I am aged60,I am able to work using trimbow inhaler.I was a smoker from age 21 until 47.I tried to stop previously at 28 but failed.I naively though if I stopped before I get into my 50s I would be OK.
However I was wrong,and foolish.
I have also stopped drinking 5 years ago at age 55.
I can avoid getting breathless most of the time,but I an concerned things will become worse.
I have moderate copd,Fev 57.
I have been reading the posts for a few days and wish to say hello to everyone.
Hi Marc1965 - Welcome to the forum - I stopped smoking in my 50s and although I stillget symptoms. had I not stopped I may have paid a greater price. Idid not stop drinking. although I don't drink heavy. and it can be good. You have Fev 57.as you say that is moderate, Iam severebut get by. Try and walk or exercise - Gardening or whatever, it is important with COPD. Keep away from all smoke including second hand smoke, Moderate is not a death sentance but COPD is progressive - I am severe but still here. In short live well and that could mean lots of years to enjoy 
Thank you Ern for your reply.I have a treadmill and do 3 x10 minute sessions on it most days.I also keep physically active,I also lift weights at home.
I stopped drinking as I was slowly increasing my drinking and thought I don't need liver problems aswell.
I found not drinking was easier than cutting back.
I found out I had copd 13 years ago and stopped smoking but then just ignored the issue,eventually my breathing became harder and I now use an inhaler.
I'm glad I found this site and another one online as I can see that many people can live a long life.
Also it appears that progression can be quite slow.
I was hoping to live into my 70s and still be reasonably active.
Thank you for the advice Ern,
Regards Marc
I agree can be harder to cut down than stop, that's why Iwentcold turkey stopping , smoking. Most people oh here i recon are in their 70s, - That seems normal here ,
Yes Ern,interesting that most on here are in their 70s.Obviously I have thought of my mortality since giving myself copd.
I was in the Army and we have a website that mentions those from the regiment that have passed away.
In someways I am fortunate to get to 60,I had a friend who died at 45 from Cancer and he was a physical training instructor.
Another went from Private to captain but died at 57.
I am in good health and weight,my only issue is copd which was self inflicted.
So if I reach my 70s I think I have done well especially if I can still be reasonably active, able to walk.
Best wishes Marc
You have done all the right things, mainly stopping smoking. I have severe COPD and Cancer and Heart but still here in my 70s - My mother and her parents died young with smoking, so did my favourite uncle, I have a lifelong friend now worse than just severe and still smokng - he mother and step dad friends of mine died within a short time of each other - Smoking the common denominater - People like you and myself and others on here are lucky, we stopped smoking before it went to far,
I had a chest infection 13 years ago and I stopped.I am grateful I had that chest infection.I am grateful that I have not had cancer or any other issues.
I also know a lady age 71 still smoking with copd,which I find that crazy.
I stopped smoking by reading the Allen carr easyway book,many people have found it works.
I had it as an audiobook and it worked for me.
Everything I see someone smoking I want to warn them but I know they are unlikely to listen.
Although today on a training course the instructor said she wanted to stop smoking .
So I told her about the book and she ordered it immediately.
Hopefully she will be successful.
Hi Marc 1965 We are all here for each other so post anytime, you will always get replies. I'm 59 with COPD diagnosed 2017. This place has been a god send at times just to vent.
There are lots of people with great advice or just to listen.
Welcome 😊
welcome Marc I stopped the doggies 15 years ago then diagnosed with copd - it’s become worse since lockdown all I know is I need to keep fit - horrible disease
Hello PepparubyYes I am glad I stopped 13 years ago or thing could be worse.
I had no idea I was slowly damaging my lungs to this extent.
But now I look back and think it was obvious,but like many I just did not face it.
I had a chest xray 13 years ago for a chest infection and decided to stop immediately
That chest infection was a blessing or I would have just carried on smoking.
Best wishes Marc
Welcome to the forum Marc1965.Erns given good advice.dp try to avoid people with viruses,even colds, as exacerbations can follow them.if u do start with signs of infection,get a specimen in+ start treatment early,to avoid causing more damage
Hello Patk,yes very good advice.I work alone part time thankfully.
I always avoid people that appear sick and I wear gloves if I am out and about.
Also I wash my hands when I get home.
Regards Marc
I also wash my hands each time that I get home and I also use First Defence as well if I've been in a crowded place. Touch wood, it seems to have worked so far...
Hi chook, I stopped smoking when I was getting breathless walking to work in the morning and evenings (loved walking) but sods law I was diagnosed with copd 1 year later 🙄. I'm glad trimbow works for you at the moment which is brilliant but you need to see a pulmonary nurse to talk about what you can expect in the future and how to deal with it as this will definitely put your mind at rest. This forum is absolutely brilliant for advice when you ever need it, so welcome 😉
Thank you Mellywelly for that advice.
The best sight you can see is outside the hospital doors patients in their hospital gowns, clutching their drip stands, smoking a cigarette and then watching them go back in to the Respiratory Ward. Hmmm. Sometimes there is no helping people but it would be nice if they met the NHS halfway. The NHS won't always be there to prop them up. We ought to start paying for our care and then maybe people will actually take responsibility for their own health. Am I on my soapbox? Sorry. Just keep exercising and be kind to yourself. If you don't feel like doing anything, don't. It will be there tomorrow. Don't boom and bust. Pace yourself. I am glad you stopped smoking.
Take care. Linda
Welcome to the forum Marc and good for you giving up smoking and drinking. Not easy. I’m carer for my husband of 51 years Pete and he struggled to give up smoking many years ago. He has quite a few health issues including COPD but I help him as much as I possibly can.
Take care, good to meet you. X
Hi Marc - there are some fantastic people on here - real heroes, and we all give support to each other. I used to say that stopping smoking was my number 1 achievement in life at the age of 42. Then I became a dad at 60! Another lifetime achievement was playing church organ at an Irish wedding in Dublin. And a new achievement is volunteering for a Charity, where I teach piano b and music to adults recovering from addictions or grappling with mental health problems. I came away from a session last night with a very challenging guy near 40 years of age. But I "dived" in and the session was truly remarkable. There was 'joy'. So never underestimate what you can do. Yes, PACE yourself, but always have ambitions. Make every day a masterpiece. Very best wishes to you.
Hi Marc1965 and welcome to the site. Well done for stopping smoking and drinking. I too stopped smoking after reading Allen Carrs Easy Way To Stop Smoking. That was 16 years ago. I tried and failed so many times but somehow the mind was ready. I read the book in one go over a quiet weekend and think the self hypnosis from this book helps to reinforce that it is an addiction and was for me the answer to stopping. I have bronchiectasis with overlap asthma , along with other health problems , although at the time of stopping I wasn't aware of this, just know how bad I felt. Exercise and diet is the key to keeping healthy x
Welcome! Hope you find joining useful and supportive. 😀
Hi, Marc.When I was first diagnosed I found this forum and joining it was one of the best things I could have done.
There were people on here doing all sorts of things and it made me realise that life would not only go on, but it could go on for a very long time!
Keeping physically active for as long as your health allows seems to be key. But also, keeping mentally and socially active is important.
You'll find many people on here with a good sense of humour but also there's a sense of cameraderie that's built up over time and there is always someone here who will listen.
Welcome!
Xx Moy
Hi Marc1965...I was diagnosed with copd after being taken into hospital with breathing difficulties last February 24. Age 60.
Stopped smoking immediately. After smoking for over 40yrs...but I still vape 😣..
Surprised 😮 I only have mild copd...but other illnesses to...this site is absolutely brilliant for support and the occasional 😃 Laughs..
Your be in excellent company here...ask advice about anything.
Gald you found it.
Take care. Gnasher the dog 🐕 ❤️
Hi Marc , my husband was a smoker from his teens until he was diagnosed with COPD aged 57. He was self employed and continued to work in a job he loved until he was 69 , he was a commercial decorator , quite a strenuous occupation, up and down ladders , stretching to paint massive ceilings ( in supermarkets etc ) and driving the length and breadth of the country Towards the end of his working life he only took on easier jobs but I believe keeping so active kept him going. Keep on doing what you’re doing and enjoy life ! 😊
Thank you Thepainterswife.Your message and story of your husband is interesting.
I am sorry for your loss and hope you are well.
Regards Marc.
Hello Marc and welcome 😊 Don't beat yourself up about it, rather, be positive! Eat well, keep active and enjoy yourself. And follow all the other great advice the others have given you.
Oh! And we are here for any advice you may need xx
Welcome to the forum Marc. I would put money on you living way beyond 70 with that attitude.
Thank you Donald for your kind words.
hello & welcome to this lovely friendly site. 🥰
Hello and welcome to our friendly forum.
If you would like to chat to us for advice about your lung condition or stopping smoking, do feel welcome to give our helpline a call . We are here Mon- Frid 9am- 5pm.
Take care
Helpline Team
Hello Marc, welcome to forum. x
Hi and welcome, in my case only found out I have COPD (emphysema) after a cancer scare (no cancer) . I had holes in the top of lungs, but my breathing was ok , I smoked 40 a day from 15 to 58 . I now vape recommended by doctors just to get the nicotine hit, my emphysema was caused not only by smoking but also from my work, I use to work in the glass trade and inhaling the glass dust damaged my lungs. I now have holes in top, bottom and rear of lungs but it only affects me on stairs and slopes, I tried pulmonary rehab but it was deemed to dangerous because of my FND (I act drunk) and exercise can be problematic. I remember years ago my neighbour would walk to the shop but had to stop and rest after every house so it was slow going he told me he had emphysema (very severe) but he had it for 40 years so it is very slow although it can creep up on you. I can no longer work as that is deemed to dangerous and because of various health issues my neurologist told I probably would not work again. Because of memory loss/issues ruled out other work , I have the concentration of a goldfish, now I just have to see what each day brings. Keep well(as possible ) . Kevin
Hello Mark, I started smoking aged 15yr old and tried many times to stop I was still smoking at 70yrs old, having had emphysema at 55yrs old,Whilst living in France I was in I.C.U the doctor pointed his finger at me,and said if you do not stop smoking you are going to die, I stopped straight away with no help , I found it easy and should have known better ,having lost my 7 siblings to emphysema, I am now 77yrs old and now take only one inhaler 2 puffs in the morning of Spiolto after being on 3 other inhalers for years. Welcome to the forum.
hello Marc, Welcome to the forum. if you follow all the advice on this forum, your condition will deteriorate very slowly. (This is a case of 'do as I say; not as I do.') 🙂🙂
hi and welcome Marc x
hello Mark also same age as you on next birthday both born in same year.glad your copd is under control I also worry and fear for future I've got to go for asthma review and keep putting it off cos I no my fever has gone down.i have both emphysema and asthma.
Good morning Marc1965. And welcome to the forum. I stopped smoking in 1990, on the day smoking related issues took my Mother's at 62 years old, and I still ended up with Severe copd 25 years after stopping andotherhealthproblems. . You seem to be doing all the right things with exercise to keep this at bay long term. Hope you enjoy the group. We need more guys in the group. Brian
Hello Brian, when you stopped were you classified as servere in 1990 or has it progressed to servere over time,thanks marc.
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