD takes away. Many people living with progressive conditions experience that same deep sense of grief and anger. Your feelings are valid, but you don't have to sit in the darkness of them by yourself.
While everyone's journey is different, finding ways to process these heavy emotions can help you reclaim some of the joy in your life. It can make a world of difference to talk things through. Is there someone you feel comfortable leaning on right now—a trusted family member, a friend, your doctor, or a spiritual leader? Please consider reaching out to a professional or a loved one who can support you through this.
I also thought you might find this article helpful: https://copd.net/living/previous-life-part-2. The other talks about the anger that can come with a COPD diagnosis and how to cope with it. Here is another article about strategies for coping when you feel overwhelmed: https://copd.net/living/coping-when-feel-overwhelmed.
I hope you find these helpful. Know that we’re here for you whenever you need us.
-Lori (Team Member)