COPD

[belfastchild]

Hi to everyone on this site, I have recently been diagnosed as having COPD and in desperation I accessed this site as I was having real difficulty in breathing and was frightened of what the future may hold for my family and I. I was so scared as I have worked all my life and due to the breathing difficulties have had to go sick from work.I also was scared as my breathing was so labored that I was having difficulty with undertaking day to day tasks, it was extremely difficult to get out of bed and I felt my world was falling apart. I am quite a balanced person and was telling myself not to panic during times of real difficulty breathing and sometimes I felt like giving-up.

I found this site and read some of your stories and comments and although this did not help my breathing, it did give me hope. I have now been given some inhalers, one is a steroid and what a difference they have made. I am hoping to return to work in the new year and I am managing fine now . I may be a little slower but the difference the inhalers have made is a miracle. I would just like to thank you all for the strength you have given me during a time of despair. I know I still have good and not so good days but feel your stories,advice and comments have provided me with a different perspective on COPD and how I can manage it on a day to day basis.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a wonderful new year and what ever life throws at you may your god be with you.

Thank you

[megannell]

"That is wonderful news Belfastchild.. and wishing you and your family a Healthy and Happy Christmas, and New Year....Megan.."

[Hidden]

So pleased to hear your news - long may you stay well. Wishing you and yours a very happy, healthy Christmas and all the best wishes for the New Year, lots of love TAD xxx

[casper99]

Hi Belfastchild. It's really scary when your first diagnosed. Your imagination runs riot and stress makes you feel worse. I'm glad your feeling better with the inhalers and feel more relaxed. Have a great Xmas and all the best for the new year. xx

[Shirat1]

Hi all, I'm new here too. This site has been a place of encouragement, and comfort for me too belfastchild. I wish I knew why Drs fail to tell us the different things we might experience. At first, a year or 2, it's like waiting to die and you fight like a tiger to not be depressed but it's hard. Then, 4 yrs later I saw this site on Facebook and clicked and now I am addicted. I haven't asked about anything yet but just reading what all of you say has been such a blessing. What wonderful responses, genuine warmth and caring.

I live with my daughter since all this happened, I also had window heart surgery removing 600 cc of fluid from the pericardial sack and another 200cc fluid from my lt lung.

And I have Afib. Anyway, I'm afraid I get carried away trying to explain my dilemmas. The point, this site has been a place of acceptance, learning, and peace oh, and such humor, like the stories some tell, like Jimmyw123.

Thank you all and belfastchild, you couldn't be in a better place.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

[SecondLife]

So pleased your meds are helping, when my hubby was first diagnosed with asbestosis he went into a downward spiral and that was without him knowing that it could not be cured, but I learnt all I could about how to help and now he calls me a Sergeant Major as I make sure he has his five a day of veg, low fat meals, daily lemon drink, takes all his meds and goes for a walk. Touch wood that was 6 years ago and although we have had scares along the way that have made us make slight adjustments to our lives, he is still here and doing ok. So take care of yourself and learn what will help, have a happy Christmas.