Newly diagnosed w/COPD emphysema @ 34
Hey everyone!
So I’m new here. Yesterday I was diagnosed w/ mild emphysema based on my CT scan. The doctors were all shocked since I’m 34 and relatively healthy. Plus I’ve never smoked in My life which makes it an atypical situation. I’ve never imagined having it since it’s usually something found in older ppl who smoke but now that it’s here all I can do is educate myself and work with doctors.
It’s a little sad and frustrating because I am a mom of a 2.5 year old and just the thought of not being able to see her grow is makes me depressed. Any tips or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated
Hi again, Nattee -- I responded to your earlier post about shortness of breath before I saw you introduce yourself here. So, welcome! I'm glad you're here. This is a great place to find information and also a close-knit community. We are always going to be here to support you, even if you just want to vent.
First, treatment for COPD is better than it has ever been -- people are living longer with better quality of life. As you mentioned, you are young and reasonably healthy. I think you can use this to your advantage. If you haven't already, start exercising a couple days a week. It doesn't have to be intense, even a walk is great. You can also work on eating right, getting some sleep when your little one allows it (lol), and surrounding yourself with supportive people. We can be those people for you if you feel alone.
Did your doctor give you medication with your diagnosis or any next steps? Additionally, do you have any sense of what might have triggered the development of emphysema? For most it's because of inhaled pollutants, but there are a small percentage of people that have a genetic form of COPD.
One more thing I will say for now is regarding your daughter. I work in several chronic illness communities here and have a condition that affects my stability and balance. Most parents will chronic illnesses struggle with worrying about being a good parent. Try your best not to worry about if you are doing "enough" for her or with her! Do the best you can, whatever that is on any given day. It's okay to stay home, color, watch movies and cuddle. It's not about what you can do physically, but the love and care you show her. She will get used to whatever you present as normal, and as long as you do the best you can, I'm sure she will appreciate it as she grows.
I am the newest member of our staff, so I will stop here and allow some of our more educated members to step in and share with you. Please make yourself at home and keep us posted. Hugs! -Melissa, copd.net team
thanks for the support. The CT scan showed mild emphysema which shocked them since I didn’t really have major symptoms. They prescribed 2 inhalers and said they would monitor it. Hopefully it doesn’t progress quickly
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Wow, sorry to hear of your diagnosis at such a young age. I can feel your pain with your child. I am 68 and have a 4 1/2 yr. old and 1 yr. old grandsons. I was diagnosed in the past 8 months. My oldest grandson was used to being with me at least twice a week or more and we spent the time playing 4 yr. old games. Now I can't even go over to his house and visit because his dogs aggravate my COPD bad enough, I can't breathe over there. So that playtime is cut down to my house only. He sort of understands, but I am sure he doesn't really comprehend. As he is always telling me when I get better, we can do such and such again. It kind of breaks my heart. His little brother is now getting to the play with me age and I worry sometimes about not seeing him grow older. What I do is make the time we get to spend together the very best it can be and that is all I can do. I think positively and push any negative thoughts away after recognizing they are there. Negative thinking just sucks energy away from me and I can't waste energy on negativity. That is the best I got. God Bless!
