COPD

By blue-iris

1 min read

I am a mom of three kids and a wife and all my life I been a fighter. I went through a divorce and three custody battles and won them all and been a single parent but I never forget October 2 2017 went I went to the doctor in tears saying I can't breathe, I can't sleep and I would wake up at 3am everyday with a headache that was so bad I would get sick.

So on that day my doctor said well you need oxygen (because I was in the 70%) and I'm sending you to a specialist. Also here's a note for work your done with work and I don't know if you will be able to go back.

At that I was ok - it didn't hit me. In 2018 at the specialist, they said that I have severe COPD and emphysema and asthma. He said I only 20% of breathing capabilities left so I at stage 4 and at that time I was only 33.

Today I'm 36 and now on 8 liters of oxygen. I still have hard time coping with this but I take day by day with my family. It's been a big mess just because I look ok on the outside I not ok inside. I feel bad because I feel like a burden to them all but I trying to be patient with them and my self.

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Carol Kirker Moderator
Thank you so very much for sharing your story with the community. It is always difficult getting that diagnosis and hearing the numbers. Please don’t let it get to you. I learned life can still be very meaningful and fulfilling. Talk with your family and discuss how you feel. Communication is so important. Journals can help us get those feelings out as well. Please look through all the articles. There are many, from feeling like a burden to tips to make life easier. Good luck with your journey and please reach out at anytime. Carol (moderator)
melaniem Community Admin
BlueIris, I am inspired by your strength! I know what it feels like to feel like a burden, but I hear incredible strength, and I am sure your family sees it too! Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us, we appreciate hearing from you! ~Melanie (team member)
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Blue iris, and thanks for sharing your story here with the community. I see my colleagues, melaniem, and Carol, have already responded to you. I will echo what they've said. Be kind and patient with both yourself and your family - you have a lot to offer, and a lot to give - they need you and I'm certain they do not view you as a burden, but rather as a loving mom who they love as well. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. You are always welcome here! Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
bhernandez Member
I just joined group its very helpful to read others stories i too jave copd stage 4 and emphysema my life has changed alot im not on oxygen my levels are in the mid 90 but i struggle to breath all day iv had to ask my family for help cooking cleaning everything its difficult to bath or get dressed I am starting to feel like a burden because my husband wrks all day then comes home and cooks I maybe can only do one chore a day if even that I hired someone to come twice a week to help with housework now I need to keep trying to get stronger its not good to not try and move around im not very disciplined so i have to wrk on that
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi bhernandez, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. You've certainly come to the right place! We appreciate you sharing your present circumstances at home and how you are managing. It certainly can be challenging dealing with this condition - it does sound like your husband is on board with this and does his part. If there is anything we can assist you with, 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>)
beccalynne Member
I understand about the burden This is a hard thing to deal with. My worst part besides the burden is dealing with all the flare up triggers even anxiety can be a trigger.
phid43 Member
My incontinence is so bad I am using a folded hand towel in my underwear and change frequently. Obviously I seldom go out. I also cannot control my bowels. My breathing is so difficult it is extremely hard to do my housework. Major task getting clothes out of the washer. Trying to stay positive. Love and good luck to all of you!
msplantladi Member
Blu iris first big hugs! I too have always been a very independent person, like you raising kids on my own, working 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. I have always considered myself a fighter but I am slowly coming to terms with this disease. BUT that doesn't mean I am giving in & after reading the strength in your message I don't think you are either. Each day I try my best to get up & do something. Some days are better than others but that's ok I am not giving in. Educate yourself on diet & meds, know what you are dealing with and discuss what you don't understand with your doctor & if you aren't getting those answers seek out 2nd opinions. We are warriors! Wishing you the best.