A life with COPD

By sillygirladdie

1 min read

I am 64, was diagnosed with COPD 6 years ago at that time I went to pulmonary therapy. I did the 12 weeks worth and stayed away from smoking for 2 years. Gradually from being stressed out I went back to the bad habit.

Smoked off and on for the next 3 years, didn't feel bad. Just a year ago I started getting more infections and feeling run down, chest pain, just not feeling myself. Seen the doctor, was told COPD was getting worse - stage 2. Other doctor says stage 3. Whatever I say - all I know is that I don't feel like myself, brain-wise too. One day I feel like I'm dying the next like nothing changed except my breathing is slower and I'm a bit slower which I can't stand either.

I don't like the gagging on the mucus, the ribs hurting, guts hurt - you name it I don't like it. If only we knew better. Yes, if only I would have stayed quit I wouldn't be this bad today. I preach to my children and grandchildren not to smoke no matter how much you want to try it because friends do - don't! Please look at me, stay away from smokers.

I am back in pulmonary rehab plus exercise at home daily, some days are better than others. Have family making sure I eat well and right, trying to stay positive which somedays is hard. I read, watch birds out my window, try to get back to my old hobbies and just live the days to my fullest. Pray a lot. I come to this website a couple times a day, thanks for being here.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Sillygirladdie and welcome to <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> We're glad you here. Thanks for sharing the synopsis of your COPD experience with our online community. I'm sure others will benefit from reading your story. If you haven't as yet, you may want to check out our Facebook page: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/</a> There you will find many more community members actively discussing all aspects of COPD with one another. You may want to join in. We will look forward to your continued participation. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
1. sillygirladdie Member
 thank you Leon I'm getting on it right now very interesting site and very useful. I don't feel alone anymore.
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, sillygirladdie - it's our pleasure to be here for you! Here on <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, you are never alone. It's so good to hear from you again. So glad to hear you found our published material on 'brain fog' to be so helpful. Please feel free to access out website and Facebook page as often and for as long as you like. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator)
Erin Rush Community Admin
Thank you for your kind words, Sillygirladdie! We are glad to have you as a part of this community. It sounds like you are doing a lot of good things to help control your COPD symptoms and that's great. I am so glad you are taking care of yourself fully -- mind, body, and soul. So many of our members can relate to what you shared. Some days are better than others and all one can do is just keep moving forward. The 'brain fog' feeling you mentioned is something that comes up a fair amount in this community. A lot of times, it can be due to lack of oxygen, so that is something to keep in mind. Also, if you haven't read it already, you might like this article with tips for combating brain fog -- <a href='https://copd.net/living/fight-that-brain-fog/comment-page-1/#comments' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/fight-that-brain-fog/comment-page-1/#comments</a>. You are already doing well at that by reading and taking part in hobbies you enjoy. Thank you for taking the time to share part of your story with us. We are thankful for each and every member of <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>. Have a good night! Best, Erin, <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> Team Member.
1. sillygirladdie Member
 thanks for info on brain fog went right to site found it very interesting.
bksw48 Member
Your situation sounds a lot like me. Hang in there! Right now I am dealing with the cough, the mucus, the ribs hurting, guts hurt, back hurts... Been there, done that......hoping tomorrow will be better.
1. sillygirladdie Member
 Thank you for being there, yes we sound alike.I do hope tomorrow will be better and sometimes it very well is. the meds and following my <a href='http://program.does' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>program.does</a> me good if only it didn't bring pain with <a href='http://it.For' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>it.For</a> me Aleve works somewhat and moving around with some down time too of coarse.I found a over the counter cough tab that works for me for the mucus its not as expensive as mucinex..Nutrition is another problem for me I have an stomach ulcer and its a pain <a href='http://too.Guess' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>too.Guess</a> everything goes on and in us when you have health issues just sitting here trying to carry on a conversation my oximeter shows 93 thats as high as I <a href='http://get.Time' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>get.Time</a> to stop yappin hope you have a good day ,thank you for your reply.
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi (again) bksw48. We're hoping the very same for you! Keep up the good work and we wish you a continued recovery. Warmly, Leon (site moderator)

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