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New member, kind of a mess I am

Hi all, so glad I found this forum! I was diagnosed with stage 4 COPD just over 1 yr ago. Yes, had previous problems, what the pulmonologist states what I described as stage 1 going toward a 2 and the WHAM it hit fast and furious one day could do anything I wanted and the next well, I can not. The genetic / hereditary issues are fun and exciting, having only 1 of the A1 protein mutations I feel pretty lucky, then RA, PsA, Asthma, Allergies (everything outside and house dust), Coronary Artery Disease and a few other things that are nothing really LOL ... anyway the Doctor believes it was the RA that took my lungs out. So here I am, fortunate to be alive still and just hanging out. I am on meds of course, Anora Ellipta, ER inhaler, have nebulizer and get oral steroids when needed and oxygen at night, 2L for now and as needed during the day. Again very lucky that I have not had to use it to much during my waking hours, but have a feeling that the winter / colder weather is not going to be my friend this year. In the past I have had experience with my Father and Mother In Law that had COPD because of other reason, but in the end we are all in the same boat, knowing I will have issues come up it's nice to find a place where others understand and maybe at times lend advice, an ear or some comic relief as needed as I will for others here. Just want to say thanks to all, I have already located some great insight / reminders from helping my parents, with in a few articles with in this sight and forum.

  1. Hi , and welcome. I see that, as you said, you are a new member here, having joined yesterday, early in the morning. I am glad to see you have already taken the plunge by becoming engaged with the community already.
    Thank you for your candor in sharing all you did here about your experiences managing this disease and also sharing something about your family's history.
    I am sure you will enjoy our community and I hope to continue to converse with moving forward.
    If there is anything we can assist you with, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. Please know as well, that you are always welcome in our online community.
    Warm regards,
    Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

    1. Hi, welcome! I'm glad you found us. COPD can be overwhelming to navigate, and hopefully we can help support you. 😀

      If you're interested in checking out any of our sister sites, we have several for the conditions you listed:


      RA: RheumatoidArthritis.net
      Allergies: Allergies.net
      Asthma: Asthma.net
      PsA: Psoriatic-Arthritis.com

      Keep taking things one day at a time. Has your doctor mentioned the possibility of pulmonary rehab? It can be a good way to increase your comfort level and functionality.

      Looking forward to getting to know you better! -Melissa, copd.net team

      Please read our rules before posting.