Does this happen to everyone?
In my reading of this site I have read a lot where people have had a cardiac arrest or something going on with lungs, collapsed.
Is this a normal thing for people with COPD?
Hi Sandy, and thanks for your post. You've made a good point and raised a valid question, too!
First off, there is nothing 'normal' or 'expected' when it comes to a cardiac arrest. As well, a collapsed lung is nothing that anyone should 'anticipate' or 'expect' in terms of having a collapsed lung.
I have been reading all the posts here on COPD for many, many years. My feeling is the comments about experiencing a cardiac arrest and/or a collapsed lung are unique to the community member posting it. The fact that several members have reported similar health care events is coincidental to the site and a statistical probability for the number of members we have registered.
I do hope this brief reply addresses your concerns.
What do you think, Sandy?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I agree with @CopdGirl that it depends on each person. If I may give you an example of mine and my families experiences. I am 1 of 6 siblings. 4 of us have COPD, mine is caused by RA, 2( a & b) bro and 1 sis (a) by smoking, 1 sis (b) because of MS, and finally 1 sis (c) by severe untreated Allergies and Asthma. We all are hereditarily exposed to Coronary Artery Disease with bro (A) no heart issues, bro (B) heart attack and stents placed, sis (b&c) both having heart attacks and stents, sis (a) nothing, myself 3 stents placed no heart attack. See even though we have the same diseases we are all still different. Neither the Lungs or the Hearts in all our cases caused the other to go bad or have issues. Yes, it could possibly happen to some people I would think, but not to all. I think for you to maybe get a good peace of mind and reassurance it would be best to talk with your doctors, even ask for a check up with a Cardiologist to ease your mind, it never hurts to get what the medical world calls a base line for future reference, just like they recommend for mammograms.
As for lung collapses with my family, I am the only one that has what was found is small air sac collapses sporadically throughout both lungs. The others do not. Oh and we are all at different stages of COPD, lucky me, I am the worst, but a middle child of the heart issues LOL...
Hope this helps you ease any worries, but again always check with your medical team for you are a unique person and they advise you about you..Thank you for the information. And as you said it is different for all. I pray and hope to not have either.
