Can someone (I am sure there will be more than 1) please enlighten me as to what the stages are and how many before we "pop our clogs" I may ask my consultant next week what stage I am, depending on the answers I get.Or maybe I may prefare not to know.
Do others prefare to know?
STAGE I mild FEV1 > 80% of predicted
Often minimal shortness of breath with or without cough and/or sputum. Usually goes unrecognized that lung function is abnormal
STAGE II moderate FEV1 50 -80% of predicted
Often moderate or severe shortness of breath on exertion, with or without cough, sputum or dyspnea. Often the first stage at which medical attention is sought due to chronic respiratory symptoms or an exacerbation
STAGE III severe FEV1 30 – 50% of predicted
More severe shortness of breath, with or without cough, sputum or dyspnea - often with repeated exacerbations which usually impact quality of life, reduced exercise capacity, fatigue
STAGE IV very severe FEV1 Less than 30% of predicted - or less than 50% with chronic respiratory failure
Appreciably impaired quality of life due to shortness of breath - possible exacerbations which may even be life threatening at times.
copd-international.com/libr...
As you can see, the stages are easily found. As to the how long? How long is a piece of string? Those diagnosed at an early enough stage who listen and make changes as advised will probably die of something else entirely! At the latter stages there is also a huge difference in quality of life and life expectancy. I prefer to look on the bright side and enjoy whatever I can manage to do (and I am stage 4, with no intention of going anywhere just yet!). 
Hi Toci, reading your answer I'm wondering if COPD is diagnosed only by lung function tests ?
Sometimes - but it shouldn't be. There should also be a lung xray and a CT scan, as well as arterial blood tests (ABG) and screening for Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
Thanks Toci ! I'm sure there must be a grey area between severe long-term asthma and COPD and sometimes it's hard to see the difference.
mmm. Mine was only diagnosed copd moderate using a hand held copd screener. Nothing more now till I have a check on it in 12 months from that.
carole
I think the stages are one of lifes mysteries,,all x,rays show my lungs are crystal clear,,heart scans fine,,my last test showed fev25%, and i,m nowhere near stage three,,,had a ct scan last week, now waiting for results, but because i have RA, she is sure that is what is causing my sob,,,but whatever,,i keep smiling, walking the dog,and traversing the morrisons trolley round the shop floor,,albeit slower than normal,,,,,
These stages mean nothing to me to be honest. Probably more useful for doctors, etc.
" STAGE IV very severe FEV1 Less than 30% of predicted - or less than 50% with chronic respiratory failure
Appreciably impaired quality of life due to shortness of breath "
Well I'm Stage 4, FEV1 24%. My quality of life is not of " Appreciably impaired quality ". I do most things I've always done, only slower or take my time. That's all.
That's EXACTLY what I mean by huge differences! Long may you continue. xx
You too !
i wholeheartedly agree with you puff. i am 70 yrs young stage IV FEV1 19% my life is also not of " Appreciably impaired quality ". I do not use oxy as yet. Life just has a slower pace which is not a bad thing anyway. As far as trying to put a date on 'popping your clogs" as i have said before we are not bags of frozen peas. have a good weekend all. Breath easy keep up the exercising. Dave.
I am just bit more fev1 than you and need help now with lots of things. Not only going slower which is more ok than being unable. X
i see the doctor next to find out what stage i am at if i can get down stairs to go i can not use the stairs now...
i find out next week what stage i am at if i can get down stairs to go...
Try not to worry artpats.
Hey there, I was told last Oct. that I have ''End Stage''. C.O.P.D.....really not fully sure what that means....does not sound too good. So I have been researching different treatment options.. They are doing more and more research all the time... Found out a few months ago about stem cell research... A Doc. in Mexico has had some great success with it.. Last week I got an email from Lung Institute in Tampa Fl. read up on the procedures and watched videos of people who have had it done and the improvements they have had. I got pretty excited about the possibility s of getting better. Well, I am turning 66 next month and only have medicare.... I get SSI disability, less than 700.00 a month... it cost 7,500 to 12,000 per treatment and nothing is guaranteed... I emailed back, (being a devout Christian) I said it is amazing to me that God,The The Creator of All would Bless someone with the knowledge and skills to be able to improve or even save lives and the people who need it the most can not afford it.... haven't heard back from them.... so if you have that kind if cash laying around there is hope.... not giving up though still researching......BLESSINGS!!
Hi tbear, I fortunately do not have COPD, in fact I am on this site for other reasons but my father has COPD we have been constantly seeking other treatments etc for his illness but to no avail! It would be nice to keep in touch and share our findings, if we have any? Keep well!
I decided not to go on the stage,so I will be around for a long time yet.To annoy you and keep you on your toes,breathe well friends("-").D.
I think I will join you Farmer D, never did fancy going on the stage.
I would have serious doubts about pay per treatment stem cell miracles ..... seems odd that only those labs charging vast sums have the magical miracle cure with no guarantee's clause.
Cynical of me I know, but it has crossed my mind some may consider sufferers on an apparent death sentence can be desperate for a cure & willing to part with anything to get it.
.... Just be careful. Read acknowledged scientific articles about stem cell research & be aware not everything you read on the internet is totally true. Unfortunately the cold truth is that a stem cell therapy cure for COPD still has a very long way to go.
In truth, in our lifetimes I believe we are far more likely to find a cure from complementary vitamin A or perhaps Ibuprofein. For info on both, read:
healthcanal.com/public-heal...
dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...
That Viamin A trial was back in 2006 and nothing has been heard since. They said it would only take 2-3 years. 
..... & then there is this (yet another method of achieving LVR)
rbht.nhs.uk/media/press-rel...
..... or this ......
medicalnewstoday.com/releas...
LVR is no holy grail for some. I had it done, I have hyperinflation so the bits they left me with merely inflated into the cavity ..... absolutely ziltch improvement.
But nothing good or productive as far as stem cell goes ..... & believe me, anyone comes up with a proven 100% fail-safe permanent stem cell fix for my lungs are welcome to have my farm, all the kit, the animals, a holiday cottage, the lot, I'll sign the lot over to them - they'll be comfortable for the rest of their days ..... but trust me, there's no fix available.
Bush has a lot to answer for. He basically put an abrupt halt to stem cell research - he said it was unethical ...... my ar*e.
I have no idea what stage 'm in or on. I've never asked, my doc never volunteered the info. I use both my inhalers twice a day as directed and up until a couple of weeks ago, I pretty much thought I had won this battle. Then, about the time it hit the news that the flu shot doesn't protect me from all 3 types of the flu. . . The dreaded SOB came back, along with some congestion, not a happy camper. Woke up to serious chest pain this am. I'm back on the Musinex DM, and if I'm not over this crap by Mon. . . . it's back to the doc for me.
Happy New Year!
Housewife
I hope you feel better!
I hope you are all fighting this thing (lung disease) because if we don't no one else will
Trouble with inhalers 
Silly little setbacks!
Anxiety between CT scans
Pulmonary hypertension & Cor Pulmonale
