Moderate (stage 2) COPD Follow
Hi, I'm sure this may have been asked before in many different ways. I am a 45 male former smoker. I've had a spirometry test and the lab test results state that they've detected COPD. I'm in generally good shape could lose 15 pounds to get to my ideal weight but only struggle with breath at higher intensity exercise. I have a referral to a respirologist, however; have not been given any treatments or prognosis. I guess I'm trying to get a sense of what I'm in for. I'm hoping I could hear other peoples experiences who were diagnosed in their 40's. Where you started in your diagnosis, medical and natural treatments and lifestyle changes that worked or didn't. What does the disease feel like? Were you able to continue working, playing with your kids? How fast does this disease progress? I know everyone is different, so I guess I'm just hoping to hear some positive stories for hope and if it's not so good, I want to hear that as well to help me prepare for what's to come.
Thanks to all in advance for responding,
Hi Marcus72,
I'm sorry about your diagnosis, but it's sounds like you have a lot going for you when it comes to your general health. That is very important when dealing with COPD.
You mentioned you're in generally good shape and don't struggle except with high intensity exercise. That is great! Obviously you're in the very begining stages of COPD and that's the best time to catch it. The pulmonologist will no doubt have many suggestions as to how to proceed and may or may not prescibe any medication. Many people in the early stages don't need medication, but simply make sure they eat well, exercise regularly, stay at a good weight, and get enough rest. It's also important to try to avoid getting sick - I know that's easier said than done. Just make sure you become an incessant hand-washer and try to avoid others that are sick.
You'll find a lot of helpful information on the site, so please read the articles and put to use the tips that others have found work for them. I'm sure you'll get other responses to your query from those who have some other suggestions.
It sounds like you're already on the right track and are in a great position to make sure you stay healthy.
In the meantime, here's a few articles that you should find helpful:
https://copd.net/basics/copd-stages/
https://copd.net/diagnosis/
https://copd.net/treatment/natural-remedies-overview/
https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/
https://copd.net/living-with-copd/Regards,
Lyn (moderator)
Hi Marcus72 and welcome. I see that Lyn has gotten you started with some excellent articles for you to read. The more you know about your COPD, the better you will be able to cope with it and live a productive, healthy life. In view of your desire to hear from other people about their experiences, I thought you might find it interesting and helpful to look around our COPD page on Facebook. You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/. You will find so many of our community members fully engaged with one another discussing all different aspects of COPD.
We hope to hear more from you - you are always welcome here.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator)Hi Lyn, Leon,
your comments are very helpful. The stories on this site have been very great to read, although sometimes heartbreaking there are also stories that provide light. I live in Toronto and have not found a lot of local support groups to my surprise. I have started a meetup to try to meet with locals who are affected by the disease. Leon, once I've lived my life with COPD for some time I will add my story, hopefully more good than bad.Hi (again) Marcus - good to hear from you. I checked out your 'meetup' site with the link you provided. It looks like a very good start. These types of things can take a while to get off the ground, so be patient and it just may grow. Hopefully, the expression 'if you build it, they will come' will apply.
You may have more immediate success (for now) by checking out our COPD page on Facebook - there are no shortage of members to interact with there.
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator)
