How long have you lived with COPD?

Hello hicopd, I have officially had emphysema since 2022. In 2018 I had lung cancer and my left lobe removed, i did okay for a while with my breathing but eventually I was diagnosed with COPD. It wasn't long before I needed oxygen on 2lt, I had smoked for almost 30 years. I am now 71 and I had asked the lady who checks in on my oxygen requirements how long her clients stayed alive it was suggested that three to five years. I think it's best to ignore that, I shouldn't have asked. I think I'll live longer without that information. I too suffer from depression and anxiety I find it hard leaving my little apartment now, I have a walker for my back and to carry my two tanks of oxygen. The condenser could not keep up with my needs. I try to stay calm, practice my breathing, listen to my body, and carry on. Take it easy I'm trying not to be too hard on yourself.

I have had COPD for 7 years and am on oxygen 24/7. It has progressed rather rapidly with me and now I am suffering from Congestive heart failure as well (Fluid) build-up) I manage to live a joyful life amid all the medical bumps in the way. I still have my sense of humor and family, and I make it work.
I am not defined by my illnesses.
Aging is difficult but it's a tradeoff - What use to matter on the outside, now matters on the inside and we gain wisdom. Every day is a gift! Hope this helps!

P.S. The doctors suggested I get all my affairs in order, so now I am giving away things! Having fun with that. NOONE knows how long we have! I find a bit of joy in everyday!

Hi there from Saskatchewan Canada.
I was diagnosed in 2019. Very bad helath care GP Long story. I haven't been back to him since May of 2021. Have a useless, so to speak, specialist 193 kms or 125 Miles one way to see him. If I need to talk to him a patient is put on a wait list and it is usually minimum 3 wks before I hear back with an appt. When I applied for Resp Rehab that I heard about through a group not medical help I learned so much. I never got anything from anyone but scripts. I hope I hear from you as the last post shows Sept 30. Would like to have someone to share info and such if you wish.

You sound so comfortable with this part of the disease. A part we all have to face. I am glad that you are capable of having this frame of mind. Blessings to you. I am around every day so if get notification I will on soon.

HI There: Be glad to share info and trails and tribulations about this phase of where my COPD is currently. I think it is so important to be able to talk about how it is affecting us in big and small ways. The act of sharing makes it seem not so insurmountable. I try to find some humor in things that happen throughout the day so that I'm smiling!
I thought I knew a lot about my disease until it started moving through the phases and then I realized I didn't know very much and began to get informed.
My doctors have now restricted my salt intake (due to fluids) and I'm trying not to sneak potato chips! That's a huge change for me.
Hope you are having a good day!

I was 42 when I was diagnosed with moderate to severe emphysema from no known cause. It was in 2000. I’m still about the same but continue to have flareups 1-6x/year.
My docs have decided to start me on Dupixent to see if it helps my asthma, cold, high eosinophils and frequent exacerbations.
Traveling via air has become more challenging as the machines I had used that delivered both pulse and continuous flow became unreliable and traveling with two machines is quite onerous.
I started a nonprofit, the Hawaii COPD Coalition and have a website, and we have monthly support group meetings that are via zoom and in person for anyone interested. Details are on the website.
The COPD Foundation and American Lung Association also have helpful resources.

I am going to visit your website, thank you!

Hi there. My name is Kathy . Just got up at 10:15 AM I am not an early riser and don't go to bed till around 1 AM or a bit after.
I take time to get myself organized in the mornings. LOL so will just show you I am responding. LOL Saw all these e mails from the same person one after the other and thought What the H E double tooth picks. Pondered clicking on but thought oh what the heck. So I will write back and we can chat later on. Just so I can mentally keep track of time Where are you located. Last send was 15 hrs ago the e mail shows. Oh 1st one yesterday at 5 something PM. I don't watch my e mails but maybe a couple times a day. I will leave it open thought today.

Will be having company I think I already wrote this afternoon so won't be around till evening say 9 PM CST in Canada Hugs to ya kiddo