I LOVE THE COPD WEB SITE

By beverlydemarco

1 min read

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER AND SHARE OUR EXPERIENCES. WITH THIS HORRIBLE DISEASE, I STILL BLAME THE CIGARETTE COMPANIES FROM NOT PUTTING WARNING LABELS ON THEIR CIGARETTES YEARS AGO? I SMOKED WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL IN THE 60'S AND THEIR WERE NO WARNINGS ON THE PACKS BACK THEN. I ALSO WORKED IN A RESTAURANT FOR OVER 30 YEARS THAT ALSO HAD SMOKING, I WOULD SHOP IN THE STORES AND PLAYED BINGO WITH MORE SMOKING AROUND ME, THEY ALSO ALLOWED SMOKING ON AIRPLANES BACK THEN?

Everyday is a struggle

THIS IS WORSE THAT COVID BECAUSE YOU DON'T GET BETTER WITH COPD! EVERYDAY IS A STRUGGLE FOR ME AND MORE BAD DAYS THAN GOOD, EVERYDAY I WAKE UP EXHAUSTED FROM BEING SO SHORT OF BREATH AND EVERYDAY I FORCE MYSELF TO EXERCISE BECAUSE IT DOES HELP WITH COPD BUT ITS VERY EXHAUSTING AND IT WEARS ME OUT, I HAVE LOST SO MUCH WEIGHT AND I AM ON PREDNISONE AND A BUNCH OF INHALERS, I DO NEBULIZER TREATMENTS 4 TIMES A DAY, I EAT VERY LITTLE BUT DRINK A LOT OF ENSURE FOR THE CALORIES, I AM AFRAID TO LEAVE MY HOUSE ANYMORE BECAUSE I AM ON OXYGEN 24/7 MY SISTER AND MY SONS HELP ME WITH FOOD SHOPPING AND THEY TAKE ME TO MY DR. APPOINTMENTS.

One day at a time

I WOULD NOT WISH THIS DIEASE ON MY WORST ENEMY. I TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME, AND I REALLY LIKE THIS COPD WEBSITE BECAUSE IT HELPS ME GET THROUGH THE BAD DAYS, THE MODERATORS ARE SO SWEET AND GIVE ME STRENGTH TO KEEP FIGHTING TO STAY ALIVE, SOME OF THE OTHER COPD PEOPLE GIVE YOU HELPFUL IDEAS FOR SHOWERING AND EATING MANY SMALL MEALS A DAY AND EXERCISING, I AM IN STAGE 4 AND HAVE HOME HEALTH HOSPICE CARE COME TO MY HOME THREE DAYS A WEEK, I PRAY A LOT TOO. I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD MAKE IT FOR CHRISTMAS THAT JUST PAST BUT I'M STILL HERE? HOPE ALL MY COPD FRIENDS HAVE A BETTER NEW YEARS, SINCERELY BEVERLY DEMARCO

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kloker Member
I always enjoy your stuff, Beverly! Yep, I remember when I was a kid, how smoking was. Half the kids at school smoked (I was 11 when I started) at school and everywhere else. You could smoke in stores, elevators, restaurants, offices, theaters, even courtrooms. About the only places it was not allowed were schools, churches, and hospitals. I could go to the TG&Y and buy a carton whenever I wanted with cash, if asked I just said they were for my Mom. I did buy them for her too. She pretended she didn't know I was smoking. My Dad rarely caught me, as it was painful. Even most teachers didn't say anything, as they were out there smoking with us. In those days almost everyone smoked. It was on TV, in the movies, everywhere. Thoroughly embedded in our culture, and unavoidable. I had no idea why anyone would choose not to enjoy it at the time. And, like a lemming, I was right out there with them all. And I danced. Boy, did I dance. I smoked cigarettes for over 50 years. I smoked some pot in school - never liked it much. Opium - loved it but couldn't get it. Or hash. Never gave a second thought to my health. But now I am paying the piper, and he wants his due. I won't lie. There are a few people I would wish this disease on. But no one I care about. This forum has been an excellent discovery for me. Facebook? It's a cruel place and doesn't want to hear it. I'm about tired of it anyway. But here I feel supported, and I know there are folks here who know what I feel when I wake in the middle of the night a little panicky. It means everything to know I am not alone. That I can find out things, or just share my fear and be understood. Thanks for bringing this up today, Beverly! I've been sick, and this is just what I needed to hear. I also am quite surprised to still be here after last year's events. Amazed, even. But glad. I didn't think I would want to keep hanging around once I reached this point, but I was wrong. I do. Thanks for reminding me of that.
SamanthaSarube Community Admin
<inline-mention username="beverlydemarco" user-id="2407285"/> and <inline-mention username="kloker" user-id="4235094"/>, we are so glad you are both part of our community! We know living with COPD is hard and there are many ups and downs but you have all of us here for support whenever you need. Wishing you both a peaceful evening. All the best, Sam S. (<a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, team member).
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi <inline-mention username="beverlydemarco" user-id="2407285"/> and <inline-mention username="kloker" user-id="4235094"/> - the candor and heartfelt comments from each of you is very much respected and appreciated. We are so glad that each of you is with us in the New Year!! It's so good to hear what you have to say again, Beverly - we always appreciate your words of wisdom. We are here for both you and kloker - we have come to value all your comments here and the information you share with the community. You always have our support! Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
beverlydemarco Member
I WENT FOR ANOTHER APPOINTMENT ON MONDAY TO THE CANCER HOSPITAL FOR AN IRON TRANSFUSION, I HAD ONE THE WEEK BEFORE ALSO, I HAD A LOT OF BLOOD WORK DONE ALSO? All THE BLOOD WORK SHOWED I HAVE NO CANCER BUT I AM LOSING TOO MUCH BLOOD AND A LOT OF MY BLOOD WORK SAID I WAS TOO LOW WITH THE HEMEGLOBEN AND KIDNEY FUNCTION WAS ALSO TOO LOW? I AM ALSO LOW ON IRON THATS WHY I HAD TO GET THOSE TWO TRANSFUSIONS, I AM VERY, VERY WEAK AND NOW THEY ARE REFERRING ME TO RADIOLGY FOR MORE TEST, SAID I HAD TO SWALLOW A CAMERA DOWN MY THROAT? All THESE TEST ARE SOOOOO EXPENSIVE TOO, I PAID OVER $300.00 LAST WEEK IN COPAYS, I HAVE MEDICARE SO I HAVE TO PAY THEIR 20% COPAYS PLUS $40.00 FOR THE DR. TOO . THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON 2 YEARS OF TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE I AM LOSING THE BLOOD FROM MY BODY? I AM SO TIRED OF GOING TO DR. AND NOT GETTING ANY RESULTS? DOES ANTONE ELSE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH MY COPD FRIENDS? THIS IS MAKING ME SO DEPRESSED AND A BAD START FOR A NEW YEAR THAT I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD MAKE. IN 2022.,I AM TOO WEAK TO KEEP FIGHTING ANYMORE TO LIVE?
1. Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="beverlydemarco" user-id="2407285"/> I can understand your discouragment. You're going through a lot right now. I know it's frustrating when you're trying to get answers and none are forthcoming. But, I'm sure given a little time they will find the reason for your low hemogloben. Try to keep your chin up and please know this whole community is rooting for you. Best, Lyn (COPD.net site moderator)
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="beverlydemarco" user-id="2407285"/> Hi Beverly, and thanks, as usual, for your heartfelt posting(s). We hear you! I see my colleague, <inline-mention username="Lyn Harper, RRT" user-id="2449585"/>, has already responded. I will piggy back onto what she has said. We are all pulling for you, Beverly - give it a little time, reach down deep for some additional strength - you can do this! Please, if there is anything we can do to assist you, just let me or any other moderator / team member know. Warm regards, always! Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)