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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/ COPD & Emphysema Support Group

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Squirt1961
Squirt1961

I just learned that I have emphysema after being hospitalized in March and April.  In April, I had double pneumonia.  In March, I had pnuemonia only in my left lung and after 4 days in the hospital came out feeling GREAT.  After the April hospital stay, 10 days, I am still feeling terrible - but, the doctors say my immune system is out of whack - particularly the immunoglobulin E or IgE.  And they also tell me I now have persistent moderate asthma.  I have been doing better lately - got out the day before Easter - but still have oxgen and shortness of breath.  Between the immunologist and the pulmonologist, they have decided to put me on Xolair and am waiting for the insurance company to approve this shot - taken every 2 weeks.  I am just in such a depressed state.  I was feeling fine. I am now just feeling better reading the posts on this site - and not so worried about dying - at least quickly.  I would be happy with another 10 or 15 years.  You all have given me hope.  I too am trying to quit cigarettes - cheating a little - am going to start pulmonary rehab soon.  So, I guess I am just looking for a little reassuranced that I might make it to my 65th or 70 th birthday.  I just turned 58.  Thanks for any response.


~Squirt1961

flowerwmn
flowerwmn
Hi Squirt1961 For each cigarette that you don't smoke, you are helping yourself get to 65 or 70. I was a smoker for 40 years. I was diagnosed in 1994 and went home, finished a pack of cigarettes and quit the next day. I got serious about taking care of my health. Here it is 25 years later and I'm still managing COPD with inhalers, oxygen at night and a good pulmonologist. You can do it. You are young. Sorry to say my husband couldn't quit with me and he died of a massive stroke at age 68. It's a struggle to quit but if you want to extend your life you can do it. Best of Luck.
Squirt1961
Squirt1961
Hey, flowerwmn, I just cannot express what your response meant to me. Above all, it gave me hope and changed my way of thinking. I am so sorry about your husband but thrilled for you and your determination. You really have inspired me. I have spent the last few days depressed and feeling sorry for myself. Please know that you have made a difference in someone's life - mine. Another 25 years seems like a dream. Like I said, another 15 would be God's grace and I am starting today to follow advice. I have already started eating better and taking supplements. Today will be my last day of smoking - I pray it's not too late and I can be as strong as you. Hopefully, if the insurance company approve the shot for immune problem, that will also lead to better daily breathing. Just don't know how my body got messed up so suddenly. . Now to deal with making a come back.up . Thank you again so much. May I ask, do you get along without oxygen during your daily activities? That would make a heck of a difference in my life - to get rid of oxygen during the day - or altogether for that matter. Now, I guess I would be thrilled not to have to tote around a portable tank. One last time,thank you for taking the time to answer me!
gracenme
gracenme
Squirt, You have been posting on real old posts. Anyway this site used to be great but when they changed the format and redid the site everyone left. But even before that happened a lot of the members have passed on. So any old posts many are gone. The few that are left found other copd sites to go to. But there are not but 1 or 2 and they do not post in them anymore. There are a few copd sites on Facebook. I am very severe emphysema and on oxygen so I understand about having to carry the tanks. You can live many years with severe copd, but I dont find it a good life. If you have friends and family it makes it easier. I dont have that and get depressed. Hope you go to facebook and join a group there. So much better than here where there is no one.
kkayla
kkayla
Squirt: In order to quit smoking you must really want it. It's like someone wanting to lose weight but concentrating on that piece of chocolate cake they miss. It cannot work that way. I quit smoking for over 40 years on the day I was dx'ed w/COPD. I needed no drugs or assisted paraphilia. When I wanted to smoke, I got busy. Cleaned a drawer, washed dished, my car, took a walk, etc. In other words, directed my mind elsewhere. It works. Think of all the women who take breathing exercises in order to manage labor pains. Our mind cannot concentrate on two things at once. Use your power and direct it wisely. Quitting is not that hard if you really want it! Good journey!