Diagnosed at 37

Hi , and thanks for your post. You have certainly come to the right place. We are here to assist you in any way that we can and, as you probably can tell, we are all about all things COPD and COPD related.

While others in the community may chime in and share their own personal experiences, there are some thoughts I would like to share with you.

You may be aware that COPD affects every patient differently. As well, treatment / therapy for patients with this condition, can vary from individual to individual. For many of our community members, they have shared the quality of their lives as well as their longevity here with the community. And yes, we have a good number of members who have been diagnosed at various stages of life - even the younger ages, like yourself.

There are lifestyles that can be followed that will actually help to slow down the progression of the disease. I thought, in view of your expressed concerns, this article, on that very topic, might provide you with some additional insight: https://copd.net/living/progress-can-be-slowed/. I do hope you find it to be helpful to read.

If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know.

You are always welcome here!

All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

40 when I got my diagnosis and I likely had it longer. I'm 64..quit smoking at 55. I wish I had quit upon diagnosis. I am 3rd stage now but still active..just slower and have shorter exercise sessions. Being diagnosed so young you should be tested for an inherited illness that causes copd but I cant think of the name. Ask your doctor. Eat well, exercise and practice your breathing (Google it). Take Vitamine D and an Omega. Take control by doing your own research. Use inhalers that are prescribed if you are at the stage that you need them. It sometimes takes a while to find what works best for you. You have good years ahead. Dont smoke!

Hi , and thanks for joining in the conversation here. We appreciate you sharing your own point-of-view as well as your candid personal medical history, condition, and the way you manage COPD for all these years.

You have a lengthy history and extensive experience and, from what you've said, you have this well under control and live your life accordingly. I'm hopeful others in the community, will look over your story and get some beneficial ideas for themselves and how they live with this.

You did mention the genetic etiology type of COPD - that is called an 'Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency'. Should you want to read more about it, you can access a good article at this link: https://copd.net/clinical/alpha1-antitrypsin-deficiency/.

Once again, I wanted to thank you for your input and feedback here. Please know you are always welcome in our online community.

Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

Hey juno1225

I'm new to the forum myself.
I was diagnosed after a workplace inhalation at 23. Life hasn't changed drastically except for my cardiovascular system really. All my excercise is strength and full body movements as well as HIIT -im talking 5 burpees at a time before I'm gasping. It helps me feel less panicked when I AM out of breath.

Neets has great points especially about the breathing exercises. Try yoga why not? Biggest advice though get educated and be proactive with your doctor or therapist.

Be up front with the people in your life too, this is an invisible illness sometimes people don't know how much it may suck.
Cheers brother
-Ian