COPD Support Group

What to say? Well, I'm new here and newly diagnosed. I never knew I had COPD/Emphysema until I landed in the Hospital with a collapsed lung.

I was in the hospitals (2 of them) for about 3 weeks. Had 4 different chest tubes because for one reason or another they kept failing, breathing treatments (nebulizer?) like every 4 hours, pain meds, etc. Simply put if it could go wrong it did with the treatment.

To make a long story short one of my doctors finally told me that treatment wasn't working and he would have to repair my lung in surgery. The day after surgery he came round and informed me that the damage to my lung was much worse than they thought and he had to remove a little over half of my right lung.

A couple of days later I was discharged. My medication Spiriva. The Spiriva helped only for about 5 to 6 hours so on a followup visit with my primary doctor he added Advair.

So now I'm home for a couple of weeks. Haven't smoked in 38 days (yay). Making myself get out and walk. Pre COPD I could walk 10 miles to work, work an 8 to 10 hour shift in fast food and walk another 10 miles home with no problem. Not so any more and I miss it. I also have Grand Mal Epilepsy since age 12 so being able to walk long distances has always given me a sense of independence.

In January I lost my job due to "lack of work" so I also have no medical coverage any longer. WOW. I must sound really whiney. Not really. But I am here to learn how to deal with this COPD. I've done alot of searching online and it seems most sites are just looking to sell something.

Anyways, thats my story (short version). A friendly hello to everyone.

Hi Keith,

I'm sorry to hear why you're here but nonetheless, welcome to the site and to the group. I don't have COPD but joined the group to get information and to assist my mother. She had an exacerbation last year and passed away because of it. I've been done a lot of research on lung disease and provide insight on here when I can.

Its really great that you have been able to quit smoking, I know that is no small accomplishment. And everything I've read says that exercise and movement does help. I know the worst thing for my mom was being so immobile and short of breath. She would look around see all the things that needed to get done but was just unable to do it.

I'm glad to hear that you are at least out of the hospital. Not a good place for people with weak lungs. There are a lot of great people on here and I sincerely hope you're able to find some support.

All the best,

Carrie

Hey Keith!

Something that helped me was when I heard "COPD is not a death sentence..it IS however a life sentence.

I got "the news" in 2001.Was at work and started having all the classic heart attack symptoms.Ambulance took me too the hospital where they poked prodded scanned and discovered I had a pulmonary embolism (bloot clot in my lung) and COPD.Came home from hospital on oxygen (still am)and "retired".

Something deadly for me is to get myself down because I'm no longer who I used to was.I remember an afternoon of crying on the couch because I couldn't bake a batch of cookies for my girls.And I used to own a bakery!

Through the years though,getting into a beetter life style I feel even better than when I was first Dx (Dx=diagnosed...there a lesson in COPDese LOL)and my lung function has dropped 12%.

I do most of the things I used to (except for mountain climbing)all be it at a slower pace.

Hang in buddy...you're on the right path.Walking is indeed one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Look forward to hearing lots more from you!

Brian

The first little while after diagnosis is awful. I cried... a lot! but, now I just try to view the cup as half full rather than half empty. I try to be optimistic and I use my sense of humor to get through stuff. I have COPD, Bronchiectasis, Right Sided Heart Failure and I am in a wheelchiar, but I stiil am grateful and know that things could be worse. Soon the shock will wear off and maybe maybe you will start to feel a little better. Sites like this one are great for reaching out to others who are going through, or have gone through what you are. They can learn from you and you can learn from them. I am new at this particular forum but have belonged for a couple years to a couple of others. I don't know what I would do without it.

Here is a little question for you though, can you qualify for SSDI? That is what I am on, since I can no linger work. Best of luck.

JoAnn

Hi Keith. I was diagnosed in Sept of 2007. My fev is 18%. I still work full time & believe that keeping "active" has helped me maintain my sanity. We all have up & down days but have learned to cope with them. It's always helpful to me when I know I can come to my online group for some smiling faces & warm hugs.

Patti

I was just diagnosed two weeks ago with severe COPD. I too have researched alot and still dont have some of the answers I'm looking for but oh well. I am 44 years old, female and scared. I have an 11 year old still at home and unhappily married. My husband just doesnt seem to understand any of this, plus I am premenopausal----wear hard hat when visiting---lol. Anyway, I am new and just looking for support as most dont know what to say. Hope you have a good day.

Fishgirl, I'm sorry your husband isn't as supportive as he should be. That makes everything so much harder.

Hugs, Tina

Well, after alot of talking I have got the hubby to listen and understand I really couldnt breathe. I think he was scared too and didnt want to admit it. I am hoping now that he knows how bad the copd can be he will be more understanding. Thanks for your reply.