Hello - new here

By bills10

1 min read

Hi All...my name is Bill, and I'm from N. Nevada (Lake Tahoe). I'm new to this website and just trying to introduce myself and connect with some fellow COPD patients and/or clinicians. I did not see anywhere that new folks like myself can introduce themselves, so I figured I'd start here. I'm very scared, very lonely (self-imposed isolation out of necessity), and just looking for folks to talk with. If there is a more appropriate place to post this intro, please let me know.

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Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
HI Bill! and Welcome! - This is a great place to post your story; thank you for introducing yourself. I'm so happy you found this site. I think you'll really benefit from the information as well as the connections you'll build with others on the site. We also have a very active Facebook page, so please feel free to check that out as well. <a href='https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/</a> You didn't mention how recent your diagnosis is, but it's understandable to be frightened. COPD can be scary, but I assure you, it's very manageable. Please browse through the articles and if you have any questions, please ask away. That's why we're here. Your comment about isolation made me think of this article: <a href='https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/coping' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/coping/</a> I hope it helps. Regards, Lyn (site moderator)
Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
HI Bill! and Welcome! - This is a great place to post your story; thank you for introducing yourself. I'm so happy you found this site. I think you'll really benefit from the information as well as the connections you'll build with others on the site. We also have a very active Facebook page, so please feel free to check that out as well. <a href='https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/</a> You didn't mention how recent your diagnosis is, but it's understandable to be frightened. COPD can be scary, but I assure you, it's very manageable. Please browse through the articles and if you have any questions, please ask away. That's why we're here. Regards, Lyn (site moderator)
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Bill and I will extend a hearty 'welcome' too, in addition to that provided by my colleague, Lyn. You've certainly come to the right place! Remember, you are always welcome here! Leon (site moderator)
brucifer Member
You know something Bill I am on several websites ranging from my old business connections to several sites dealing with COPD. They include far ranging places like this to The Australian Lung association, British Lung and so on and so on. There is a lot of good info here and <a href='https://copd.org' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>copd.org</a> but I am more interested in your self imposed isolation. I have times that I am very active on my email but mostly not. After 30 years of career emails I just simply got wiped out of emails. I don't do facebook or any of the other social media sites. Active more on <a href='https://copd.org' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>copd.org</a> than here but no particular reason. Seems to be more therapist active on this site than there but just my opinion and that piece I like but neither will give you medical advice. Bill, even being married I could sit down and just ignore the world and become a hermit but it serves no purpose. Above all else with your disease find something to do, someone to talk to, someplace to go. Even if a walk down the block to look at a tree blooming or clouds forming in the early summer or a sunset anything but isolation. There is always someone here who will "talk" with you. I wish you the best.
dfrain Member
Hi Bill, I’m new too. Just read my xray report to find mild lung hyperinflation. I have a lot of stress at both work and personal life. I went to the doctor for something totally unrelated so you can imagine the shock I’m in at the moment. Too stressed to go to work work today, but I will. Glad I found this place.
1. Allyson.Ellis Community Admin
 Dfrain, welcome to the community! We are glad you found your way here. I hear how overwhelming and shocking your diagnosis feels. It is a lot to process when it was so unexpected. We have a companion Facebook community if that is a platform you are comfortable using. <a href='https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/</a> Please know you can reach out anytime in either space for support, information, and to connect with others living with COPD. We are always here to lend a friendly ear. Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (COPD.net team)
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Dfrain and thanks for your post. We're glad you found our community as well. We are all about all things COPD and COPD related - you're going to be able to find a wealth of information on this <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> website. As Allyson mentioned, you also may want to try our COPD Facebook page. We hope to see more of you here and there. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator)
gpalmarella Community Admin
Hi Bill (<inline-mention user-id="2409874" username="bills10"/> )! Welcome to the community. Your story was shared on Facebook and I wanted to be sure that you see all the comments from other community members. We're glad to have you! <a href='https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/posts/2300791260178886' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/posts/2300791260178886</a> -Graceann (COPD.net Team Member)
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Grace - and thanks for letting us all know. Congrats, Bill, on having your story shared here on our very own <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>. Warmly, Leon (site moderator)
cynthiajk Member
Hi Bill, I am a nearly 72 year old woman with COPD. Diagnosed three years ago and while I shouldn't have been, I was flabbergasted. I can absolutely empathize with your feelings of isolation and anxiety. I think it is an absolutely normal reaction. I believe you will find many friends and a great deal of information on this site. Avail yourself of anything and everything that is offered. I would strongly recommend pulmonary rehab and a home exercise regimen. I realize it may sound a bit daunting but, my friend, it will help. We are not on this path alone, thank God, and with help we will find a way. You are not alone. God bless. Cynthia
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Cynthiajk and thanks for chiming in here to Bill's post from a couple of months ago. We appreciate you reaching out to him with your thoughts on this condition and how to take advantage of our community and website. I'm concerned somewhat that we haven't heard back from him on this thread since his initial post from 2 months ago, We appreciate your input. Leon (site moderator)
brendac Member
Sorry you feel alone ,my sister had copd so I always had someone to talk to that would understand,she died a year ago. And people without copd don't really understand ..hope your life has gotten better sense you posted
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi BrendaC and thanks for chiming in here in response to Bill's initial post. I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear sister a year ago. It's always a great help to have that kind of support system from your sibling. Please accept my sincere condolences. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator)