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COPD in your 20's

hihat092

Hi all,

New to the forum. I've been looking for a support system like this for a few years now but I had trouble finding anybody in my boat so to speak. Wondering if anyone has had a similar trek so far.
Asthmatic at 5
Started smoking at 16
Workplace fumes inhalation at 21
Coughing blood/short of breath on and off
Bronchoscopy and eventual lung biopsy at 23 and home oxygen for 6 months

I turn 29 soon, and I'm looking for tips on how to improve quality of life. I excercise regularly, do moderate physical work and don't smoke (previous smoking history)

I get everyone on this forum knows what it is like to function as a person with limited lungs.

Long story short! It's not bad, I can deal with this and have been for 6 years. But the idea that I need to keep living it like this for 30-40 more as it gets worse makes me wanna get super proactive.

Thanks for reading this far,
-Ian

Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
Welcome Ian! You've gone through a lot for someone so young. However, I applaud your attitude and desire to be so proactive.

You've found a great resource in this site and community. You'll get both support from other community members and expert advice and help from the subject matter experts and articles.

One of my first pieces of advice would be to make sure you have a good exercise routine, but it sounds like you've got that one covered. Good for you!

Is there a pulmonary rehab program in your area? I would suggest checking in to it as that could be a big help. You'd find support and help in learning new ways to build your body and lungs up.

Do you have a pulmonologist that you like and feel comfortable with? It's very important as they will be the one to help guide you through this journey that will include medication, exercise, diet and so forth.

This article comes to mind, so I hope you enjoy: https://copd.net/living/maximizing-quality-life/

We're happy to have you as part of the community and hope you find a lot of benefit from it.

Best,
Lyn (site moderator)
1. hihat092 Member
  Hi Lynn
  
  Thanks so much for the reply and the useful article, I found some great info there I do have a pulmonologist who actually diagnosed me and was very helpful during the time immediately surrounding my lung biopsy.
  
  Personally I'm finding this site very helpful mentally/socially I'm sure you understand the nuances of invisible "disabilities" so to speak. It's not something i often get talk to people about. Good to see everyone is pulling together!
  -Ian
cmember Member
Hi Ian,

Keep exercising.... a 20 min. treadmill walk every day is good at a minimum...or outdoors is okay too.

Here's my Smoothie list.... choose about 9 ingredients and go for it! Helps with increasing calories and protein. The Olive Oil has many benefits... the Right kind of fat!

Spinach or Kale
Oats (for calories/fiber)
Olive Oil (2 Tbs=30ml = 240 Cal) 'good' fat source
Avocado
Honey
Peanut Butter
Garlic clove
Chia/Hemp/GreenTea Seeds (fiber/good fat) 1 Tbs
Strawberries
Pineapple
Apple
Banana
Grapes
Blueberries

Wishing the best for you!
1. cmember Member
  Thanks Melanie,
  
  My present Smoothie ingredients are actually a little strategic as I need calories and the "good" kind of fat and things I lack in my daily diet. So I try to make up for that with my Smoothies. I actually make enough to last 2 days. I never knew Olive Oil was so good for you! And that you can just add it to smoothies. Oh well, it's been fun researching all the nutrition.
2. melaniem Community Admin
  That is great! I saw that you have some other recipes that you have posted also, I am going to have to give them a better look! I am glad to hear it is a source of joy for you! (Tasty, tasty joy!).
  
  ~Melanie (team member)
MikeD Member
well you've got me beat, as I got diagnosed at 38, and am 42 now. My plan is to keep the physical activity going. Join a gym and find a team sport you like and can handle. I've been playing ice hockey since my twenties, and it's perfect because it alternates between action and sitting on the bench every two minutes!
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
  Hi Mike and welcome! I see you recently became a member here joining earlier today (10/29/22), and we're glad to see you are already engaging here in conversation. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. Remember, you are always welcome here in our online community.
  Wishing you well,
  Leon (site moderator COPD.net)