Scared witless

[GrannyPamG]

Hi, I've just been diagnosed with moderate COPD. I'm 65 and have smoked for the last 50 years. I packed in straight away but all I can think about is "how long will I live?". I feel really guilty because it's my fault I have got this disease.

[2greys]

Hi Pam,

Stop worrying, you will not be dying from COPD, it will be something else that gets you. Stop feeling guilty, you are one of the unlucky ones that is all. A change in lifestyle: Stop smoking, which you have done, congratulations. Eat a healthy diet and achieve a healthy body weight. Take your meds as prescribed and on time. and last but not least exercise which is very important.

Ask to be referred to Pulmonary Rehabilitation which will teach how to manage your condition. Half the course is exercise, half the course is education, you will meet others, who will be in your group, who have COPD themselves.

For now, learn to relax. being anxious will only make your breathing worse. I am coming up for 67 years old, have Severe COPD and will soon be off to work, I still work full-time, so you see it is not as bad as you might have first thought. Things will settle down for you, even if you can't see it yet, you will learn to live with the condition as a lot of us here have.

[Cliffordx in reply to 2greys]

hello pam like 2 greys said take all ur meds leave of tobacco exercise although c.o.p.d is terminal im still going strongish after 10yrs good luck x cliffordx

[Ergendl]

Hi GrannyPanG. I was diagnosed with moderate COPD in March 2015. I found this group and followed all the recommendations about things like eating healthily, taking my meds, doing a Pulmonary Rehab course, exercising more, avoiding people with colds, smoke and other triggers. My last routine assessment showed no progression of my COPD. If I can do it, you can too.

[Hidden]

not your fault Granny , you diddnt invent tobacco and start giving it to children to get them hooked.

65 with moderate copd and you have stop smoking after 50 years, thats about the same as me.

if you stay away from the smoking then id say your life span shouldnt be much diffrent then before.. start to adjust your life as you learn more from this site.

i know you are very frighten right now . others will be along shortly to talk to you.

xx

[Cliffordx in reply to Hidden]

Granny if u can't stop smoking try vaping it's not smoking it's safe it still gives us the same hit x

[Carnival567]

The answer to your question of how long will I live is the same as the answer to how long is a piece of string, no one knows! I am still alive after surgery in 1961 at age 17 for congenital heart disease. Even after that I only had a 21% chance of living beyond 60, and here I am 74. Even the doctors don't quite know why I am still alive, but they are having a jolly good go at keeping me here, so do try not to worry. You have given up smoking, best start ever, and you have had good advice here. Good luck xx

[Tilley19]

All very good advice I have just joined this group and am taking it all on board good luck x

[Delahunt in reply to Tilley19]

👋 Hi Tilley I am Bernadette not long joined myself . But I hope you get satisfaction comfort reassurance from this group . I have found reading other people's post relate to myself & members support each other through responding replying in which is very touching . Lovely . I have put some posts on regarding my own health & I have had one or to replays but it's early days like you I've not latched on to many new members though I still wish others well in there journeys . Just stay positive & hope you enjoy the support from the group . I pop on every day to read posts @ look check if I have replays but haven't many as yet as other people replays thoughts matter & I find as my be you will we are all in the same similar biat . Best is to reach out as I am doing . Hope someone holds my hand . Well I offer you my hand if you ever you wish to chat about anything I will reply & hopefully share @ support each other along with all the other members wish you good day hope to see you in future posts or respond to as many you will definitely benefit from this blog . So for now xx hope to hear how you do getting on best wishes Bernadette xx 😘

[Tilley19 in reply to Delahunt]

Thanks Bernadette I am starting to get a lot from this group I have just started to get my strength back these past few days nearly missed the summer. Just have to take one day at a time and learn from each other how to cope best xx

[Delahunt in reply to Tilley19]

Aww tilt I've been bad since New Year's Eve am waiting for my local hospital consultant to do the transfer to whynshaw to be considered for lung transplant . I am positive & don't let it controll me & keep a good mind set . My breathless I go with the flow breathing out purses lips ( lost my top lip as I do it that much my top lip has disappeared ha ❤️) . AnywY what does grip me lately is a strangling sensation that is worse than the breathlessness . Have sever copd but right upper lobe changes FV 30 FV transfer is 31 . Lungs gas change I think it is with me .will see consultant 24 th August update me cannot wait to see him & can not wait to hear from transplant centre whynshaw to do assessment I will deffo go have it all well it's a Hobson's choice for me . I want to live not want to die & I hope if I do get transplant I will be forever grateful & feel blessed that a person death donor gave me a lease off life god rest their soul. Aww Tilly thankyou it's good to talk & reach out to people who understands are conditions fear roller coaster emotions keep positive & smile xx ❤️ Bernade xxx

[GrannyPamG]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply and for the advice. I am definitely going to ask about the pulmonary rehab. You've all helped me a lot, I don't feel quite as bad as I did.

[Leesea in reply to GrannyPamG]

I have been poorly for months and under investigation for copd. I have also developed asthma.

I understand the guilty feelings. I too have been a life long smoker. However, whilst attitudes have changed now we were brought up in an environment when 'smoking was a cool thing to do'.

My friends and spent hours mastering it as teenagers!

Giving up is so hard. You have my 100 percent admiration.

I think we can manage our condition by maintaining a positive outlook. You are already managing yourself by stopping smoking! Don't beat yourself up!

I have found this forum very comforting and helpful!

Keep on keeping on!

[Cliffordx in reply to Leesea]

Vape it's the way forward xx try x

[lync11 in reply to GrannyPamG]

Hi there, I have recently been diagnosed with moderate copd and I too have felt guilt but you have to change the guilt to positivity and start living your life with that attitude. I have started to exercise and am determined to enjoy my life x

[Gracy123 in reply to GrannyPamG]

Im 75 on saturday...Yes i can relate to that..only i gave up smoking about 30 years ago..then just over a year ago they told me i had C.O.P.D..scary i know....im starting a pulmonary rehabilitation team next week..through my nurse...keep your chin up...

[GrannyPamG in reply to Gracy123]

Thanks Gracy123. Im certainly going to ask for a referral to the Pulmonary Rehab. Everyone on here is recommending it x

[Delahunt in reply to Gracy123]

Aww happy birthday for Saturday x Bernadette new comer x

[sak50 in reply to GrannyPamG]

Glad you don't feel so bad. I was a smoker and you have done the BEST thing by giving up. I have severe COPD (emphysema) and am doing fine. Try to avoid people with coughs and colds - avoiding infections is important. I've also found being around smoke barbecues etc will knock me about too. Pulmonary rehab is great!!

[Delahunt in reply to GrannyPamG]

Hi Grant Pam G . Just read your post & you will benefit with rehab & you do what you can the staff realy look after you it's a small group simuliar to yourself no competition as everyone is lovely & work together stop start when you want if your there can not manage anything they sit with you plus you make friends & my rehab have someone's birthday most weeks so get abit off cake 😂 Tea . Hope you try it nothing to loose only gain wish you well luck x Bernadette x

[Hidden]

I can't add anything to what other people have said,I am 57 with mild copd,I had a breathing test on Monday and I'm only slightly worse than last time.All in all not to bad.I've had this now for nearly 5 years.It's not a death sentence,my mother lived till she was 83,having had copd for over 20 years.Remember, on here you are amongst friends,there's always someone to chat to or give advice,after all we are all in the same boat.Stay positive xx.

[Hidden]

Hi I have to agree with the others. I know it's an awful shock to be diagnosed with copd but you will come to terms with it as we all do. Most of us copders were smokers and you can't change the past so please don't beat yourself up over it.

Although copd is a progressive disease it usually only progresses slowly if you look after yourself. I was 10 years younger than you when diagnosed with mild copd, and 9 years on I am still mild. The doctor said something else will get me first ie old age.

You decide how long you want your piece of string to be

[Pam1952]

Hello Granny Pam, from another Granny Pam. I too am 65 and smoked for 50 years, but I was diagnosed 8 years ago and went into denial and carried on smoking until I found this site. I work 7 days a week and am still fairly fit and active for an old girl 😃. You won't go far wrong if you follow the great advice you've already had. Wishing you the very best of luck. XXX

[GrannyPamG]

Thanks again, it's great getting all this positive feedback. Gives me more confidence x

[Dedalus]

Hello and welcome GrannyPam x

[corriena]

Hi thear may also be a Breath Easy group in your area. They are full of help support information fun and company. Well worth going alont to. Look them up on the British Lung Foundation sight. Ther are also singing groups (dont laugh i cant sing eather) but its realy good for breathing control and run by traind by blf people so they understand how you feel again fun and you get to meet lots of new people. Try not to stress about your illnes but take control of it 😉 good luck x

[mrsmummy in reply to corriena]

Great advice. Info about Breathe Easy groups can be found here:

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/... - just put in your post code to find the nearest one.

This is where to find info about singing: blf.org.uk/support-for-you/... and this is where you can find a singing group: blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

[Portales]

Hi

Another grandma here. I am 61 and was diagnosed moderate COPD just over a month ago. I stopped smoking in 2013 so a bit of a bummer. Anyway, I have found reading this site brilliant. It has made me really hopeful.

I walk the dog, play golf. Have also got myself a treadmill and I have started learning the saxophone.

Wishing you all the best.

[lKeith]

GrannyPamG

You'll live for ages yet, look after yourself keep fit and exercise as much as you can without overdoing it. There are treatments out there but you will need to research them. Unfortunately you age will preclude you from lung transplants but, there are lung valves, lung coils and stem cell in addition to a healthy life style. It's good you have stopped smoking,keep off it. Many people on this forum are ex smokers including myself and we are still here to tell the tale, Your life style will change but go with it and accept that you may not be able to do all the things you used to, pace yourself to a slower rate. Try to get on a pulmonary re-hab course to see other people with similar problems, see how they cope and listen to the instructors, all in all it'S good fun and doing you good at the same time.

Enjoy life

IKeith

[Juliette011]

Hi GrannyPamG....it is a bugga having this copd, but it is not a death sentence. Try not to freak yourself out...Understandable when you are told of having this....but you are on the right track now, stopping those horrible lung mukers is a great step. Pat yourself on the back, coz that ain't easy either, to stop!! Now I would suggest being good to yourself, perhaps asking your doctor for a referral for a pulmonary rehab class, look at how to do the breathing exercises and exercise ... that I think is the key. With me exercising helps with my depression and I stay on top of this thing!! But the pulmonary rehab will provide you with heaps of info and you meet others. Bottom line you learn to cope with it and ways to stay on top of it! Please don't freak out, coz getting anxious only makes it worse. Try to r e l a x ! Good luck with it all.

[GrannyPamG in reply to Juliette011]

Thanks Juliette011, I really appreciate all the positive feedback I have had from everyone. I'm definitely feeling a bit better than I was. Just got to get a referral from the Dr. Then hopefully I'll get on the rehab course. X

[Grayjay]

Hi Pam,

Unfortunately, how long am I going to live? seems to be the first question . It's not worth doting over. On this website you will meet many friends with similar problems who will give you good advice when needed. Start a new regime i.e no smoking, plenty of exercise and a good diet. I'm pretty new myself and am getting used to having Emphysema. Not happy with it, but unfortunately it won't go away so I am learning to cope with it. Perhaps a Rehab course in the future will help you a great deal.

All the best

Graham.

[revagayle]

Hi, Most everyone on this wonderful site has been exactly where you are right now. When I joined last January I was in a VERY dark place. The compassion & positive attitudes really brought me around to a much better place. Follow all the good advice & stay away from Dr. Google! Take care, Gayle

[mellyme]

My dear friend, we all go through the days or weeks of pure guilt, which is meaningless. I had to realize that my addiction was just that. I didn't stand a chance after that first puff. Other first time smokers (non addicts) ran from their first nausea and cough. I embraced it, figuring I did it incorrectly and needed to practice...the mind of an addict. I can't feel guilty for taking the first puff, though I was warned for each day of my life. Heck we all take that first drink thinking it wont affect us.

So don't waste time with self loathing. Love your self. We love you, and I'm sure you're not beating us up since we made the same choices as you. Oh, you can have a really good decade or more, of great livin'. Read some of these 20 year experiences. They are the great oldtimers of this battle.

[Heavybreather999]

Having visited a chest ward recently and observed the 'experts' they are blaming people for smoking who have not smoked for 20+ years so you can be guilty if you want to but the truth is more likely found in the environment you have lived and worked in! It is far too simplistic to attribute ALL the blame on tobacco, never mind the chemicals they put in to the fags to make them more addictive etc. Do not believe all these Dr. Mengeles tell you fifty years ago they probably told you something completely different!