Scared

[patrichard57]

Hi I have just been diagnosed with emphysema. I am 59 and and was told I am at 54% lung function. The pages on emphysema say I only have 4-5 years of life left. Has anyone proved this wrong. Trying to be strong but I am so frightened.

[newlands]

Don't believe all you read I was diagnosed 14years ago now at stage four age 74 and not going anywhere yet

Take care

Dorothy

[mrsmummy]

Many, many members on here disprove this, me included. Read some stories and get to know us and you will see. Welcome to the forum.

[onamission]

please don't google worse thing you can do.

I was diagnosed with Copd 11 years ago I gave up smoking I try and keep away from people with flu and I'm still hear no intention of falling off this mortal coil till I'm 140 😊 we are always hear

[MoyB]

I was also frightened when I was first diagnosed with COPD and Bronchiectasis and I went into a depression. I thank God I found this site with all the lovely people on it who prove that life can go on for a long long time beyond diagnosis and, what's more, it can be a good quality.

I'm out of that depression now - take each day as it comes and enjoy life.

Take heart - you are not alone with this feeling and it will pass!

xx Moy

[Sheilab123]

Please don't be scared Patrichard, there is no need to be, I and many others have proved that. 54% is not bad. I have 19% I'm 65 and have no intention of going anywhere yet! Stick around here, we have some very knowledgeable members always willing to listen/help with any questions you may have. My advice is to stay away from Dr Google! Take care and try not to worry. Xx

[patrichard57]

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement

[Hidden]

Hi welcome to the site. I agree with the others. With moderate emphysema you have many years yet of reasonably healthy living to do. Don't listen to Dr Google. There are many on here with a much lower lung function who are still leading good quality lives. Most people die with copd rather than from it these days. x

[patrichard57 in reply to Hidden]

I had stopped smoking 13 years prior so that was to my advantage.

[olivemgreen]

I was 59 when diagnosed and it became very difficult to continue to work especially during winter. I stopped smoking which was easier than I thought it would be. 10 years later, I am only slightly worse, I do as much exercise as I am able. My life is restricted but I can still enjoy most things.

[patrichard57 in reply to olivemgreen]

You have a good point!!

[vittorio]

Hmm, - by the way - who " Decides " what " Stage " you are ? - , I've had copd etc for about 7 years and NO ONE HAS EVEN USED THE PHRASE ( Doctors, Consultants, Specialist Nurses etc ), - and to divide up an illness into " STAGES" hardly helps the Patient - scaring the pants off him / her, as the numbers begin to rise ...personally, I don't wish to know this COOKED UP NUMBER ,- I recon its all nonsense anyway - a friend of mine was told he was at " STAGE FOUR " OF THIS ILLNESS - THAT WAS THIRTEEN YEARS AGO - so what on earth did that " number " mean ? - precisely NOTHING ....ignore these silly numbers I say, - we are all different , and by sheer logic, these numbers become meaningless - ...

[Dedalus]

Great advice above - just want to say hello and welcome

[shortbreath]

I've had COPD since 2009, yes it's a sickness that progressively gets worse as time goes on, I'm I oxygen 24/7,, this is when you've got to worry, as it's the last stage,

If your not on oxygen yet, keep active, it slows the process down, the worse thing to do is sit around and do nothing. Please stay active, God bless.

[Nottobad]

I was DX with copd in 2006 and i am not on oxygen and didn't stop smoking till 2 years ago just shows how different we all are

[frose]

Not only proved it wrong, but my FEV1 has improved a great deal over the years. Treat yourself sensibly and, as far as possible, don't worry. I've outlived many of my 'healthy' friends!

[patrichard57 in reply to frose]

Wow! When did you find out you had copd and how bad was it when you found out? I am finding more and more people tell me to stay away from dr, google. Thank you very much for your response! What changes did you make? I don't smoke I quit 13 years ago. Trying to eat better and get some exercise. They say I only have 54% lung function left.

[frose in reply to patrichard57]

Hmm around 15 years ago I should think. I did smoke but stopped and that helped enormously. Good diet, clean living, exercise when possible, avoid illness like the plague (!) And mollycoddle yourself the moment you feel slightly off! At its worst my FEV1 was 37% but after that it went up to 70ish and last time it was in the 50s. It's a move able feast! Hoping you manage to maintain your 54% for ages yet 😁

[patrichard57 in reply to frose]

Wow thanks! That's the first I have heard of such drastic changes in the fev1 levels. I guess I assumed it can't get better with emphysema. That is fabulous for you! Hope you have may more years ahead also.