My COPD Journey

By pk2018

1 min read

My journey started on 12-6-2018. I went to my husband’s Doctor because my feet and legs were very swollen and I had trouble breathing. Just walking to my car in the morning was a chore. The Doctor looked at my ankles and my oxygen level was 76% and he told me I was going to the ER Now. I was smoking 1-1/2 packs a day. I was in hospital for four days, they put the nicotine patch on me and I have not smoked since. I have COPD with severe emphysema and I was on oxygen 24/7.

I went back to work on 2-4-2019 and on 3-4-2019 I was told my job was eliminated so at 65 years old filed for social security and retired.

I am doing alright now, I am only on oxygen when I am sleeping and when I exercise. I am going through some new problems now. I have to have a Bronchoscopy, cause they think my Organizing Pneumonia is back. Other wise I am doing good.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi again, PK2018, and thank you for sharing your story here with our online community. We appreciate your candor! We have had recent conversations (here on <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>), about your present medical condition, and there has been comments posted by others in the community (including me). For ease of reference, you can access those conversations here: <a href='https://copd.net/members/pk2018' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/members/pk2018/</a>. Thanks so much for adding your own story to this 'stories' forum. I know you are anticipating your upcoming appointment scheduled for November 30. If you don't mind, please do check back and keep us posted as to your progress. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
1. pk2018 Member
 Leon Thank you for replying to my story. I am sorry if I have repeated myself, I was just trying to tell my story. I will be sure to read all of the responses to my questions from the link you provided
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again PK2018 - and thanks for your response. Please - having similar posts appear here on our <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> platform is not an issue at all!! I hope I did not come across that way. We welcome all your posts to the community here! There is no need for you to apologize - we appreciate your input throughout our community. I only mentioned it (and referenced it with a link), to pull all the comments together for easy access for us and our readers. If I gave you the wrong impression, I apologize! Sometimes, I've found having the comments cross referenced (with links) is helpful when I am replying with comments. And also thought is might help our members who may follow these posts as well. I do hope you will continue to post your thoughts and share your progress here with all of us. It is what our site is all about!! I will keep good thoughts for you in anticipation of your upcoming appointment this Monday (11/30). Good luck and please, do check back and let us know how it all turns out for you. We are here to lend support, information and a listening ear, as well. Please know, you are always welcome here! Warmly, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
delta22 Member
Well done, and get well soon to yoy.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, Delta22 - once again, we appreciate you chiming in here with your own support. Warmly, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
kidogo1950 Member
Thank you PK2018 for sharing your story. Your story of "quitting" is a part of my fear; that when I stop, I will develop other medical issues! This statement might read "insane", but it rings true for me!
smockleybohunk Member
Mine started in Feb.2018 the same way. Instead of looking for help because I was so sick and living on my own my legs just kept getting bigger and bigger. I was so sick at the end of it my only option was to call an ambulance and head to the hospital for help. I could hardly breathe when I wasn't moving. After I got into the ambulance that was the last thing I remember for three days. When I woke up in the hospital I was on this machine forcing so much air into my lungs I could hardly stand it.The rest of my story has so much history behind it Imay have to look to a different group to continue. Thank You and keep as calm as you can during a time your blood gasses are high and you can't catch a breath.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="2417608" username="smockleybohunk"/> , and thanks for sharing your story here with the community. We appreciate your candor in retelling your experiences from home, to the hospital. That must have been quite an ordeal, from what you've told us. Please know you are more than welcome to share as much of your story and extensive history as you feel comfortable doing here. You are always welcome here! All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)