COPD In the family

My mother died from cancer 35 years ago. Looking back now I'm certain she suffered with COPD long before her cancer diagnosis. She was 73. She smoked less than 10 menthol cigarettes a week. I lost a sister at age 64 from cancer and I'm pretty sure she had COPD too. She was a heavy smoker 40 - 60 a day. Just before Christmas 2023, I lost a sister at age 73 from COPD and heart failure due to tightening of the heart wall muscles. In May this year (2024), I lost a sister at age 72 from COPD. Both sisters that died recently were far too overweight and stopped doing things.

What about me?

About 15 years ago, I got Pneumonia. I was then diagnosed with COPD. I started smoking when I was in primary school and was smoking 10 + cigarettes per day at senior school. I rolled my own for years. When I gave up at the age of 60 I had been getting through 40 - 60 a day. I've been using inhalers for years. I am now nearing 69, I'm on long-term oxygen therapy for 16 + hours a day. I use a condenser machine when resting at home, and ambulatory bottles when doing anything. I use 0.5% when resting and 2% when doing anything. It's low and long-term as I also retain carbon dioxide.

Not giving up!

I do struggle but I'm not giving in! I do get out often on my mobility scooter and try to enjoy life the best I can. I'm lucky to have a loving caring wife who is a big help. I also take capsules to help thin the phlegm and use one inhaler daily.