COPD/Emphesma

I agree with you, my story is very similar. I am on oxygen 24/7 and just got out of the hospital for an acute exacerbation from C02. Its obviously not going to get any better but I do have a positive attitude and a good mental outlook about life in general.
There is no one to blame for this, just me and if I could prevent one person from starting to smoke, I would be a Happy Camper!
If you are still smoking, it only can get worse!

Hi! 47 year smoker here. Tried everything to quit. Couldn’t take Wellbutrin and Chantix as they made my depression and anxiety worse. Patches didn’t work. Diagnosed with COPD and emphysema in 2020. Didn’t stop me from smoking cigs and pot. Fast forward to 2023, need two knee replacements and have to quit. Tried Desmoxen (on Amazon $32). It contains the same ingredient in Chantix and Wellbutrin that helps you quit, but without all the psycho drugs. It comes from Poland and is amazing. Quit smoking in 5 days. I still have the cravings, but they always pass. I know if I have one cig, I will be hooked again. Ironically, I quit for knee surgery which I’ve put off for five years (because my dad lost his leg after knee replacement), and I can’t walk without crutches. Had my surgery scheduled. Decided I would go in for my annual low dose ct scan (which I have done for years) prior to surgery and they discovered two spots on my lungs. Probably cancer. So, knee surgery cancelled until biopsy, scheduled for May 6, and if positive for cancer knee surgery cancelled indefinitely.

Please quit now! If you aren’t having the annual low dose CT scan, please do. I believe most insurance companies cover the cost. I’m praying that they caught mine early because of my annual ct scan. I know you’ve heard it before, “if I can quit, so can you”, but it’s true. You will miss it, you will have cravings, but that is so much easier to deal with than sitting hear waiting to find out if you have cancer and what does your future look like. Also dealing with the disappointment of not having my knee surgery which took me so long to work up the courage to do it. What I would do to be able to walk. But because I chose to smoke, I suffer every day with both knees and the stress and anxiety of my upcoming bronchoscopy. Regrets, they suck!!!

@lori7034 - Your story his close to home. I am so sorry that you have had a set-back for your knee surgery. I will be praying that the lung lesions are merely scar tissue.....I have COPD at a Stage IV, but not yet on 02, as my inhalers appear to be working well and I started on Dupixent and had lung valves inserted. Can't imagine dealing with yet another health problem. My prayers and thoughts are with you!

Thank you for the kind words and thoughts. I will be praying for you as well. Take care.

please let me know if dupixent is effective
many thanks

I started Dupixent in November of 2023 and could not be more pleased. I have Stage IV COPD and had Zephyr valves placed the same month. The valves help with O2 delivery to the "good" airsacs but does not address the secretions. That's where Dupixent comes in! My O2 sats run in the 96-97 and has improved with my activity not dropping below 90. Very happy with the valves and Dupixent. Let me know if I can be of any help!

I am 79, and I smoked for almost 60 years, I didn’t quit until I was diagnosed, 7 years ago, Too late!!! I am in end stage COPD….I quit Cold Turkey! I would think about my family watching me struggle to breathe….which they do now. I have been on Oxygen 24/7, for 6 years. Obviously my COPD progressed quickly. I am 79 years old. As I said I quit smoking Cold Turkey, without any drugs, if I could do it, you can too. Good luck, God Bless.

many thanks for your reply, will also try it
I also use cordyceps which I find helpful
wonder how many people are using dupixent and to what effect

Oh I did quit cold turkey in 2005, but afraid the harm was already done. I'm surprised that no one has mentioned quitting and chewing the nicorette gum instead. I'm thankful that even at a Stage IV that I am not yet requiring 02. I only use it when I take a shower. Again, I contribute that to the Lung valves that I had placed and the Dupixent. not to be nosy but would you be a candidate for either? I'm 75 and found both to be my saving grace. Perhaps a discussion with your pulmonologist. I traveled to Duke University as they got in on the ground floor with the research on the valves...they (the Staff) was wonderful! Let me say this with kindness as I am a retired Director of Nurses, age has no bearing on striving for a quality of life and afforded the opportunity to have it ! Bless you!

Dupixent has been very effective for me. I have Stage IV COPD and had tons of secretions which dupixent has greatly relieved. It is a prescription drug made by Sanofi and just recently has been approved by the FDA to be on the priority tract for use for COPD. It is a type of drug that is called a mono-clonal antibody and is used successfully for almost six different conditions. Speak with your pulmonary Dr., he should be well acquainted with it. hope this helps!