scared & overwhelmed

[Deleted]

Hi,

My name is Sharon, I'm 47 & just diagnosed with severe COPD...my fev1?? think that's what it's called is 37%. can't seem to stop crying. I have 3 kids, ages 26, 15 & 9. Everytime I look @ my youngest lately, I think I won't see him grow up. I'm really overwhelmed right now & don't know who or where to turn to. I also just quit smoking 11 days ago. I've read some articles on the internet that says this is worse than cancer, just takes longer to die. I work f/t & I'm worried about having to quit work as well.....everything seems so overwhelming.....help

[John]

Welcome to our on line family Sharon Fev 37 is not a death sentence . You have taken a very important first step in slowing down progression by stopping smoking and with proper meds exercise & good DR. You should be able do much better than if you never stopped smoking . We have a very caring & supportive group of wonderful & understanding people here . Just to give you an example my fev1 is 30 & I still can do most everything I used to do ,just a little slower . @ 62 that's not always a bad thing .

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

First and foremost.....CONGRATULATIONS on quitting!

Good Morning Sharon; you've come to a good place for info and support. We've all been where you are at some point and in some fashion. We can certainly relate.

It scares the H out of a person when they're first diagnosed doesn't it? You've got so much going through your mind, probably did a lot of searching on the computer and learning, but, some of what you read may not be true and downright scary stuff.

Well; you've got a very workable FEV1; a lot of folks could only "wish" for it. And; if you take that number you have and look after yourself ,I don't see any reason you can't be around for quite a few years, and yes.... seeing the youngest grow up and then some!

You work full time? Way to go! Do you mind my asking what it is you do?

For now; you've got to take a step back and a deep breath (no pun intended and let's approach one thing at a time otherwise yes; you can become overwhelemed. Just like you are right now.

First; you're not dying....... not for quite awhile but you are going to have to learn about this disease and how to "live with" COPD. Education is paramount and this is a good place to start. People nowadays can, have, and do, live with it for many years. And; they "live", not exist..... With less than what you have they still travel, go on vacations, do most of the things they want to do even if they're on oxygen.

So; ask any questions you want...... I promise we'll help you get a better hold/grasp of things and you can get back to the business of "living" and not dwelling on the dying.

There'a a 2 page pamphlet we have (on our main website that you might want to print off and read. It's right up your alley. The front of it says..... "I've Been Diagnosed with COPD!!!! What Can I Do? LOTS!!!" Here's the link ..... copdcanada.ca/What%20Can%20I%20Do%20July%2021%202010.pdf

My name is Jackie, aka Blossom. My last FEV1 over a year ago was like 28 or 29; I'm not yet on oxygen. I've also had lung cancer. (you mentioned cancer above) I do a lot (though certainly not all) of the things I use to do and I consider my quality of life to be pretty good.

Please keep in mind that a number is exactly that.... just a number. It's how you "feel" that matters.

We'll help you with this Sharon......

Just one final thing before I forget...... have you ever been tested for Alpha 1. Granted you're 47, the usual suggested max age (depending upon what you read) is 45 but still..... It's a simple blood test, maybe ask your Dr about it.

[sandy07]

Welcome to the group. When I was first diagnosed my FEV1 was 33%. It still is...although it's a medicated 33. I would be in better shape if I exercised more. I used to have a physically demanding job and as long as I used my puffers I felt 100%. I went to a sit-down job and then shortly after that I retired....so I didn't get the same amount of exercise. I started to feel worse real quick. Exercise is REALLY important. I've never been an exerciser so doing it is a struggle for me. Walking is best so I think this winter I will join a walking group inside at the college. Maybe doing it with others will motivate me. Walking outside is a problem since the cold and wind bother me and my allergies.

Find a way to get some exercise. Deliver newspapers..( I did that for a year)..walk the dog or walk to the store. Join a yoga group...but you MUST keep your body moving or your FEV1 will drop and you will become more SOB.

You don't indicate where you live. If it's warm in winter you shouldn't have a problem walking outside. Maybe there is a Rehab program you can join to get you started with the best exercises.

We're here to answer your questions. We'll laugh and cry with you....rejoice with you...give you hugs and give you unsolicited advice.

If the meds are working for you there shouldn't be many problems for years yet. I wouldn't worry too much about seeing your 9 yr. old grow up. You'll experience the same teen boy problems with him as everyone else.

One thing I want you to realize.....a lot of the people on this site...and others...were diagnosed a long time ago....some 12 - 15 yrs. ago or more. So when they are having problems it might worry the newly diagnosed. Don't "assume" the same things will happen to you. You are a long ways away from that.

Live your life, exercise and hug your friends and family. You'll be fine.