I'm afraid

By denise1957

1 min read

I am new to COPD. I have been having trouble breathing and finally I went to the ER. The doctors told me that I have COPD. I have nobody to go through all this with me. My left side is starting to hurt and going on to my right side. I was in the hospital for about a week and they thought (the doctors) that this time it was my heart. I couldn't walk two feet in front of me.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Denise1957 and welcome. You've certainly come to the right place. We are all about COPD and we hear you loud and clear. It can be frightening to hear you've been diagnosed with COPD. Probably the best think you can do to ease the fear is to learn as much as you can about the disease. Towards that goal, I thought you might want to start out by reviewing this article on the basics: <a href='https://copd.net/basics/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/basics/</a> As for being alone, we have an entire community built around COPD and I'm fairly certain you will enjoy interacting with our community members. If you go to our Facebook page: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/</a> I think you will see that you are far from alone when you are participating in our online community. We will look forward to your continued participation here. Wishing you the best, Leon (site moderator)
Erin Rush Community Admin
Hi Denise1957! Thank you so much for sharing a part of your story with us. We are glad you found this site. Being newly diagnosed can be a challenging time, but you don't have to face this all alone -- we are here to help and support you in any way we can. Leon has shared come great resources with you, but I thought I would also include this post specifically geared towards newcomers -- <a href='https://copd.net/news/welcome-newcomers/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/news/welcome-newcomers/</a>. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to let us know! Thank you again for sharing with us. Best, Erin, <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> Team Member.
1. denise1957 Member
 I just want to know how long do you have to suffer with your side hurting and barely breathe with it?
2. jennl Member
 Hi again Denise1957 - Thanks for your question. While we cannot give out medical advice or answers via the internet, for your safety, I do think you'll find this article on rib cramping helpful: <a href='https://copd.net/living/community-feedback-rib-cramping/' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/community-feedback-rib-cramping/</a>. While it may not be possible to estimate how long the cramping will last, because everyone may experience it differently, we do encourage you to speak to your doctor and/or specialists about any new or worsening symptoms, if you haven't already. Please do come by any time and keep us posted on how you're doing. We'll be thinking of you. Best, Jenn (Community Manager)

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