Diagnosed in 1992

By jnaphys

1 min read

I am a 68 yr old female who was diagnosed with COPD in 1992. I was a heavy smoker, 2 packs a day. I also have scoliosis and had surgery in 1961 and 1965. I started just using inhalers. Now I am on oxygen 24/7 for about 1 1/2 yrs. The only thing I can say is it stinks because it cramps your lifestyle. I still work 3 days a week in an office and I am lucky because everyone brings me all the things I need. So when I go to work it is fairly easy. I have a great husband who is very helpful at home. I just hate carrying this oxygen around. It is very heavy. I just think that 67 is too young to cramp my style. It is nice to vent but the bottom line is, it could be worse. Thank you for listening to me.

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Christina Mattoni-Brashear Moderator
Hi Jnaphys, Thank you so much for sharing your story and for being part of our community! It sounds like you have a terrific support system - both at home, and at work - which is so very important. It can definitely be frustrating to feel like your style is being cramped, but your positive attitude shines through and serves as an inspiration to others. I thought you might enjoy reading one of our members'series of articles about her life "on the go" with oxygen. Here's the first in the set, and you can find the links for the other articles in that series at the bottom of the first. <a href='https://copd.net/living/on-oxygen-on-the-go-part-1-the-burden-of-portable-oxygen' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/on-oxygen-on-the-go-part-1-the-burden-of-portable-oxygen/</a> Hope you enjoy! Please take care, and feel free to stop by any time you'd like to vent, or are in need of support. Take care, -Christina (COPD.net Team)
1. John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Jnaphys You are so fortunate to have such a great supporting case in your life. It seems you have learned on your own that having a lung disease means making occasional adjustments in how you live your life. A goal for any COPD treatment program is to help you live a normal, productive life with COPD. It seems you are doing just that, even though it means lugging tanks around. John. Site Moderator
crochetchick Member
Hi Jnaphys, I just read your story, I am new to this site. We do need to stick together, It MUST be very hard lugging the o2 around, I am not there yet. I sure don`t look forward to it, But they say it makes a world of difference in how you feel. Are you over sensitive smelling odors and car fumes? I wonder if the o2 makes you even more sensitive to smells? Hope you had a good day dear one. Blessings to you!