O2

[Azcowboy]

I'm 79 years old, male and have had C.O.P.D. for over 20 years. Now on O2 almost full time. Also developed E.D. years ago. Under the care of my Veterans Hospital.

[joyful4u]

Hi. Welcome to our group. I'm sure you'll find support & encouragement here. Plus, I'm sure you can contribute by sharing how your journey has been for you since you were 1st diagnosed. 20 years is a long time to live with copd. I hope & pray you're getting all the medical help you need at the VA Hosp. Pls keep us updated. And thanks for your service. I need to ask this: are you really a cowboy from Arizona? Terri

[Azcowboy in reply to joyful4u]

Thank you Terri. The people at my V.A. have always treated as though I had 4 Stars on my shoulder. I believe they've done all they can to have kept me around so long. And. Yes ma'am, cowboy/rancher. Southern Arizona

[Feelingblessed2013]

Welcome Azcowboy, 20 years is fantastic, you will give others here hope.

Thank you for your service. I am glad that you are getting good care at your VA hospital.

[Azcowboy in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Thank you Katherine

[Feelingblessed2013]

I am curios about something so I have to ask a question. Please don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like you are assuming Azcowboy was/is a smoker?

[Feelingblessed2013]

I do understand about the curiosity, and I have gotten used to people asking me if I ever smoked, it just kinda threw me to see someone here ask that question.

[Hidden in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Well most emphysema does come from smoking. I happen to have a genetic emphysema from alpha one antitrypsin deficiency. However I also smoked heavy for about 5-7 years. Smoked weed as well. I quit it all in my mid twenties. I did continue drinking. Quit that not long ago. All of us having similar conditions leads to comparisons, thus the questioning. A support group should be open in my opinion. Not having to walk on eggshells. Can’t learn from each other that way. And can’t constantly tell everyone things will be fine. Sometimes we need to keep it real. I don’t care what questions are asked me. I ask away myself. I own and accept my disease. I know what’s happening. Have a question? Ask me!

[Feelingblessed2013 in reply to Hidden]

I smoked, quit almost 13 years before I was diagnosed. My oncologist told me that my emphysema was most likely caused from a lifetime of exposure to second hand smoke (I grew up around smokers). I have also had lung cancer twice. First question I get asked is if I smoked, like I did this to myself. There are many reasons for COPD, just as the fact that having lungs puts you at risk for lung cancer. You can ask me anything, just don't assume

[megshafer in reply to Hidden]

Happy Christmas Apeter....🎄🎄🎄

[R2B_Michele_RRT Partner]

Azcowboy, Thank you for the introduction.

[R2B_Joe Partner]

Welcome to the group! Thanks for sharing your story!

[megshafer]

Welcome Azcowboy, thank you for your honorable service.

There are many kind, funny, inquisitive people...waiting to be your friend. And, for you to be theirs.

Happy Christmas 🎄🎄

[Azcowboy]

Thank you Meg

[Azcowboy]

Thank you and the same to you and family

[CLARAmay]

Hi Red Sox merry Christmas, yes I’m with you I love to hear peoples progress too