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...

936 Members
10,879 Posts
0 Online
Lungs & Respiration
/ COPD & Emphysema Support Group

quantity or quality?

deegran
deegran
Are we supposed to keep on going, no matter the cost to ourselves or our loved ones? I want my life to be good now, as it has been pretty rough so far. I have a wonderful husband, and kids who have grown up to be awesome human beings. And 3 fabulous grandkids and a terrific son-in-law. Just wondering how others feel about this since our mortality is definitely right in our face?
DeeDee
deleted_user
deleted_user
I wish everyday my love ones who suffered through COPD were still here. Even though I had a hard time trying to help take care of them, they were everything to me. I know it's hard, and it's also hard on those around you because they want to help you get better even though they know what the reality of the situation is. It's a two way street. I wanted my grandfather to have peace from his suffering but at the same time, I didn't want to let him go either. I was more then willing to take care of him every step of the way. It is kind of you to think of your family and how everything is effecting them, some people just don't think of that. Stay strong, you are a wonderful person and I'm sure they will want to be with you for as long as possible no matter how old they get.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Clearly this is a very personal decision. For me, the moment I am forced to go on a respirator, will be my end point. I will refuse that, it is not an option for me. Until such time I am going to fight, and do my best to live life to the fullest extent possible.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It may sound corny, but I've found life to be beautiful, even at times when it has been quite dark, so there's always been a certain quality to it that has always sustained me. When I look at my birth certificate it states I am 70 years old, but even with COPD, I don't feel it. Certainly, I can't run a mile anymore, but then, I never could. And yes, sometimes I wheeze and reach for my oxygen when I do heavy physical work - but I'm so thankful that oxygen is available and I can still do the physical stuff even if it does takes a bit of extra help.

When it comes to family, we laugh about my demise. I told my daughters I wanted to be cremated and my ashes spread on their carpets. Then, when friends came over they could say "Watch it, you're stepping on my mom!" I know underneath that laughter there's a great deal of love for me...and I for them. I see my grandchildren and know a part of me will live on. I am blessed.

And...I learned a lesson lately, and that is plan for tomorrow but live for today. Now, I don't know how, when or where I will make the final exit, if it will be COPD or something else...or if I will assist it so I tend not to think about it much. Today, just for today, I'm here and life is, indeed, good.
deegran
deegran
Hey jamsnjazzy, Thank you for your post. I was encouraged by your outlook. It made me smile.