Skip to Accessibility Menu Skip to Login Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Shocked

dcsharon's avatar image

By dcsharon

1 min read

I developed COPD a full 15 years after quitting smoking. I was somehow ignorant that I could escape that risk after having quit for so long. I also have multiple autoimmune disorders, and discovered one of the medications can possibly be a causative factor in COPD.

I was diagnosed at stage 1

Last I was checked about 3 years ago, I was diagnosed at Stage 1 via CT scan and pulmonary testing. Last February I had what I thought was a mild case of the flu (maybe it was COVID?). It affected my lungs so badly I am still struggling, so I'm probably Stage 2 at least now.

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Doing okay, but still managing flares and triggers

Several inhalers later, and checking my PulseOx regularly, I seem to be doing okay, but still have flare ups, can't handle dust, any kind of smoke (fires, cooking, etc), air that is too cold/too hot, and this was never an issue before the illness last year. I also haven't been able to regain my lung functioning through conditioning and find it very tough to exercise. I also have a chronic dry cough and probably have Sjogren's Syndrome which can affect the lungs. Ugh. This disease is depressing!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.