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...
I joined a couple days ago, but never got around to posting an introduction.
I have COPD, but am apparently in a uniquie situation in that I don't have either chronic brochitis or emphysema and have never touched a cigarette--my doctor and family would kill me themselves if I ever did. lol My form of COPD I've had since birth due to complications from being a very early preeemie almost 36 years ago. I've had absolutely no luck finding anything related to my situation online that pertains to adults so I ended up here.
Anyway, despite COPD, I've lived a pretty normal life. I suspect since I've grown up with it, my body/lungs has adjusted accordingly. My current doctor is amazed at how little meds I use given my numbers and still function as well as I do. Just don't ask me to run a marathon or hike a mountain! In fact up until a few years ago I wasn't using any meds at all on any regular basis. Then I had baby #3 and #4 and that changed. I just recently started taking symibcort (now that the youngest is no longer nursing) once in the mornings and I'm good all day and into the next morning. Tried Advair a couple years ago and HATED it--made me worse. And I think that doctor at the time had me way over-medicated with other stuff on top of that because she wouldn't listen to me, but that's why I'm back with my old doctor despite the 45 min. drive each way. ;-) (I'm used to being a guinea pig, but I also know my body, my "normal" and my ability to function--I can't be treated based on numbers alone)
Other than that, I'm a stay-at-home mom to 4 ranging from 13 yrs down to 1. They keep me plenty busy and I get more than enough excersize keeping up with them.
I have COPD, but am apparently in a uniquie situation in that I don't have either chronic brochitis or emphysema and have never touched a cigarette--my doctor and family would kill me themselves if I ever did. lol My form of COPD I've had since birth due to complications from being a very early preeemie almost 36 years ago. I've had absolutely no luck finding anything related to my situation online that pertains to adults so I ended up here.
Anyway, despite COPD, I've lived a pretty normal life. I suspect since I've grown up with it, my body/lungs has adjusted accordingly. My current doctor is amazed at how little meds I use given my numbers and still function as well as I do. Just don't ask me to run a marathon or hike a mountain! In fact up until a few years ago I wasn't using any meds at all on any regular basis. Then I had baby #3 and #4 and that changed. I just recently started taking symibcort (now that the youngest is no longer nursing) once in the mornings and I'm good all day and into the next morning. Tried Advair a couple years ago and HATED it--made me worse. And I think that doctor at the time had me way over-medicated with other stuff on top of that because she wouldn't listen to me, but that's why I'm back with my old doctor despite the 45 min. drive each way. ;-) (I'm used to being a guinea pig, but I also know my body, my "normal" and my ability to function--I can't be treated based on numbers alone)
Other than that, I'm a stay-at-home mom to 4 ranging from 13 yrs down to 1. They keep me plenty busy and I get more than enough excersize keeping up with them.
We do have a member other than your self who was born premature and has lung problems as a result. I will let her know who you are so she can contact you. She also never smoked.
Hang in there, you sound like a very strong person.
Big hugs to you,
and
Welcome,
Holly
Good luck to you,
Hugs,
Holly
It sounds iike you have your illness figured out to a degree. Good for you and good for you for listening to your body. I don't believe anyone should be treated from their #s.
Nice to have you here. This is a nice group of people.
Pat