Anyone from the US?

[beeperoni]

Is anyone else on this forum from the US. Also, just wondering how long each of you has lived with COPD?

[Puffthemagicdragon]

There are quite a few from the US and other parts of the world.

I was diagnosed 4 years ago with Stage 4 COPD. I wasn't too bad before that. Just a smokers cough. I could do everything " normal " people do.

I don't say I have COPD. I only have emphysema and no bronchitis. So I tell people I have emphysema. It seems when someone has both it tends to be classed as COPD. Just my opinion though.

[Tetrazzini in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

Had it since birth, apparently. I was born prematurely during the war years and suffered lung scarring which only made itself obvious 5 years ago. I stopped smoking immediately and have not worsened significantly since.

[punkyb]

I am from US. California...I just found out a year ago I am stage 3 COPD/Emphysema. I went to rehab but I have much left to learn. I use oxygen and a oxymeter to check my sp02 levels. I try to live the same way I did before I learned I had this, but I have to admit my body does not want to do as much at 65 as it did at 64 and so on -counting backwards.. I don't know what normal is so I have to assume some of it is normal aging and my disease is a contributing factor.

[rubyred777]

I live in new jersey, usa.I've Had copd for about 6 yrs. Haven't had to use inhalers as of yet. Been having some trouble latey with wheezing. Seems to be more in my throat. Maybe time for an inhaler.

Rubyxx😊

[Louisiana]

I am not from the US but was married to an American and lived over there for 14 years. I am 77 and was diagnosed with COPD - Emphysema about 12 years ago. Take care.

[mark9009]

Yes and I have been stage 4 for 4 years. Asthma attack pushed me over the edge. This site had been amazing in so many ways. The people here are truly inspirational, strong, compassionate, witty and wise. I'm fortunate to have found them.

[beeperoni]

Mark,

I am from NY. What state are you from? You're right, this site is a wonderful. There is no one I know of in my local area (very rural) with COPD, therefore, no one who understands what I'm going through. I am just 41, and was recently diagnosed with stage II. The unknown is very frightening. I also have an 11 yr old son at home to raise and that alone makes it very emotionally difficult for me to come to terms with this disease.

[mark9009 in reply to beeperoni]

Born and raised in Chicago then relocatec to Dallas. You are not alone unless you choose to be. I'm here as are the marvelous group on the forum. I'm on O2 pretty much of the day and all night. I still work a 50 hour week which makes me feel normal. Stay in touch!

[beeperoni in reply to mark9009]

My daughter just moved to Dallas from Corpus Christi. She likes Corpus better, says more tropical. I'm glad to hear your busy and doing well at stage 4. I only hope I'm that lucky. And yes, this forum has helped me cope a lot abd feel no so alone. Its just that being diagnosed so young doesn't give me much hope, but I'm trying to stay positive.

[mark9009 in reply to beeperoni]

Stay positive, exercise as much as possible, eat fresh food, and remember that we all have good and not so good days. Keep going and you can live a limited but fulfilling life. I'm proof ypu can get knocked down several times and get back into the world if you want to. You won't die from this but with this disease. It is not a death sentence.

[Kristicats in reply to beeperoni]

Hi

Im from England. Newly diagnosed at stage 2, Fev 1 56%. My Gp recently told me that if I look after myself and keep away from people with colds/ flu my lungs will deteriorate at the same rate as anyone else. Be positive.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Keep active. I haven't got any worse since being diagnosed 4 years ago. In fact, I can do a lot more now than I did then.

[pianoman]

I am from Chicago and I am getting close the round-up. I have had copd for about 10 years. I was tested the other day and I have 18% of my lung capacity left. My oxygen is pretty high 5L to 8L but I do still go the the office and work full time. I count my blessings everyday. I never know what God has in store for me. My wife and minister were told on two different occasions by the medical community, to plan my funeral that I wouldn't make it through the night. Still kicking and still going.

God bless...

[Gold13]

You have got a beautiful outlook..I have a favorite saying. NEVER GIVE UP. And I'm guessing you play the piano.I play a little ,I took lessons when I was a kid.my husband got tired of hearing me.please buy me a piano.well he did.I taught myself and my 8 year old grand daughter... I hope you and yours have beautiful weather to breath nice and deep. Keep truckin. Gold13

[Gold13]

I've had it since late 2010.I'm 58 years young.and I'm from Indiana.I just joined this platform.seems like a bunch of nice folks.I may have sent you something last night.I didn't know if my note went thru. it's a beautiful day here finally!it took 6months.its a good day to breathe.hope your day is also good

[beeperoni in reply to Gold13]

Hi Gold,

I am just 41yrs young, but I think we're all young at heart. You're right, this is a wonderful site filled with caring soles. Glad I found it. I live in NY near Lake Erie. Its very expensive to live here, but it's my roots.

[bald2]

Hi, I am 51 and had COPD since 2012 and I am from California. Luckily I live near the coast so there is no humidity and the weather is the same all year round. You are all right, this site is filled with caring souls and wonderful info. I am glad I found it the other day.