I'm Mom So I'm Expected To Do Everything
I live with my daughter and son-in-law, granddaughter, her boyfriend and their 5 year old. I've always been the one to do everything cuz I like the house clean but I just can't do it anymore! I'm 4 years after diagnosis, quit smoking 2 years ago. I read online life expectancy for emphysema is 5 years but I feel okay. I just don't have as much energy and short of breath often. No coughing. I just wanted to talk so, thanks for listening. Excited to fi d this forum. So many questions at times.
Hi Dcarter, and thanks for your post. We are so glad you found our online community as well. Sometimes, it helps a great deal to be able to speak with like-minded people who understand what you are going through - you have certainly come to the right place!
I want to congratulate you on quitting smoking (for 2 years already!). That is a genuine accomplishment - one you can truly be proud of!
It's not fair (or accurate), to assign a 'life expectancy' to this condition! You may be aware that COPD affects everyone differently. We have many members in our communities who are living long, productive lives with this condition - often times into their 70's and 80's.
There are ways you can live your life which can help to slow down the progression of this disease. Quitting smoking is one of them, and you have already accomplished that.
I also want to encourage you - we welcome all the questions you may have as they relate to any aspect of this condition. Please feel free to utilize the site as often and, for as long as you like. We are here for you.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator)How blessed you are to live with family! I had a similar arrangement years ago but they're all off on their own now. I really miss the daily involvement with my grandchildren! One thing I found with my COPD is that I eventually had to lower my family's expectations for me. It was not something easy for me because I am a proud independent person who loved the idea of being their rock, as one son described me. Now that I made them aware of my limitations I feel better, there's no pressure to do things that are difficult or impossible, and our relationships have even benefited from my laying down some boundaries. I hope you have many more years with your family and you can lay down some rules that will make living with them even better.
