Help

Hello and welcome. That initial diagnosis can be unsettling, you aren’t alone. Let me find a couple of links for you.
Janet (COPD.net)

Hello ! Sorry for your diagnosis, it's scary when we are given a name to what has been ailing us for a while, thinking it was something else and it will pass. Then wham, a name of COPD and emphysema is given. You are not alone. As for myself, I am also severe, Stage 4 (aka End Stage) COPD and other medical issues. First thing to remember in my opinion is that you are the same person you were before the diagnosis. Now how can you help yourself stay as healthy as possible and add a couple twist as you go of course. How? On a quick note would be stay as healthy as possible, by eating as healthy as you can, avoid irritants to your breathing, stay away from sick people, get vaccines if you can (flu, covid, pneumonia etc). Take meds as prescribed and find a great health care team! Do you have a Pulmonologist (lung specialist) yet? If not that would be something I would suggest to do as soon as you can. Treatments are out there to help slow the progress down, make our lives a little easier.
Do you have other health concerns? If so, then of course continue care for those issues too, it seems as if one medical condition can cause another to act up. Stay active and most importantly try hard to stay positive!


Have you notice that some chemical or harsh smells will make you cough or gasp for a little extra air? If so, avoid them of course. Do you have allergies? If so keeping those under control will be really helpful, seek medical advise if needed to help. Do not be surprised if you notice that perfumes, colognes, shampoo, deodorants, soaps and such can become offensive to your lungs. If they are not yet, something you can do is find things to replace those stronger smelling items as you go, before you need them, the change will go smoothly then for you. Example that I have switched to is Baby Shampoo/Body Wash, mild smell, good for baby's dirty bottom, good for my body all over, it's mild for the skin too! Deodorant, that took a little bit of sniffing at the store, but found some. Laundry; I now use detergent with no smell, many brands out there with this option now.


Going out side: weather can be a factor, to hot, to cold, muggy, dry etc... cold weather; keep your face and mouth covered for the cold air can restrict the airways a little more, which happens for all people, just we tend to feel it more so. Heat: that is handled by air condition, staying in during the hottest part of the day if possible. If you have to go out, move a little slower. That's been hard for me, slowing down my walking, but hey my lungs let me know LOL


As @Janet Plank stated there is a lot of links here, reading post on the forum from others is a great way to learn more. If you have any questions or concerns there is always people on here that is so willing to help, just ask.


Welcome to the group!

Hi there. I just wanted to check in on you -- did you get a chance to read some of the information on the site? I know it's a lot to absorb, especially when a diagnosis is not expected.

Please try not to focus too much on labels and stages -- we have members here that have lived for many years with COPD. The important thing is to take good care of yourself ... try to do some exercise, even if it's something as simple as walking around your house or doing exercises in your chair while watching TV. It's also a good idea to learn and practice pursed lip breathing on a regular basis, to manage shortness of breath and help strengthen your lungs. Here's a quick video that teaches how to do it if you're not familiar:

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/resource-library/pursed-lip-breathing-video

We are here for you every step of the way! Feel free to ask questions or share your thoughts with us as much as you want. There is great comfort to be found in a group like this, where people really understand. Hugs to you. -Melissa, copd team