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...

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Ilovethekitties 03/21/2019

Hi Everyone,

I received a friend request the other day. I thought this site had been closed. It was a wonderful blast from the past to see all my old friend's avatars! Now that I found y'all again I will be coming here regularly.

I've had some curves thrown my way since we last met as I'm sure most of you have also but the important thing is that I'm still going at it and haven't let it keep me down for long.

I'm turning 66 this Friday and now receive the full retirement I worked so hard to get not disability anymore so I'm very proud of myself especially since I had to do the last 2 years working on oxygen. My beautiful differently abled daughter Carol has been living with me the last 2 years and I have restored her to healthy young woman. She has went from 215 lbs. to 150 lbs. with no more edema and attends a very mentally stimulating day hab program. She is on a 2 year waiting list for an excellent NOT FOR PROFFIT residential facillity near Austin. Once she is there I can relax and not worry if my time should come who would take her and keep her safe from FOR PROFFIT HOMES. My last PFT had me at 17% lung function. About 6 months ago I gave up driving because of anxiety meds but I have become a pro at online ordering...almost as much fun as actually shopping. I have a rollator and I can put my little 02 bottle in the storage seat so I still go out on weekends with my husband but I tire easily. Unfortunatelly because of the price of my meds. We can't live together because he would be expected to spend all of his savings and have nothing for himself when I'm gone. I hear other countries actually pay the spouse to be the caregiver.

I no longer use puffers but instead use all nebulized medicines. The best I've ever had that has made substancial difference is called YUPELRI. It is new and cost $1,500.00 a month. Hard to believe I'm worth that much to Medicare. I pay $200.00 a month and they pay that much...amazing!

Anyway...I have my friends back and I can learn so much from you guys.

Take care...Love ya,

Sandy

gracenme 03/30/2019

Sandy, I remember you from the old board. No one comes here that was on the old board. So many has also passed away. Gwapo, Peter Lima was the last I seen that has passed. I have a feeling there are a few others that I have not heard from since the site change. I have gone down hilll. On oxygen and get real sob doing anything now. Some I connect with on facebook. Good to see you post. God Bless. Sharon

Ilovethekitties 04/01/2019

I'm so sorry to hear that so many are gone. It is wonderful to hear from you. As I briefly said I'm down to 17% lung function but I still keep trying. I gave up my car keys about 9 months ago because of anxiety attacks and the meds I take to prevent them are sedating. My disabled daughter still lives with me and she has excellent provider care for 70 hours a week so she is company to me but for the most part I guess you'd call me a shut in...I hat it! So lonely. Please keep in touch and update me on how you're doing and what issues you're dealing with. I guess we're just too hardheaded to die...thats a GOOD THING!
Love and best wishes,
Sandy >^..^<

zelli 04/20/2019

Welcome back Sandy. I check back here from time to time. I was a member of the old group too.

Glad to hear you are doing well on the medicine. I am going to ask for a sample next I go to the doctor. It is very expensive though. I hope my insurance will cover it.

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