Not sure really. Was terribly ill with "colds" I could not shake from just after Christmas of last year until almost May of tis year.

Dr told me it was chronic bronchitis but told me I did NOT have COPD!

So I came to this group looking for answers and found put CB IS a form of COPD!

Officially diagnosed in January 2010 when I was hospitalized with bilateral pulmonary embolisms as well. Have not smoked for 10 years but had a history of occasional bronchitis and pneumonia and sob which Drs attributed to high blood pressure only.

I am in moderate stage, Try to exercise every day but took a bad fall 11 days ago and am out of commission at the moment - staples and sutures to be removed next week and hope to get back on track.

I am now 76 and grateful that I made it this far and I take it one day at a time . This board has been a huge help with knowledge and friendship for a lonely widow who still has many blessings.

Officially diagnosed March of this year. Could not get over upper respiratory infections that started back in October.

Hi! I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis in my early 20's after having 2 abnormal chest x rays for pneumonia. It has done permanent damage to my lungs but is now considered to be inactive. Since then I've had several hospitalizations from respiratory failures & was diagnosed with stage 3 COPD in my early 30's, I am now 42. This group seems very warm & caring so I'm happy to have found you all!

I started with symptoms out of the blue in August 2014 and am still trying to figure out what is wrong. I have not fully accepted the emphysema diagnosis I was given as my pulmonary dr expressed confusion and said he needed to see more of my records and get test results in before he was willing to offer more. I go back tomorrow. Not sure if I'm in denial or if there is something else (then what?) wrong with me. Staying calm and just taking each day, good or bad, as it comes.

I am 70 years old. 2 years ago I started having SOB. There was no effort from my Doc to find the cause. I got a new Doc this year.He immediately started ruling out cardiac problems. Then we started on pulmonary diseases. My PFT showed mild emphysema. I was blown away! No history of respiratory disease in my family. I have never smoked. My SOB is worse now. My spO2 has dropped from 98 to 97 and to 96 when I get SOB. I realize that those numbers look good but I am getting more SOB. I want a referral to a pulmonologist when I see my Doc next. Also would like pulmonary rehab. We need to hang in there together. I have very little support otherwise and am having a hard time accepting this diagnosis. But then, we have very little choice.
Linda

I'm wondering if you lived in a house where someone smoked....or
you worked with smokers like in an office.....or an older building
with asbestos. Many factors could enter in.

You will find much support and caring friendship here.

Birdcat

I've been sob since I was a kid. Thought it was normal. First dx'd with emphysema seven years ago. Then dx'd with "advanced" emphysema June 2012. Recently dx'd with "severe" emphysema and asthema. Just do my best to keep pluging along as the rest of us here are doing. Like Denny said, I'm so greatful for this group.No one can understand what we go through unless they've been in our shoes which I wouldn't wish on anyone!

Hugs...

Was dignosed 2008, when I couldn't breathe and my job had to call 911, was put on Oxygen and steroids, was very scared cause I had never taken steroids before. While I was in the hospital, they pumped me full of steroids with IV, so I didn't understand why I was so hyper.
I'd been told I had chronic Bronchitis/COPD. I had heard about emphysema and kept asking my doc over the years if I had it. He just kept saying I had COPD and Chonic Brochitis,. Well after doing the Rehab, I saw a Pulmonary specialist there, she said No you have Emphysema, I almost cried, but she quickly changed the subject. Now, I am trying to take better care of myself and have quit smoking 202 days today. My doc has applied for disability, but said they might refuse it. In Canada it is hard to get disability. So, if I have to go back to work, I will. I cannot even imagine standing 8 hours every day any more, I hope I don't have to.

They have also cracked down on disability payments in OZ cos of widespread abuse.......I had to go before a panel of social security doctors and present lots of evidence and plead my case.

Once approved they also gave my wife carer status......

I was diagnosed in April, 2010 (I had to check my profile because the date isn't something I remember.). I have been most fortunate in that up until then I have had next to no health issues (77 now) that I acknowledged. That April I made a Dr. appointment because I had a cough that wouldn't go away after a couple of weeks. As far as I knew I'd continue to go through the rest of my life being immune to every health issue out there - not because I took extra care of myself; it must relate to family history. I cried for two weeks at that time. But then time to move on, a day at a time, I'm doing pretty good. I try not to be defined by COPD - I strongly believe attitude is a great strenghtener - more exercise would help I know.

I don't know any numbers related to me and this disease. All I know is somedays I feel good, some days not so good, and some days bad. That works for me right now...

Birdcat65----my Dad smoked unfiltered cigarettes for years. My first husband smoked 13 years before dying of lung cancer. My second and hopefully last hubby smokes now. He smoked inside for years. Now smokes outside. But still smokes in the car when I am with him. Rolls down the window. Linda