COPD

By Miranda

1 min read

Hi I'm Amanda I'm 36 yrs old and I have COPD. Everyday is a struggle for me I got winded over night and haven't returned since. I have not made a Dr. Appt yet but E.R doc said diagnosis was clear...

My questions

I was wondering if anyone has periods where they breathe rapidly and have trouble getting air out? Also, how long do most flare-ups last and when I say flare ups I mean your symptoms. I'm confused it seems like they would last a week or two, then I wouldn't feel them for several weeks then they would come back now I feel like I've had them three weeks now and they're getting worse.

Quitting smoking

I'm worried out of breath just confused can somebody elaborate on this am I the only one is this normal for most people will quitting smoking and help or is it technically too late? yes, I'm aware damage is done but as far as symptoms go has anybody improved?

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi <inline-mention username="Miranda" user-id="6689438"/> (Amanda), and welcome! You have certainly come to the right place! Here at <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, we are all about all things COPD and COPD related. I would urge you to contact your own private physician. Although the emergency department (ED) physician may have had good intentions, it is not always 'clear' that a 36-year old patient, with no previous history, and who became 'winded overnight", absolutely has a COPD diagnosis. There are many diagnostic tests that can be performed which will help a doctor provide you with a definitive diagnosis. How do you feel about reaching out to your own physician? I think that might help to put your mind at ease. A private physician, who provides you with a definitive diagnosis, can also provide you with a prognosis and treatment plan that is specific to your own particular diagnosis and level of disease (whichever it is). Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you. Naturally, if we can assist you with anything moving forward, kindly let me or any other moderator / team member know. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
jcupdike Member
My doc was able to evaluate me and set up a pulmonary rehab program that I think everyone needs to at least consider. Without that, you don't know what your limits are. A program of pulm-rehab means blocking off the time to do it properly.
timraistrick Member
This all still new to me. If there is no cure. What about stem cell that I hear about. What is the latest advances that they are doing or looking at
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="timraistrick" user-id="6687384"/> Hi timraistrick, and thanks for your post. If this disease (COPD), is still new to you, you have certainly come to the right place! Here at <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, we are all about all things COPD and COPD related. To your point about there not being a cure - that is true. However, there are ways to slow the progression of the disease. For folks in the early stages, there are treatment options that help to slow things down. I thought you might gain some additional insight from this article on that very topic: <a href='https://copd.net/living/early-stage-treatment' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/early-stage-treatment</a>. I do hope you find the information is helpful in a practical way. We also have published material (right here on our <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> community website), which speaks to COPD and stem cell therapy. Should you be interested in reading more, here is a link to several articles: https://copd.net/search?s=stem%20cell. 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='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
hite1955 Member
<inline-mention username="Miranda" user-id="6689438"/> Ask You
hite1955 Member
<inline-mention username="Miranda" user-id="6689438"/> Ask Your DOCTOR and PULMONOLOGIST about the ALPHA 1 Test
lakie Member
Hi Miranda i was diagnosed with COPD in 2011 my Sister had recently Died with it plus she had other issues she was a reformed Alcohol 10 years previous and her immune system was zero because of Alcohol . she had emphysema and was on Oxygen 24/7 hrs when the Doctor told me I had COPD , was distraught Asthma is in the family i was diagnosed in with that in 1988 , and managed to cope but when the GP told me i had COPD i started crying the doctor said your getting Emotional ! yes I had just lost my sister at 61 I thought I was going to die next it is so frightening , no one had explained what next I was working at the time , And the first thing i Did was to Stop Smoking it was hard i used patches but done it SMOKING is one of the main Causes for COPD so not a lot of choice except to jump of a bridge so i decided to fight and do the best i could to get better i was 58 I'm now 70 still fighting with copd and doing my best to survive as best i can and i will until its my time & he calls me home. ps do your best to get as healthy as you can bless you and Good luck xxxxxxx
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="lakie" user-id="6707751"/> Hi lakie, and thank you for lending your own support and encouragement here. We also appreciate you sharing (so candidly), some of your family history as well as the way you have managed this disease (COPD), for the last 12 years. That represents a lot of experience and, based on what you've said, you are doing as well as you can. That is admirable and sets a good example for all of us. Keep up the good work, lakie! If there is anything we can assist you with, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. We appreciate you being a participating community member here. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
bray Member
Quit smoking! I did 8yrs ago and I've had one exasperation! With severe COPD /Emphysema.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="bray" user-id="2407744"/> Hi bray, and thanks for joining in the conversation. Congratulations on being smoke-free for eight years now! That is a genuine accomplishment, one you can truly be proud of! That is a good track record too - only having one exacerbation/flare-up during this eight-year period of time. Do you have any thoughts as to what may have caused the flare up? Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)