COPD - just diagnosed-very anxious

Posted by puddy68 @puddy68, Sep 30, 2024

Firstly, I feel that I must apologise, as I realise there are so many people much worse off than me, yet I can't stop crying. I can't get out of bed to face the day. Please forgive me for sounding so pathetic.

I was recently diagnosed with COPD [moderate - FEV1 50%]. I found out last week after being released from hospital post pneumonia. They put me on Trimbow twice a day, and I see the respiratory team in another 6 weeks. I [obviously] have an anxiety condition which I am receiving treatment for.

I just can't get my head around the fact that I can't halt this disease, no matter what I do to help myself. [Pulmonary Rehab, aerobic exercise, taking my medication, attending all doctors appointments] I am 55 years old and my son and husband are the lights of my life. I had this [stupid] idea in my head that by doing all of the right things I could stay alive for at least another 20 years to be with them. The thought of waking up with this utter despair every day terrifies me.

Could someone please, please share a positive story/experience to help drag me out of this hole of despair I have dug for myself? Thank you so, so much, and I would really appreciate any feedback. I feel nothing but despair.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Support Group.

robertwills | @robertwills | Oct 27, 2024

I know someone who was diagnosed at about 57 years old after almost 40 years of smoking a pack a day of cigarettes. They stopped smoking at that time and that halted the disease. Today, several years later, they sound fine and have a complete life, They go to work at like 6 am every morning and are very successful in their career with no plans on retirement. They have never exercised or made any attempt to do anything good for their lungs yet they still have a very good life. So COPD may not be anything to worry over unless your bedridden. Do everything you can to stay healthy. Personally I walk an hour a day and it does wonders for me.

maggie40 | @maggie40 | Feb 7 4:41pm

How are you doing now ? I was diagnosed in July of last year with the very beginning of emphysema. It’s been very hard for me with being extremely anxious most of the time. I was just wondering how you are doing

caseymydog1226 | @caseymydog1226 | Feb 8 12:11pm

I was diagnosed in 2019 and in 2021 I was seen by a Pulmonologist and my FEV was 50 % I had it tested last fall and it is still at 50%.
I am 79 and so my health is what it is.
My thoughts are with you and I certainly understand by at 55 this is so traumatic.
One thing I have learned is that attitude can have a lot to do with having a good health time.
Are you having real difficulties with you disease at this time.
I belong to COPD groups and there have been quite a number of them that were diagnosed even 4 decades ago and are still functioning. It is not a death knell. It is following all the medical advice.
The main things that are the center of what to do is exercise. Walking.
I do exercises that are on YouTube. Tons of them
You are going to be fine for years to come if you find out what is best for you.
All the best to you.

snuzq1 | @snuzq1 | Feb 9 12:20pm

Hi I was 62 when diagnosed with mild to moderate copd and I quit smoking 23 years ago. My mom passed away from complications from copd but she did nothing to help herself. I thought cause I quit smoking that long ago it wouldn't happen to me. Took me about a year or so to accept it and before I told anyone. I am now 65 breathing and in portugal and climbing big frigging hills and the last 3 years I could climb mountains while in the dominican republic so please do feel like it's a death sentence and keep ur respiratory working and do lung exercises as I believe why I can still do what I do and like others said it's not a death sentence just keep moving and remember it's ok to be sad but then get up shake it off like a dog and keep moving