SnowofWinter17's COPD

By snowofwinter17

1 min read

I am a 66 year old woman. I smoked for years now, doctor tells me I have COPD. Still trying to get used to this. I cry a lot - to me this seems like a death sentence. I have been diagnosed with this for two months, still trying to deal by myself. I don't know anyone who has this so I joined this group to see what others feel about this disease. Thank you for listening to my story.

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jennl Member
Hi snowofwinter17! I'm so glad you reached out! You've come to the right place - there are many people here who really understand what you're going through, so you don't have to go through this alone. We welcome you to come by any time you want to express how you're feeling or see how others are doing! I thought you might like this article, which can show you some ways to get involved in the community so you feel less alone in this: <a href='https://copd.net/news/welcome-newcomers/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/news/welcome-newcomers/</a>. I hope this is helpful! We'll be thinking of you and hope to see you again soon! Best, Jenn (COPD.net Team)
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi snowofwinter17 and welcome. As Jenn has said, you have certainly come to the right place! We have a wealth of information about all things COPD. I think you will come to find the diagnosis of COPD is far from being a death sentence - in fact, you'll find we have many, many members who are living productive lives in spite of the diagnosis. Look around the site and see all there is to see - if we can guide you and help you with anything, please let me or any other moderator/team member know. You are always welcome here! All the best, Leon (site moderator)
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Penny23W - please be aware your post violates our community rules, which you can find here: <a href='https://copd.net/about-us/community-rules/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/about-us/community-rules/</a>. Kindly review these rules and refrain from such posts in the future. Adherence to our guidelines will allow you to post information that is welcome. If you continue to do ignore the rules, further action will be taken and you risk being banned from the website. Thanks, Leon (site moderator)
wandat Member
Hello snowofwinter17. I'm 68 and was diagnosed 1 year ago, this month. It was like a slap in the face. I felt in shock, couldn't talk about it without crying, then felt angry with myself for not quitting smoking sooner, angrier even more when I realized the electronic cigarette I had been relying on for the past 6 years probably put the last nail in the coffin. I am so thankful I found this site. I especially get a lot of encouragement and good advice from Mr. Derek Cummings. Look up his posts and read them. He was diagnosed nearly 30 years ago. I don't remember who wrote it, but someone said, "You don't die of COPD but die with COPD." If you haven't already, find a good Pulmonologist (sp?) and follow directions for meds and care.
dawnish Member
Hi SnowofWinter I do feel your pain. With a pulmonologist taking care of your medical care you should live a fairly decent life. Don't think about what you can't do, concentrate on what you can do. I'm getting used to having a portable oxygen tank and going outside for short walks. Its a struggle to live with this disease,do what you can,take your time doing it. It is what it is. I hope I helped.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 That's good advice, dawnish, and a solid positive attitude as well. I'm sure SnowofWinter17 will appreciate it when she sees it. Keep up the good work, yourself!! All the best, Leon (site moderator0
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi AARONSDAD52 and thanks for sharing your experiences with COPD. It sounds like you're doing all the right things PLUS keeping a good positive attitude. Staying active and positive goes a long way in coping with COPD. Keep up the good work! All the best, Leon (site moderator)
judith Member
Hi SnowofWinter, I agree, "you don't die of COPD, you die with it". It helps to stay in tune with others on COPD.net; you'll get good advice. Definitely get started with a pulmonologist, exercise as much as you can, it strengthens your muscles. Stay hydrated. Take all meds prescribed. Get your flu shot every autumn. Stay involved with <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> and listen also to what others have to say, and try their advice. Learn what makes you feel better and worse, and act accordingly. I have to stay out of cold wind and hot humidity, as it bothers my breathing. I was diagnosed last 11/2013, and I'm on supplemental oxygen at night only. I take life each day as a gift God has given me. I've learned that when you get tired doing housework, take a rest now and then. I ride a stationary bike, I love to sit and crochet or read, and I balance those two off and on. Hope to talk to you again.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Judith and thanks so much for chiming in. All your suggestions and related experiences are excellent advice. It sounds like you have a good attitude and have your own particular situation under good control. We appreciate comments here. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
2. aaronsdad52 Member
 Hello snowofwinter: I have never smoked in my life but have COPD from being in an explosion at work 33 years ago. When I was first diagnosed with COPD in 2012 I thought just like you did and I started preparing for when I would die, then I started researching COPD and found that many people were living fairly long lives so I got out of the house regularly and started walking, at first I could only walk a couple hundred feet at a time but every day I walked a few more feet. I am now walking 6 miles a day and I swear I am going to live a long time. When I was first diagnosed my lung capacity was only 42 percent and the last pulminologist appointment he told me my lung capacity had increased to 64 percent so if you are able to start a little walking I am pretty sure it could help you!

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