Hi serenity thank you so much for that sometimes i feel like i,m being a bit of a pain your so nice to me and others have been to thank you

Take Care

skye xxx

Hi deb they also did the peak flow and also had xrays done

skye xxx

You need to have a full set of pulmonary function tests(PFT's). A blood gas exchange test (ABG) to see what the levels of O2 & CO2 are in your blood. It's very difficult to see emphysema on an x-ray, you should have a CT scan:>)

Hi thanks for that deb i will see my GP about that when i i go to see her

skye xxx

I was diagnosed 13 years ago when I was 42...and i was shocked because i thought this didn't happen to anyone younger than 60+ years old! I was in shock and scared to the point of paralysis...

I had a crappy doctor who i eventually fired, but he was so horrible that he exacerbated my fears...

I have to tell you that you can live a very long time with a great quality of life if you take care of yourself, follow your meds, and stay active....with 3 kids, you have a lot to be active about and hopefully you will realize that you are not your diagnosis...you are still the same person with a condition.

I have travelled and lived pretty actively until pretty recently and I still have to remain as positive as i can because to do otherwise is just sabatoging your progress.

define yourself as you always have...and deal with your condition as something you have to be on top of. stay strong...and reach out...

Skye
Everybody is shocked and confused to start with so don't think anything about it. I been on 02 for close to 7 yrs and I still am on here everyday trying fo learn stuff it is a diffucult disease to understand. Just take one day at a time and u will be ok just don't give up. huggs Georgia

gssss I hope mamamerg dont read my post; not nice at all for us who just know abt all this copd I thought this was a place to come to for help not a grump lady saying RUDE things yes Im all over here to but please keep the rudness to yr self WE JUST NEED SOME UNDER STANDING1 and there are sooooooooo many ppl who I have help me here before THANKS AND GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU1

Was there a reason. linda50, for you not acknowledging mamamarg's apology to the lady for being rude and then saying she was sorry? It make you look like you have an agenda here for some reason.

Hi Skye,
Welcome and yes it is very scary when you are first diagnosed. I was diagnosed in 2004 and I'm at the severe stage but its been 2 years since I've had to go to the hospital. Alot of times allergies, colds, flu can bring on exacerbations. You will learn to know the signs and when to get to the Dr. or hospital. It is not a death sentence, it is treatable and persoanlly I don't think a Dr. can put a time on your life. Only God can. We can be personally responsible by diet, exercise and not smoking. You will get good information here and don't be afraid to ask questions. I find this site is so helpful and the people are great. Hugs to you,

Your doctor should have given you informational pamplets and guides for you to read and sources for you to find out what you want to and need to know. Do not be timid about asking your doctor any questions you have and you seem to have some judging from this forum. If your doctor is not answering your questions in terms you can understand keep at him and do not let him intimadate you. You have the right to find out where you stand, You are the customer he is the employee.