Having a second child knowing I have Emphysema

[ggeorgiou]

Hi,

I am 35 year old male and have been told I have empthsyma. 61% FEV1. Before diagnoses about 4 months ago me and my wife were trying for another child.

Has anyone been in this position before? My wife is desperate for another child but since my diagnoses I am scared that i won't be around to look after him/her or be in a fit state to look after them

Thanks,

George

[Hidden]

The desire for a child can be an overwhelming need in women, so it’s not something your wife will just be able to put to one side. I wouldn’t normally dream of advising you on such a sensitive issue, but as you’ve asked, personally I wouldn’t let your lung problem stand in the way of your plans. Anyway, as many people here with copd will tell you, if you look after yourself you’re quite likely to live for many years. If your wife is prepared to take the risk, why not you?

[skischool]

60% fev1 is hardly a death sentence,although not exactly desirable you have an awful lot of lungs capacity left in you,certainly with sufficient good health management your new off spring will probably be having children of their own long before you have to worry about not being around for them,Take advice from forum users on healthy living with lung disease and enjoy your future with wife and family,,,,,,,,,,,regards skis and scruffy

[Magpuss]

A very fit 35yr old probably wouldn't think twice before doing anything they wouldn't stop to think of the risks involved to themselves - or others. You're already thinking of others so I imagine you're planning on doing the best you can - to stay as fit and well as you can, for as long as possible. With a healthy lifestyle that could be many more years than you think. I'd say, live your life as you've planned to for as long as you possibly can. With a healthy diet, no smoking and lots of exercise you're still likely to be around to pick up your pension.

[ggeorgiou]

Thank you for all you reassuring comments guys. The thing that scares me is, I have read articles on the internet that says 90% of people diagnosed with emphysema will pass in first year / or life expectancy for people with moderate emphysema is 5 years... These just articles just scare me.

I plan to live as long as I can, that means never having another cigarette again, exercising daily and eating as healthy as I can - I have to do it for my family.

I will have a chat to my wife, your comments have given me a bit more hope.

[Magpuss in reply to ggeorgiou]

If what you've read were true this site would be missing a considerable number of its members. Unless you enjoy extreme sports, ie frightening yourself half to death, don't google! You'll find out all you need to know (and more) right here, information, answers to questions, advice plus - a bit of friendly banter, a few pics of pets and even the odd joke from time to time. Join in if you feel like it or just read - and learn. Wishing you - (and your family) well.

[Kristicats in reply to ggeorgiou]

I think we all read the rubbish re the 5 year sentence and panicked but it’s crazy and untrue.

[gingermusic]

Hi George believe me with an FEV1 of 60% you should have many many years in front of you providing your not smoking and stay away from anybody who does. Eat sensibly and exercise as much as you can. I was first diagnosed at aged 40 and I am now aged 68 and still here. Ok things have declined but I am still able to look after 2 grand children for a day with no worries. Enjoy your two children and feel blessed. Have a great long happy life

[ggeorgiou in reply to gingermusic]

Thank you ginger - I do try to look after myself, I no longer smoke and I am on the treadmil every evening. I am deterimned to keep fit and active for as long as possible.

You story inspires me and gives me so much hope so thank you. What is the key to living with empthysma for 28 years?

[gingermusic in reply to ggeorgiou]

Well apart from the giving up smoking I don't really know. I did do the Pulmonary class when it was offered and I have to say that really is worth doing and seeing it through to the end. That does help the lungs a great deal. Other than that don't give in to it carry on doing as much as your body will allow you to do. Yes I have declined over the years but I suppose with hindsight I could have pushed myself more. Trouble is as you reach old age and beyond your body slows down somewhat any way and having a wonderful man who is only to happy to take over when he sees me struggling has made me somewhat lazier than I should maybe have been. I still enjoy looking after two little grand children so my life is good and I am happy and you should do well.

[Kristicats]

Without smoking and looking after yourself i.e regular exercise your Fev1 could be increased . I have around the same level now and I expect as my gp said to deteriorate at the same level as a non smoker now I don’t smoke anymore. I was 50% when diagnosed but got up to 60 with stopping smoking and exercise (not strenuous ) and walk more. Have to be careful in winter re trying not to pick colds up from people but otherwise quite well.

[ggeorgiou]

Well, I'm happy to report that I decided to take the plunge and now my wife is 12 weeks pregnant.

I feel good in myself, COPD is not affecting my daily life and hope it will stay like that a while longer.

Hope everyone is breathing easy today.

George

[TomTitTot in reply to ggeorgiou]

George, something I learned a while back, when you look up what you have, always remember that the medical profession always uses worse case scenario because it best illustrates the condition, and that needn't be you!

Take care, TTT

[skischool]

Congratulations George not only have you taken control of your condition but you are expanding the worlds population and of course equal congratulations to your dear wife,look after her well you are a lucky couple.

best wishes Ski's and Scruffs x

[HungryHufflepuff]

Congratulations to you and your wife. That really is uplifting news. Wishing you all the best.