Sherry's COPD

By maggieg

1 min read

My name is Sherry, I have stage 4. Went to my doctor today, he said things that upset me terribly which I already knew but still it bothered me. He didn't give me a death sentence. But I was already depressed. He just said I could not afford to get the flu or any kind of infection because it would be bad. I just wanted to talk or tell someone to make me not alone. I have a wonderful husband but unless you have dealt with this you just feel alone. I want to thank you for listening.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Sherry (Maggieg1) and welcome to our website and online community. Here, you are definitely NOT alone. We are an entire community that is geared towards all things COPD. In view of your comments, I thought you might find it helpful to read this article by Derek Cummings, one of our contributors. It focuses on your initial concerns about COPD being a 'death sentence': <a href='https://copd.net/living/terminal/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/terminal/</a> It is not uncommon for people with COPD to feel anxiety and even depression about their illness. Others in our community have expressed similar sentiments. This article speaks to the emotional impact of COPD: <a href='https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/coping/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/coping/</a> As well, I thought this article would assist you with maintaining a positive attitude: <a href='https://copd.net/caregiver/how-to-stay-positive-when-discouraged/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/caregiver/how-to-stay-positive-when-discouraged/</a> I don't want to overwhelm you with too much reading material at one time. I also thought if you haven't already, you might want to check out our Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/COPDDotNet/ Here you will find we have many, many community members who interact with one another freely, share their COPD experiences and provide support to one another. I believe you will find time spent there to be extremely worthwhile. We at <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> have much information to share. If there is anything more we can assist you with, please let me or any other moderator/team member know. You are always welcome here, Maggieg1. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
1. jimn Member
 Hi Sherry, You are not alone as others have said. I too have stage 4, but have "hung around" and doing pretty well for over 6 years from the diagnosis. It's tough for those who love us to truly understand what we are going through, even though they care deeply and want to help. I have started to read about Buddhism, and many of their principles and practices(purse lip breathing) have helped me. One thing they say that I really liked is, " don't worry about the things you can change and don't worry about the things you can't change". This allows you to keep moving which in my mind is 1/2 the battle. The other half is attitude. Feel well and I'm here to listen any time you need a friend. Jim
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Jim - we appreciate your comments and advice based on what you've been through. You've got a great outlook and attitude which, as you pointed out, can be a big part of the 'battle'. In view of your comment about pursed lip breathing, I thought you might find it helpful to look over this article on that very topic: <a href='https://copd.net/guest-expert/pursed-lips-are-not-just-for-kissing/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/guest-expert/pursed-lips-are-not-just-for-kissing/</a> We're glad to have you as part of our online community. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
Erin Rush Community Admin
Hi Sherry and welcome! I am so sorry your left your physician's office feeling discouraged. As Leon said, you are not alone! We have a large community of people living with COPD that truly understand what you are going through. Please know you are welcome here 24/7! I hope you are feeling better today and again, don't hesitate to reach out anytime you need to 'talk'. Have a good day! Best, Erin, <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> Team Member.
sunsh1ne Member
sherry so sorry you feel this way. I had a similar situation with my consultant who in fact said you are not going to live much longer! I was mortified, went home and rang my copd nurse, she was excellent......said keep going the way you are, he has no people skills,i said I know I am very ill bu t onwards ad upwards

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