End stage
I visited my pulmonary doctor this week and he essentially gave me the bad news about being 'end stage,' which is always something that never comes until we realize it's arrived.
Trying to fit a new attitude into my approach to life is an early challenge that I hope will manifest itself soon. I am deciding to radically cut back on some of the activities that I once enjoyed, but that will require more than just saying so. If we garden, we weed.
I have begun discussing this with people who most likely will be my front line of defense moving forward, including the people who will have to pick up the slack for me physically.
At the moment, still not on 02, so that's a plus. But the actual physical changes were abrupt and not clear until it was explained.
I have no point to make here and it's too early to posit any advice either incoming or outgoing. I guess there is a certain sadness involved, but I don't want to go there. So I won't.
My only regret is not knowing anybody who ever climbed Everest.
-- John
,
I am so sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis from your doctor. I imagine that all of us with COPD will reach that point at some time during the rest of our lives. I absolutely admire your attitude! Not sure how my attitude would or will be when I reach that stage. It sounds like you do have some support around you and that is good. Although I would feel like I was a burden to those who support me. Please keep the forum updated on your condition and how you are dealing with it physically and mentally as it would be of tremendous help to all of us. God Bless!
Hi again, jcupdike (John), this is the news all of us realize is coming however, once it arrives, who can say they are prepared?
I, too, am sorry to hear of this for you, but also look up to and admire how you are handling it here, publicly, with the community.
Please know I am here for you - for what it's worth, both professionally and personally. I will tell you I have treated a great number of patients in this so-called 'end stage'. For some, the 'stage' lasted much longer than 'predicted', and all of us know this cannot be predicted.
The support system you have will, no doubt, be invaluable.
Please do keep in touch with us here as you see fit - and know you can count on all of us to be pulling for you, as you move forward!
Warmest regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
, I hear how difficult it is to get news like this from your doctor but there are so many in our community who have been right where you are and have lived long and fulfilled lives. I think your attitude is exactly the right one, adjust your expectations for what you can do so you don't make yourself worse but still enjoy what you are able to do and know we are here to offer you support anytime you need! Wishing you a peaceful day. All the best, Sam S. (COPD.net, team member). 
John -- thanks for being so open with us. Take your time as you work through whatever you're feeling and whatever steps you want to take next. It sounds like you are approaching it with great care, and I'm sure you'll find some benefit in that moving forward. I echo what others have said -- end stage can last for quite some time, even many years. It was that way for my grandmother. She had bad days and flare-ups, yes, but there were also many memories made and connections strengthened in that season of her life. I hope that brings you some comfort today. We will all be here for you as often as you want to talk with us. -Melissa, copd.net team
