depression and fear of newly diagnosed COPD person
My husband was diagnosed with COPD 2 days ago, the doctors assistant called us and told us over the phone. We have not yet seen the doctor to discuss this diagnosis further, however my husband read on the internet that his live expectancy is 5 years at most ! This has thrown us into a whirlwind of emotions !!! Can anyone help us to alleviate these extreme emotions? I don't know how to console my husband and I don't know how to deal with my own fears. thank you for all your input
Hi Valerie58 and thanks for your post - I know that you and I have had previous conversations here. For reference purposes, here is a link to those conversations: https://copd.net/members/valerie58/.
Our topic has been consistent and, it is very understandable. With a new diagnosis of COPD (for your husband), this can be challenging, intimidating and even overwhelming at times for the two of you.
Sometimes, my feeling is, the 'doctor internet' can be somewhat detrimental. No one, and no entity, can predict someone's life expectancy! We have community members in our COPD.net community who have been living productive and rewarding lives with COPD - for many, many years.
Since COPD affects everyone differently, and treat can also vary widely from patient to patient, life expectancy can vary considerably as well. There are ways to live that can help slow the progression of this condition as well. For your convenience, here is a link to an article that focuses on that very aspect of the disease: https://copd.net/living/progress-can-be-slowed/. I do hope you find it to be helpful in a practical way and, will share it with your husband.
Should your emotions and anxieties continue over your genuine concerns, you may want to bring this up to your physician. You may want to seek assistance through counseling or even a support group.
What do you think?I am glad to be speaking with you about this again, Valerie58!
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Thanks Leon is very helpful to me too!
Hi again, GlaceSoundRacer - so glad you were able to benefit from the comments here.
We truly appreciate your feedback for this concern.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Yes you are always helpful and very informative!
Thanks, again, GlaceSoundRacer - be well!!
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
