Thought I'd introduce myself to you all, my names Lou I'm 38 and have copd. Been diagnosed for 2 years now. I still cannot accept the fact.. But.. My breathing is getting worse even when just dressing. I'm young an know the inhalers will help but taking them will make me admit to myself I'm not in a good way. Please I've suffered alone for long enough, any support or advice on coming to terms with my illness would be happily accepted. I smoke roll ups to an feel I'm on self destruction with my lungs.
Lou
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Cut3ypie
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You are never alone I am diagnosed at 56 and have asthma any COPD is already done but quitting will help you’re breathing my number one is never be afraid to admit you feel bad and never feel guilty when you need a friendly ear, or someone just to
We are all in the same boat s to speak. I was diagnosed at 48 with mild emphysema but their here thought I'm not that bad and carried on smoking. And it took its toll and ended up in hospital. Which while lying in the hospital bed made me reassess my health and family life. Gave up cigarettes realised I wanted to be with my children and hubby. I have got worse. But do have lots of family support. Hubby gave up work ( he was 4 years of retiring,) for me. So he could take me to hospital appointments I dont drive which I my one regret. But always remember there are support groups who you can talk to and the great people on this website who always help when we have been through the same things. Look after yourself
Please I was like you for years in denial even until recently carried on the cigs ,I wish I had listened took my meds STOPPED THE CIGS and done what I was told I have severe copd now have stopped cigs but wish I had listened it is hard to accept I still struggle my life has totally changed I had horses most of my life and was very active although I think the environment working with horses didn't help my chest either I think there is quite a lot more to copd than just smoking it needs much more research has with all lung diseases xx
I wish you all the best with stopping smoking as it really is not easy, I know, I am still trying! I am new to this forum So I don't really feel I can give much advice but just to let you know you are not alone 😊
Hi there is a great forum on here called Quit who will help you with the stopping smoking. They helped me stop earlier in the year.
I only have mild copd but with more severe symptoms and to my complete and utter surprise once I stopped smoking these all went. I was a lot less breathless and could bound along like I had before copd. I couldn't believe the difference.
Hi lovely welcome to the forum, people here have been an absolute god send to me with advice and support, I have about a month ago been diagnosed with bronchiectasis and copd, I don't think I have fully come to terms with it just yet, or even my family, I just take each day as it comes, I have been nagged at by professionals and family to stop smoking but I'm finding giving up more difficult than my diagnoses if that makes sense, and unfortunately still smoke, yes I know the bad points about smoking but I've tried and failed and will try again. I find this site to be my second family as people here understand fully what we are going through whereas I find people around me don't have a full understanding, they look at me and think oh she not coughing or wheezing and not panting for breath so she's fine. Anytime you want a question answered or just want a chat or a rant and a rave you have come to the right place, I would be lost with out this forum xx
If you just switch to an e-cig you can have all the pleasure without the pain - and a 95% greater chance of living to a ripe old age!
Hi Lou you don't say if you have a partner or are married for years I begged my husband to give up smoking he could never manage it until he was terminal watching someone you love self destruct is awful for their sakes stop now and have many years with them
I wanted to grow old with my husband he passed away seven months ago
I was in denial too when first diagnosed in 2013. Nobody actually explained to me what COPD was and I seemed to be able to do more than a lot of people I worked with, who were younger. However, I was breathless in the morning, when going for the bus, but thought it was panic attacks, as I was leaving my young son and I'd always been at home with my elder children when they were young. I also wouldn't take the inhalers. My breathing got gradually worse, as I kept getting lung infections (worked in schools). It finally ended with pneumonia, which wasn't diagnosed immediately, but discovered in a week-end hospital clinic.
I still smoke and shouldn't. It has definitely made my COPD worse. I found, initially Salamol useful as a rescue inhaler, but only used it if I really had to. I am now on Spiriva Respimat, after trying quite a lot of different maintenance inhalers. It is beneficial. The inhalers are meant to prevent the lungs from deteriorating further so are worth taking. My partner does not like to think of me having any illness, so is not particularly helpful other than supporting the medical society in wanting me to give up smoking. If you want to avoid inhalers for the time being, give up smoking. (I don't want to sound like a hypocrite, but I'd be lying if I said it was OK to smoke)
Hope this has helped. I also felt very lonely and google can make you paranoid!
All the best. You've picked a really good site. A lot of people are so kind and helpful on it.
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