Hi Missy.....They have gone and changed the format at the site, so there is a bit of confusion at the moment......There are some posts on that here so hang around a little as we sort it out.....There is lots of help available between us. If you got any questions now that you need advice on, please ask......

Hugs Peter

Hi Missy..Jarca n me have found a new home as this board is too difficult to figure out.....We have joined. it has lots of info and very friendly. Here is a Link but it may not work for some reason. If not go to google and type in ''COPD in Canada Forums'' Click and sign into the group....You go to introductions and up top is ''Jarca'' and I have commented in there as well.

http://philns.proboards.com/

Hi Missy - Welcome. I prided myself on keeping up with new group members as having that response was so helpful to me a few years ago. I'm going to try and follow gwapo and jarca to the forum mentioned. I tried another group for about a week, but contact was lacking and there was limited "Help." I'm so sorry about this site since I've "lost" my group members. I'll try COPD in Canada Forums. I wish I could respond to you appropriately, but I'm throwing-in my towel on this site. (I'll see if the link works - http://philns.proboards.com/) I tell you this - a support group is essential!Hi Missy - Welcome. I prided myself on keeping up with new group members as having that response was so helpful to me a few years ago. I'm going to try and follow gwapo and jarca to the forum mentioned. I tried another group for about a week, but contact was lacking and there was limited "Help." I'm so sorry about this site since I've "lost" my group members. I'll try COPD in Canada Forums. I wish I could respond to you appropriately, but I'm throwing-in my towel on this site. I need COPD exchanges; I really don't care to get involved with re-design "suggestions."(I'll see if the link works - http://philns.proboards.com/) I tell you this - a support group is essential!

Thank you I will do that and hopefully be able to speak to people who are struggling like me.x

im new in this group as well and I have just went threw my first surgery and was told I have emphysema and pneumothorax, I have five kids and could use some help how to handle certain things and feelings,,

Hi fighterfor5, It's very hard having lung complaints cos your restricted to what you can do, It must be harder for you having 5 kids too, the best advice I can give is what I do... If I'm having a good day I take a little walk out with my dogs only where there are benches were I can sit and rest, and I have learnt to risk asses wherever I need to go, and If It's not easy for me I don't go, I have had to go on antidepressants, they have lifted my mood a bit but I have to go see a councillor don't know if it will help, will let you know. Take care.

Thank you Gwapo and Joany for the links.

No problems..hope to see you there....it has a few different areas so go to introductions and someone will guide you from there....take care Peter......I am OZBOY on the site ha....

Thanks.

Hello:

I am a 51 year old female, disabled young at age 43. I first got diagnosed with Degenerative Joint Disease (Osteoarthritis). It destroys the cartilage between my bones.

Then, I got diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. This disease limits my walking ability for long periods of time.

Then, a year ago, I got diagnosed with mild C.O.P.D. and my first spirometary test last June. Being a smoker for 35 years, I know I did it to myself. I quit smoking for 6 months, then started back occasionally.

I decided last week, to really quit. So, I am praying to break that addiction for real. The scariest I ever was is when they told me I had C.O.P.D.
I get depressed and lonely being a shut in.

My best advice on living with multiple diseases, is to turn your fears over to Jesus. Even those of us, who have multiple diseases, we do not know for sure those diseases will take us out of this world.

So, I alienated my fears by letting Jesus deal with it, being greatful for each day and thinking of all the blessings I have.

you have a good outlook for having so many things going on, littlefestus. I have severe emphysema and try to be thankful for a decent life up untill now. things are getting hard and going to get harder. hope you are able to quit. I did 2 1/2 yrs ago but way too late.

Ok. I am 87. I have emphysema, very high blood pressure, very bad acid reflux, hypothyroidism and I can't walk. And I think I have an ingrown toenail. I DON'T cope. I ' m writing several books. I don't expect them to be any good but I plan to self publish two of them anyway.Just for the Hell of it. Takes my mind off my miseries. Try watching a favorite tv series--- I like the old ones-- Bob Newheart, , WKRP in Cincinatti, Keeping up Appearances--- then make up a new ending for the stories.

the best thing is if you can access one is a pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Stopping smoking if you do smoke and avoid smoke of any kind, any air born irritants basically. Do away with aerosols, and opt for pump action instead, try the eco friendly cleaners rather than the general cleaners that may have perfumes or chemicals in that may irritate the airways and lung.

Regular exercise, a good diet avoiding people where you can who may be infected with a cold or the flu virus.

Check out lung foundation website if in America the better breathers groups in your area. the lung website helpline for any information packs available.

Best wishes

Hello Missy! I just turned 50 and was diagnosed with COPD about 5-6 years ago. I am having problems now. This board has been great for me even though I just joined they have helped me with some questions that I need to talk to doctor about. As well as being able to talk to someone that has it as well. I did really feel alone!!!