Newly diagnosed with COPD
I smoked for maybe 30 years and started when I was a teen because everyone else did,plus both my parents and older siblings . However I quit back in 2000 ( 25 years ago) hoping that I wouldn’t get this horrible disease. My father died from it 18 years ago. It was a terrible way to die so I was happy I had quit smoking after watching him. I was diagnosed with COPD back in April of this year. I had been having some symptoms before that and had a breathing test about 8 years ago when I noticed I was becoming short of breath when hiking up hills. At that time it was decided I did t have it. It continued to advance and I had a cough that wouldn’t do away for the last year . I also had a CT scan which confirmed my diagnosis
Hi
. Welcome to the community! A new diagnosis can be overwhelming and even more so when you have witnessed the progression of COPD in someone you love. Treatment has advanced over the deades though, so your fate does not have to be the same as your father's. Has your doctor started you on a good treatment plan? Here is an article about coping with a nee diagnosis: https://copd.net/living/just-diagnosed-tips. I thought you might find it helpful. Know that we are here for you whenever you need us. - Lori (Team Member) Hi, I also started smoking as a teen and quit in 2000. I hate that I quit and still got COPD, but I also think that at least I quit so don't have to deal with that now. I was diagnosed 5 years ago and just recently progressed from mild to moderate copd. Hopefully with medication and taking care of ourselves we can ride this out a very long time. You are not alone. <3
Remember that many people who have never smoked end up with COPD, while some people who smoke never get sick. There are so many factors involved. You still gave yourself a great gift by quitting smoking all those years ago. Keep doing the best you can to take care of yourself, especially by exercising in whatever way you can tolerate. We're all here to support you and please know this is not the end of your story! -Melissa, team member
