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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2009 23:47:27 GMT -5
Hi, although I am very familiar with COPD (my mom has a severe case), I was still very upset when I was diagnosed with it yesturday. I am only 30 years old and want nothing more than to see my daughters grow up. I am very scared, and could really use someone to talk to about what I am going through. I have been put on 3 different inhalers and every so often I have to go to the hospital to be put on a nebulizer (currently waiting for mine to be delivered).
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Post by chrisw on May 13, 2009 1:42:44 GMT -5
At only thirty years old, and with a mother who also has COPD, it is highly probable that you have a form of genetic COPD. The most common form is Alpha 1 Anti-trypsin deficiency, and there is a special group in the US for people with Alpha 1. The web address is www.alphaone.org/ You can be easily tested for this (but many doctors, sadly, seem not to know this) and there are special drugs which, at least for some people, can dramatically slow the progress of the disease. For all with COPD, of course, not smoking and getting really fit make a huge difference in the progress of the disease - I have little doubt, providing you do the right things, that you will live to see your daughters grow up, and probably their children too. Welcome to COPD in Canada. You will find lots of caring people here to help you with any questions, and to hold your hand when that is needeed.
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Post by bobbioh on May 13, 2009 6:42:27 GMT -5
Welcome Chris gave you very good advice I agree with him 100% As long as you do those things and take your meds get the right tests you will be around for a very long time, Most probally with a good quality of life hang in there dont let fear run your life let knowlage. Good Luck Bobbi
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on May 13, 2009 7:22:18 GMT -5
Heck of a way to meet you but if there's any comfort in knowing..... we've all been where you are... scared, we also have ocassion to visit there on and off believe me. Chris gave you the best advice; and please ask your Dr about this simple blood test for Alpha 1 You'll meet lots of folks here that are at different levels facing a variety of challenges. You'll also find a fair bit of information. Our members are pretty friendly and quite diversified when it comes to COPD; if they don't know something they'll point you in the right direction at the very least. I guarantee you'll be made to feel at home right away! Have coffee with us at the fence if you'd like, if there's a General Interest item, there's an area for that too. If it's a COPD related issue you want to comment on, share or ask questions, by all means ask away. The COPD Portal area has quite a bit..... Or start a thread on a topic of interest or concern to you. Whatever YOU are comfortable with. If you've not yet joined our parent organization/ COPD Canada Patient Network, www.copdcanada.ca/sign_up.htm Please consider it. It's open to e'one internationally and it's Free. Membership has it's benefits! My name's Jackie, aka Blossom. I look forward to getting to know you!
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Post by aero63 on May 13, 2009 10:02:06 GMT -5
Welcome Getting diagnosed at any age is scary, let alone at a young age. The others have given you good advice.
Glad you joined and hope to see you over the fence.
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Post by justbill on May 13, 2009 11:30:55 GMT -5
Scared, you've found a place where caring is a given. The advice you get is from those who have been there and care. I'm new here also, and feel I've found a second home. Let me extend another warm "Welcome to the Neighborhood". Bill
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 23:45:00 GMT -5
Thank you to everyone. I will definetly be asking my dr. about getting tested. I look forward to getting to know you all.
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Post by John on May 14, 2009 4:25:18 GMT -5
WElcome to our on line family of careing & sharring I hope to see you often
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Post by spike99 on May 14, 2009 11:48:29 GMT -5
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Welcome Scared.
I agree with above "experienced" COPD folks. Take your meds, do better eating, do more daily exercises, reduce stress exposure, stop smoking (if you still smoke), don'll allow indoor smoking, etc. etc. and it will make dramatic improvements in your future life. If one changes their body's health compass by a simple 2 degrees, what is the variance distance in say 10, 15 and 20 years from today? Always improve one's compass pointer and in the long run, one's body will thank you for it.
For me back in Nov/Dec 2006, I smoked 1.5 packs a day, had inner organ pains, had inner lung pains and walked with a left leg limp. Couldn't even walk up 1 flight of stairs without huffing and puffing for more air. My doctor told me that my body was only 3 years away from its grave. And, she wasn't kidding. Today, I now exercise 3+ hours every day, no longer smoke, dropped 60 'extra' lbs and have a much happier life. Today, it really is comparing previous night against a bright summer great day. Changing my previous destructive lifestyle to much cleaner / better living was well worth it. Hard.. But well worth it...
May I suggest you set daily, weekly and monthly "improvement" goals for youself as well. Always try to "raise the bar" a little higher each week or each month. Stuff like "walk 1 more block" or swim 1 more pool length, eat a little bit better, etc. etc. all the time. Always try to "raise the bar" - to improve one's body in the long run...
Again... Welcome...
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Post by mary57 on May 27, 2009 16:10:02 GMT -5
Welcome Scared, you have found a great group of people with a lot of knowledge and a willingness to share. Glad to meet you.
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Post by susanny on May 27, 2009 23:56:01 GMT -5
Hi, scared. I'm new to this forum, too, and it is sooooo welcoming! I'm reading all kinds of new and good information. It's been interesting to go back and read the old postings, and the progress of those in the throes of waiting for surgery.
You know, soon you'll be asking how to change your user name. When you learn about and do everything you can do to help yourself and gain some control over your body, you won't be scared anymore. Hopeful is a good new name.
Take care, Sue
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