Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchiectasis

By cazzy55

1 min read

Hi everyone - so nice to have a site that probably understands how you feel. I'm 62 and have COPD - well, hospital letters say emphysema, not sure if there a difference. I also have the chronic bronchitis strain and bronchiectasis not sure how it's spelled lol! I smoke yes! But for the life of me I can't stop, it's like a 47 year addiction it's tough! I'm 5 foot 7, I'm skinny lol. What you reckon folks, what's my chances seeing my grandchildren growing up? How'd ya stop smokin'? xx!!

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Erin Rush Community Admin
HI Cazzy55 and welcome! I am sorry you are dealing with chronic breathing issues. I wanted to share some information with you about emphysema and bronchitis that you might find helpful -- <a href='https://copd.net/basics/damaged-lungs/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/basics/damaged-lungs/</a>. Whether you have COPD or not, please know you are welcome here! As far as quitting smoking, it can be done! We have community members that have smoked for 50+ years and quit, so I know you can do it, too! No one here will tell you that it's easy, but it's worth it. I feel that baby boomers have changed the face of aging and 62 is no longer considered "old". You may have many, many years ahead of you and the more you can minimize the damage to your lungs, the better your odds are of enjoying watching your grandchildren grow up. Please know you have a large community of folks that "get it"! While not everyone with COPD is a smoker, many of our members do fully understand how challenging it can be to quit. Here is some great information on the benefits of quitting -- <a href='https://copd.net/living/rewards-quitting-smoking-nutshell/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/rewards-quitting-smoking-nutshell/</a>. You may also want to check out this article about why quitting matters; at any age -- <a href='https://copd.net/living/why-quitting-smoking-can-prolong-life/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/why-quitting-smoking-can-prolong-life/</a>. Also, here are some tips for quitting smoking -- <a href='https://copd.net/answers/expert-answers-ways-to-quit-smoking/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/answers/expert-answers-ways-to-quit-smoking/</a>. I hope this helps! Please don't hesitate to reach out should you have more questions. We are happy to help in any way we can! Have a great day! Best, Erin, <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> Team Member.
peterqeripel Member
Hi I'm new to this site,and I'd like to tell you a little about myself. I am a 73 male and I've lived with (Copd) for over 20 years and I was a smoker. I remember telling my wife the first time I get hospitalised for my illness I will stop smoking. That day eventually came. There were other patients in the hospital with the same condition as I have. Every so often someone would go out to the smoking room and they asked if I was going and I told them no I'm going to stop, and I haven't smoked a cigarette since that day. If I had carried on smoking I would not be writing this letter. It's been quite a struggle for me I've been ill since November and I'm just starting to get over it now taking numerous biotics and steroids. Worst of all is being very very short of breath I can't walk any distance at all, if I go upstairs to the bathroom l usually have to walk on all fours. I find when taking a lot of medication plus inhalers, (Nibulisers) etc it makes me more breathless. I exercise at home with YouTube videos which I find are very good.
1. jennl Member
 Thanks so much for sharing your story, PeterQeripel! Please do feel free to share it here as well, if you'd like: <a href='https://copd.net/stories/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/stories/</a>. I hear you on how hard it's been to be ill since November. I'm so glad to hear you're taking care of yourself and starting to get over it, as you said. Since you mentioned being short of breath, I was wondering if you've ever tried pulmonary rehab - many in our community sing its praises! Here's some more information on that if you're interested: <a href='https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/</a> and <a href='https://copd.net/living/lets-talk-pulmonary-rehabilitation/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/lets-talk-pulmonary-rehabilitation/</a>. Also - CONGRATULATIONS on quitting smoking! That is a HUGE accomplishment, and truly one of the best things you can do when you have COPD. Kudos!!! Thanks again for sharing and please feel free to come by any time! Best, Jenn (Community Manager, <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
Member
I went into the hospital with what I thought was pneumonia. Turned out to be COPD. When I left the hospital I knew I couldn't go back to smoking because I couldn't breathe. The way I quit was when I wanted a cigarette I would have those little cups of pink grapefruit (found in the produce department) with me all the time. I hated grapefruit but the acids stopped the craving. I also used the stick pretzels for the "hand to mouth" habit. I never had another cigarette from the time I left the hospital. And that was 10 years ago last month.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Barb and thanks for sharing your experiences with COPD and quitting smoking. That was and is a genuine accomplishment! It's one you can truly be proud of. Keep up the good work! All the best, Leon (site moderator)
agnes Member
Stop smoking. It's very difficult. I finally did in 2015 because suddenly I couldn't breathe. In hospital for 2 weeks.
1. Casey Hribar Community Admin
 Thank you for sharing, agnes. I'm so sorry to hear about your hospital stay. Please know we're here for you! While stopping smoking can help with COPD symptoms and progression, not everyone is in the same position when it comes to quitting. However, I'm so glad to hear you were able to stop, and that you have been finding some relief! Please continue to share with us, we're grateful to have you in our community! Best, Casey (COPD.net Team)

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