Hello

[Deleted]

My husband is 38 years old and has just been diagnosed with sever COPD. He finally went to the doctor after 2 years of me nagging him, of course it has gotten worse within that time.... he is lifeless, and any task takes him so long to do, moody, short of breath, etc. It has bothered me that he is so "lazy" but now we have been given a diagnosis (haven't been to a specialist yet). I am going to try to be more patient with him for sure. He has been told he needs to exercise and quit smoking, I really hope he does but it is his choice.
I am kind of looking for advice and tips from family members as well as sufferers of COPD. It's going to be a long road......... looking forward to what will most likely be my new addiction of information....

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Welcome Shan;

It's nice to meet you though I regret the circumstances. Your hubby's situation isn't "unique" in that he waited (many of us knew we had a problem long before official diagnosis), and being short of breath can create a vicious cycle when it comes to exercise. You exercise, you get more SOB, the more SOB (short of breath) you get, the less you exercise though you need it more... As for the smoking; that's something HE has to address. You can't do it for him any more than the exercise. BTW; walking is his best way to go (and the cheapest) and being severe doesn't negate his ability to do it.

He's not lazy; it's just difficult for him. There's not a muscle in the body that doesn't require oxygen. Right down to lifting an arm....

Incidentally; a lot of the members here are severe, some are on oxygen, yet ; many of us still exercise.

You said that he's not been to a specialist yet..... Perhaps during his visit that would be a good time to ask about Pulmonary Rehab. I think he would benefit tremendously (and Alberta has more than some of the provinces I believe; 2nd only to Ontario) Even if he doesn't get into one; please encourage him to walk a bit and each time just a little bit more. The more fit his muscles are, the less oxygen he needs to do the day to day things. He WILL benefit ftom it I assure you.

Meanwhile; there's a lot of info here; you can start here with the COPD Portal pages and/or go to our main website www.copdcanada.ca I've also got to tell you that you're doing one of the best things yourself....... Learning;
trust me when I tell you that it will help you both in the long run.

Please feel free to jump in anywhere anytime on any topic. Some folks check in daily at the Fence- it's open to anyone, anytime... (come pop in and have a coffee with us), or

If there's a general interest item or

COPD related issue you want to comment on, share or ask questions, by all means ask away.

Or start a thread on a topic of interest or concern to you.
Whatever YOU are comfortable with. Don't worry about posting in the wrong area or anything; that's why we have great moderators who can move things or copy etc.

The members here are pretty friendly and quite diversified when it comes to COPD. If they don't know something they'll at least point you in the right direction and I guarantee you'll be made to feel at home right away!

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!

P.S..... I just noticed his age.... 38. You should ask about him being tested for Alpha 1 (it's just a blood test) Go here if you want to learn about Alpha 1 www.alpha1.org/whatisalpha1/whatisalpha1.php

[bobbioh]

Welcome jump in anywhere. And try to get your hubby to log on here we will steer him in the right direction. I wish you all the luck in the world getting him to quit smoking thats the first most important step and trust me we all know its a rough one. We have all been there. Bobbi

[John]

[lindab]

[aero63]

Welcome and glad you joined

[tousabella]

Hi Shan;
Welcome to this great 'family'. I'm new, too, well....been here for four months, and have to say I've learned more about this disease in the last four months than in the last ten years! These wonderful people are so willing to share their experiences, tips, support, new ideas...it's really great.
Please stay with us, daily if you can, try and get your husband to log in .... he'll certainly learn a lot about COPD and ways to cope and make life easier.
Look forward to hearing how you and hubby are coming along in your program.

[virginia]

Hi Shan, sorry about your hubby...I hope you will keep coming back, there is so much to learn and maybe in time he wil come aboard..WELCOME

[mary57]

Welcome Shan, glad you found this amazingly friendly and informative site. Join in anywhere and I hope your husband will join as well.