According to The GOLD standards (Global Initiative For Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), there are 4 classifications for COPD

Stage 1 Mild
Stage 2 Moderate
Stage 3 Severe
Stage 4 Very Severe

At the stage 4 , quality of life is very appreciably impaired and exacerbations may be life-threatening

I am very severe but I think that end stage is unusually harsh but honest. I figure that as long as you are breathing and you do all that is necessary to manage the symptoms, there is always hope that something will appear. Could be a transplant could be LVRS, could be one of the clinical trials will finally produce something or the medical researchers have that breakthrough.

I think we just have to accept this as it is and live as good a quality life as possible.

But it still really sucks to hear your doctor say end stage.

Thank you for your reply....

You just have to love some Doctors dont you !

Never did much cotton to classifying people...somehow to me it was like putting them in a box. Yet, I understand it is felt there is something needed as a criteria.

What I have found interesting is when looking at my PFT two years ago, I was diagnosed as "severe". Last November I was classified as "mild, yet COPD is supposed to get progressively worst. The other thing I have noticed is my stats are so improved. It used to be my pulse ox would read 91-93 now its 95-97 on room air and has been for some months now. Go figure.... :o)

So, for me, though it has taken a long time, I have come to the conclusion not to put too much stock in those "end stage" etc., predictions, for even PFT tests can vary depending on how you are feeling the day they are taken. Instead, when it comes to COPD, I just try to live life the best I can and ignore the mortality charts and dire predictions.

And as they saying goes "there's ain't no expiration date stamped on your forehead".

Hugs,

Joni

Moonsky -
End stage refers to the last of the four progressive stages of COPD/emphysema. It has implications in the medical community. A stage 2 or 3 ( or even early 4th stage) patient might not be considered for certain treatments, such as LVRS, transplant or the like. Nor will they normally be considered for disability or eary medical retirement.
It isn't that they are unfeeling, it is just the universally recognized term that is used for COPD sufferers that require additional medical consideration...

Dennis

That throws a somewhat different light on the matter Dennis.

My apologies to "some Doctors" LOL.

Dennis and the others who replied...I posted this because it was a nice way for me to get an answer and not saying bad things when doctors do not explain things.... I am a person who does not give up so I did not like what I thought I was hearing....again so happy I actually stayed with daily strength.....moonsky

My Pulmonary Clinic interchanges telling me I am End Stage; and/or Stage 4, and/or Very Severe. One of their doctors gave me a year to live; over three years ago-------SO; doctors may not have all the answers.
They are human and do their best; but each patient is different.

Reply 8. Simplysilly....exactly what I would hate to hear...not in la la land but do my bestes to put egg on their face....hope you are felling better ..and we will still be typing to this sight. Year from now....moonsky

Its my understanding that the medical profession is trying to change the language pertaining to stages.

They are now talking about COPD being a chronic disease like diabetes, its treatable and manageable at all stages.

People in each stage can be managed and live on for many years with a good quality of life.

I think its not so good to lock your self into the stage thing, I don't my self,

Easy breathing to all of you,

Love,
Holly

Excellent responses. I understand statistics and know that's the best doctors have at hand. I don't fault them. Individually, there's no way they can know exactly your total picture - tests are limited, and we have limited knowledge of our total history i.e. do you know what ailments your great grandfather had? Anyway - I'm pressing on as we all must do..

My Doc told me 7 yrs ago I might have 5yrs well Im still breathing although hard sometime. I always say I take one day at a time. I do tend to spoil myself using the phrase (I may not live much longer if i want it get it) seems to work for me.(lol) Dont let them get u down they have no clu except what they teach them.