37 male, stage 3 emphysema, scared...Hi all, newly diagnosed here. On February 24, I officially quit smoking as I was losing my breath just getting dressed. I've been smoking since I was 14 so about...reactions6replies
Survival Mode and Incontinence Effects...It was about 7 am, lightly snowing, and still very dark outside. I needed to be sure that I got to work early because I didn’t want my co-workers and...reactions87comments
Sometimes Doctors Don’t Know And Take Stabs In The Dark...Sometimes you present to your doctor with a complaint. You are experiencing symptoms. And you tell your doctor these symptoms. And the doctor has no clue what’s wrong with you...reactionscomments
Understanding Emphysema vs. Chronic Bronchitis...Did you know that COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and that it is an umbrella term for more than one chronic lung disorder? It's true. COPD is any...reactionscomments
Treatment For Early Stage COPD...There are 4 stages of COPD. Stages 1 and 2 are the "Early Stages." Many people in these early stages are undiagnosed. Many feel no symptoms at all. But, studies...reactionscomments
Has anyone else gained weight with COPD?...Have gained weight with COPD. Why? Have a question of your own?Ask it here!...reactions5replies
Why are my oxygen levels dropping?...Hi. I read the other day but lost it, about oxygen levels and how serious they can be. Long story short, lately my own level keeps going down to 86...reactions1reply
What’s Your Hobby?...Anyone with any sort of breathing problems and/or lung disease know that some days are just HARD. Using up all of our energy to breathe leaves very little left for...reactions33comments
Diagnosed at 38...Only smoked for around 13 years but was exposed to a lot of stuff in Iraq. Please tell me that there are people diagnosed as young as me that are...reactions14comments
How to Tell if You're Getting Enough Oxygen...When you have COPD, feeling like you can't catch your breath is quite common. You feel that way partly because you're not getting enough oxygen. But, besides the breathlessness, there...reactions24comments
How does everyone feel about online pharmacies?...Especially those that do not require a prescription? Just want to gauge the community's feelings on this. I know a lot of people struggle to pay for their medications, and...reactions5replies
Common COPD Triggers...Triggers are things that cause flare-ups. They are usually things outside your body or the environment around you. Although they can also be things occurring inside your body. Some triggers...reactions16comments
Financial Anxiety and Chronic Illness: Coping with the Costs of COPD and Other Conditions...In this series, we discuss causes of anxiety for those facing a physical illness like COPD and its side effects. Phrases in quotes are the words of our community members...reactions21comments
COPD and Medical Marijuana...In 1969, I was 15 years old. And so, while I was not exactly, a “child of the 60’s,” (I was a little young for Woodstock!), I was pretty close...reactions1comment
The COPD Cure!...Over the last 8 years, the most common question I have seen asked by COPD patients undoubtedly would be “is there a cure”? This question is asked by every patient...reactions2comments
Avoiding Fragrances In The Workplace Part 1...If you were like me, you were raised around the wonderful smell of perfumes and colognes. I couldn’t wait to try on my mom’s, as well as friend’s mom’s colognes...reactionscomments
COPD 101: What Is COPD?...COPD is an acronym for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It’s an umbrella term for lung diseases that cause persistent airflow limitation. Symptoms include coughing, sputum production, chest tightness, and shortness...reactions5comments
Don’t Compare...There must be some kind of fine line between inspiration and consternation. I find it very easy to become encouraged when I read about the experiences others have had with...reactions27comments
Befuddled...When my dad was sick, before he died, I was struggling. My sister-in-law and I took over his care at his home. Mom was struggling too. Everyone kept asking how...reactions1comment
