COPD - just diagnosed-very anxious

It can be daunting to hear this diagnosis knowing that it's a progressive disease. However, while it might be a little bit more of a challenge, keep doing the things that you mention above. The key to slowing the progression of this disease is to keep moving. Be your own best healthcare advocate. Ask questions, be comfortable and confident in the pulmonologist that is providing your care. If you're not, find another one.

I was diagnosed a little over 2 years ago at stage III, a little worse than your diagnosis. I try to walk everyday and have worked myself up to 30-40 minutes (1.5 -2 0 miles). Somedays it's harder and I might not make my goal but I get up and try to get a least 10 minutes in. Or, 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes later in the day. Find what works best for you and keep moving!

Many people live with this disease for a long time. I too was floored when I got my diagnosis and went through a period of sadness. But I realized, I had to take control and do what I could.

Hope this helps.

I was diagnosed with Copd in 2014. It has not changed very much in ten years. I am sorry, I know how scary it is when first diagnosed.

Dear @ puddy68
Thank you for sharing your story! I have COPD. I use ANORO inhaler once in the morning. I am on oxygen on level 2 for the most part and sleep with level 3 on.

I am 62 and this is my third year since being diagnosed. Yes COPD hinders my every move since I have a "rope" attached to me around the house and on the deck. However, I also have a mini O2 tank that gives me 4 hours on battery. So, I get to go fishing with my husband. I drive, I am going bow hunting this weekend at our land Minnesota.

My name is Jill and you can reach out or chat anytime!
Cheers!

I am also on oxygen while sleeping at level 2. I am always fearful when going back to the Dr. I try to walk every day and do a lot of stretching to keep my oxygen level up.

I was diagnosed with moderate COPD at the Mayo Clinic Smoking Cessation program in '05, almost twenty years ago. I spent most of the morning crying, but I knew in my heart that I had done this to myself. Although I get a bit winded when climbing stairs, and that activities like hiking are beyond my capabilities, I am leading a good life. I would recommend yoga if it interests you, as the breathing exercises are wonderful (start in a beginner's class). I am now 77 years old and am looking forward to many good years. Please don't despair, and I wish you the best of luck!

I was diagnosed with COPD from NO known cause about 24 years ago at age 42. I’m still roughly about the same as I was then, moderate to severe. I continue to live a pretty good life and am able to do nearly everything I want to do, sometimes with some modifications. I still travel about 30,000 miles/year.
There are good treatments and it can take a bit of time to figure out the best combination for you. Work closely with your medical team and come up with a COPD Action Plan to help you deal with any flare ups so you can treat them early before they become major and bad. When we have flare ups, there is a risk we can permanently lose some lung function, which is why we need to treat them aggressively and early.
Ask your medical team if you would be a good candidate for pulmonary rehabilitation where they can help you get good education about lung health as well as develop a personalized exercise program to optimize your health.
If you want to connect with others or learn more, Copdfoundation.org has a lot of good information on their learn more tab and a nice message board on the copd360social portion. Good luck—with good care, you can continue to have a full and active life with your COPD.

Emphysema can be a slow disease . You probably will last a lot longer than you think . Start now to protect your lungs . Read. Read Read about it . I was depressed at first also . I was diagnosed at stage 4 . Didn’t know that I had been living with it for a long time . The depression will pass . Lift yourself up and do things to help your body and lungs . Blessed Be

I've had COPD to my knowledge for about 15 years. I phrase it that way because years before that I went to a doctor for something I can't remember & before I left, he told me that I had the beginnings of COPD. I had no idea what he was talking about & so stupidly instead of sittimg down & asking what he meant, I just brushed him off & left. Many years later I heard it again & then I listened! My doctor thinks I have had asthma for many years but I can't think of when it might have begun. But about 15 years ago I was coughing non stop & finally faced the music & went to a pulmonologist

Now I am 86 years old I have been on Advair from the start & rect I have been on Advair from the start & really recommend it. I have an inhaler & take it twice daily. Also have ao "rescue inhaler" (albuterol) in case things get bad. I didn't use the Albuterol for a long tme, a good 10 years or so but I am in southern Wiscons & the summer humidity causes me problems so I am now using it more.

My latest pulmonary function tests as of a few days ago showed that I am holding my own so I am happy about that. I can do everything I want to do. I run a cat rescue, live with 9 cats & love them all. I read tons of books. socialize with folks at our bookstore herein Spring Green, & often go out to the Wiscomsin River Resort that is right on the river & have a lovely dinner of macaroni & cheese which I love & good Wisconsin dark beer.

Forgot to say that other that the 9 cats, I am happily single!

Well young lady I’m 90 and a Korean War Veteran and have lived with COPD what seems like forever.
I find the more I walk the better my breathing feels. I admit it’s frighting like when I bend down to tie my shoe laces and what, I just loose my breath.
Let me say stop worrying (easier said than done) for worry is like a rocking chair keeps you busy, but gets you no where.
It may help to go to a yoga class?
Photo of me taken last year at Jones Beach on Long Island, NY

Amen! Right on!