COPD? How did I get that?

By ludang3258

1 min read

Last updated: March 2021

I was diagnosed with COPD about 10 years ago. I went for a breathing test at the pulmonologist and he said I had mild COPD and asthma. I was shocked since I never smoked ever. I did work in a factory when I was out of high school soldering parts for rockets. Maybe the fumes affected my lungs.

Now I leave a different slower life doing yin yoga everyday and I take breaks in between. I do my chores but take my time. I try to not push myself too hard and when I feel my chest tighten I rest and use my nebulizer. I also use my inhaler twice a day. I am 63 now and I recently had a test. The dr said I got slightly worse from my last test. I just have to be careful and not push myself too hard.

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munchkin47 Member
Leon Lebowitz, RRT
Hi <inline-mention username="ludang3258" user-id="2449093"/>, and thanks for joining in this conversation. We appreciate you sharing your history of COPD and asthma with the community and, how you are managing. You may be aware, there are other causes of COPD besides smoking and. based on your work history, some of the occupational exposures you've shared, may have put you at risk. This would be a good topic for you to discuss with your physician. I thought this article, might provide you with some additional insight for this very topic: <a href='https://copd.net/living/causes-risk-factors' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/causes-risk-factors</a>. I do hope you find it to be helpful to read. We appreciate your candor and feedback here in the community. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
bethb Member
Hi ludang3258. I'd read an article when I was first diagnosed four years ago with COPD which suggested, as Leon mentioned, that your previous occupation could well be the culprit. I have two other friends (we're in your age group, as well) and attribute COPD, sadly, with smoking. I now take it easier, too, and try not to worry as much--I'm sure the yin-yoga is very helpful in that aspect. Take it easy.
Janet Plank Moderator
Hi ludang3258 Thank you for bringing more awareness to the other causes of COPD. That's such an important message. I'm sorry that you are slightly worse than your previous test. Are you able to exercise? Have you talked with your doctor about that possibility or even pulmonary rehab? I know that you do yin yoga, that's great! Know that we are here for you. Janet (site moderator/COPD.net)
Jackie English Moderator
<inline-mention username="ludang3258" user-id="2449093"/> Thanks for sharing your story about your COPD and the job that you had that possibly caused your COPD. I'm so glad that you are still able to do some yoga, I know it has really seemed to of helped me. I was curious if your doctor has ever tested you for Alpha-1 or if you have heard of it? Here is an article that I have written that explains it a bit if you're interested. <a href='https://copd.net/living/rare-disease-day-Jackie' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/rare-disease-day-Jackie</a> (moderator)
reading4 Member
It's so nice to read something from someone else who has never smoked and has COPD. People, even doctors, assume that I am a smoker. Grrrr
MarkF Member
Thanks for sharing your experience. I also have COPD and have never smoked and have always been very fit. My Pulmonary medical team were so convinced I must have Alpha 1 antitrypsin that I was tested twice! It's been a tough journey, especially as I can't do a lot of the active things I use to love to do. Over time I have been able to get to that place mentally where I focus on what I can do and how to get the most from the activities I can do.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT
 <inline-mention username="MarkF" user-id="2451379"/> Hi Mark, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. I am glad to see you posting here again! We appreciate you sharing your own personal experience managing this condition with the community. You are certainly in the right place! As a community, we understand how you feel and know what you are going through as well. Even though, as you said, this has been a challenge, I'm glad to see your adjustment is permitting you to focus and what you can do and how to enjoy these activities at this stage of your life. We value both your input and your feedback. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
gadget Member
Not only job exposure, but we grew up in a time when asbestos was widespread. DDT was sprayed from airplanes, and many toxins we're not as well regulated. OSHA wasn't everywhere watching over us. I used to use paint stripper by the quarts. Now it's off the market. Let's just say we can become a product of our environment.

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