COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Hi, My name is Ellie, I am 32 y/o and live in Florida. I was recently diagnosed with COPD/Emphysema. Well, the Dr's have been telling me this for a few years now but I was hesitant to believe it since 2 Dr's said I had it and 2 said I didn't. I went to my PCP and he did a chest xray, ultrasound on my lungs and a breathing test on me, when I went back for the results the Dr. told me that I had the beginning stages of COPD/Emphysema. I am scared. My fiancee' is 34 y/o and has been diagnosed with Lung Cancer and was given 10 years to live (about 2 1/2 yrs ago) the problem is we both still continue smoking. I haven't asked Jon (my fiancee') if he'd consider quitting smoking but I know I want to, eventually! I am not ready right now, I have too much stress in my life! The other night, while resting, I noticed that I was wheezing. I know this is a bad sign. I am reaching out to ya'll for support and advice. I appreciate any and all responses.
Thank you for taking the time to read and maybe respond to this post.
Ellie
Thank you for taking the time to read and maybe respond to this post.
Ellie
Ahhh.... so sad to hear that someone as young as you has COPD.
Thankfully it is in the beginning stages and if you can get yourself
to quit smoking soon you will accomplish the part that will help you
the most.
Maybe if you quit you might be able to get the love of your life to
try too.
Best of Luck to you and come back. You will find lots of good
advice and support here.
Birdcat
this is a wonderful place for support from others that are living with COPD.
welcome to the board.
Love your name too.
Anna
Please go see a pulmonologist. You must be tested for alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Young people being diagnosed with COPD is a suspicion indicator for performing the blood test. Should alpha 1 deficiency be detected, you need treatment for it asap.
Hugs.
Feel free to keep us informed with your questions and answers. We're here for the long haul, however long that is.
I do understand stress and that is what we say smoking helps us with, but that is not so true, when it is killing you.
You are so young, and I would get the doctor to check you out like CaitsMom said.
We will be glad to answer any questions here. What one does not know the answer to, I can assure you that someone will. So keep us informed, we care. If you do not mind, I will keep you and your fiance in my prayers.
BJ
I'm saying this in hopes it will give you a motivation or a rock to hold onto while you try to quit. And that Birdcat is right, if you can do it soon, you can help yourself the most now. I do know that you will find plenty of support here!! Hugs!!!!
If swimming is difficult which it has become for me lately look into water aerobics. It's fun, a mood elevator and, yes, men do it too: )
Smoking unfortunately masks many of the early-stage symptoms of serious heart problems as well as respiratory problems. This is the reason why four doctors differed in their conclusions. Smoking is also the common reason why so many are often not diagnosed with COPD until its in an advanced stage.
You have not been given a sign youve just been slapped upside the head with a 2 by 4. Smile!
Hugs to Ya