How long have people lived wtih COPD

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How long someone has had COPD and how long since they have been diagnosed with COPD usually are two different things. I am 70 years old and have been diagnosed for 3 years. I am sure I have had COPD for longer than that, as I remember symptoms as long as five years ago. When I was diagnosed I did not freak out or go nuts with worry. I was just glad to get out of ICU and be taken care of by a great medical team. I had mycobacterial pneumonia. This caused bleeding lungs and nodules. I was intubated for a few days, had a bronchoscopy, and a biopsy. After a year on antibiotics, I am now just dealing with the COPD. I get CT Scans twice a year (which will change to once a year if my next one is good), I see my doctor every six months and more often if I need treatment. I have never been feeling like I am going to die anytime soon. I keep a good attitude and feel like I am going to live another 20 years at least. I take all my meds on time every day, I eat a good diet, I exercise daily, and I stay away from being in any situation that would cause me to have a flare up. All these things you will learn as you go. I read all I could find on the internet about COPD and it has helped me understand the disease and how to keep it at bay. If you convince yourself you will die from this disease in a few years from now, then you will self fulfill that. A major change of attitude is necessary for your better health. Attitude is 90% of life. Thinking positive brings positive results, thinking negative brings negative results. So far my COPD is being held at bay. No significant advance to getting worse. I plan on keeping it that way. I hope you can overcome your fears and take a more positive outlook for your own better health. Take care and God Bless!

Hi
I was diagnosed with COPD in 2014 and I am now at the stage where I have had to slow down as I am on oxygen at home and use it when I need it. I am still working 32 hours a week. You have to stay with a positive attitude as it is very easy to get low and depressed .

I've had COPD since I was 18 years old I am just about to have my 65th birthday 🎆

I hear how scary and overwhelming everything must feel right now. You are not alone in having these fears but I hope you are finding some help in the comments from others in our community. We are here to offer you any support we can, which includes any information we have on how to live a long and healthy life with COPD. These articles might help ease some of your fears: https://copd.net/living/slowing-progression and https://copd.net/living/tips-for-staying-healthy-early-stage and https://copd.net/living/living-well and https://copd.net/living/coping-strategies All the best, Sam S. (COPD team).