Welcome andyf

[sandy07]

Welcome to the best COPD forum there is. When you get comfortable with us please join in....Sandy

[susanny]

Andy! Hope we get to meet you soon. There's a lot of good information available here, as well as good companionship, too. You can make what you want out of this forum.

Sue

[John]

[andyf]

Thanks to all for the welcome.
Just a little about me: I am 77 years old, was Dx. this past Feb.
Hosp. with low Spo2, 70, test started after 4 days they settled on COPD w/ asthma, came home with O2, 3lpm 24/7, like all others I have read about on these post scared to death, thought this was it even made all funeral plans so my wife of 55 years would not have to. We are alone no family here to help her out.
Could not get any info. from medical profession except there is no cure. You all have been there.
Wife and me are avid gardeners veg and plants so after seeing that COPD wasn't a death sentence we proceed to do our garden, which has been great for both of us. This is getting to long. I am thrilled to have found this site.
Thanks again Andy

[sandy07]

Andy...do you think you had some symptoms before the hospitalization? Usually people are diagnosed at a much younger age. Have you had another pft test since February? Things may have changed for the better. Do you have a home oximeter to check your oxygen levels while at rest and during exertion? I'm asking since your need for oxygen may have changed. You may not need it that high..or at all.

Keep on gardening. There's lots of exercise buried in that dirt.

[andrew fuller]

Andy...do you think you had some symptoms before the hospitalization? Usually people are diagnosed at a much younger age. Have you had another pft test since February? Things may have changed for the better. Do you have a home oximeter to check your oxygen levels while at rest and during exertion? I'm asking since your need for oxygen may have changed. You may not need it that high..or at all.

yes now I look back and the symptoms were there, for past 15 years I would be treated for lung infection pneumonia, bronchial, didn't know anything about COPD. Had Spriometer done in June no change. I do have Oximeter and check will fall into the low 70's within 4 min. while walking w/o O2. Have a follow up 30th this month.

[rvtoni]

Andy, welcome to the forum. The people here are the best, and you can be assured, if you have a question or request, they will be responsive to your needs. I love this place, though I don't post as often as I should.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Hey Andy....... Welcome!

You're in good company here!

It sounds as if you've developed a pretty good attitude (now that you're over the "shock") Way to go! And good for you still gardening!!! You sound like another member here; same age, gardening; on oxygen, he and his wife even do preserves and canning. ......

What you've had to do since February is not easy. Rebuilding some strength, educating yourself about the disease, adjusting to the need and use of oxygen, even the diagnosis itself..... I think you have some moxy in you Sir.

I don't know what your follow up appt entails..... just a check up or is it with a breathing test? Hopefully they're going to run a couple of tests?

Anyway Andy, is nice to have you here and if we can help, we will. I look forward to getting to know you!

My name is Jackie (aka Blossom)

[andyf]

Thanks Jackie
I still have some living to do and don't want to allow this diease to stop me.

All seems so kind on this site, hope I may be an inspriation to some others.

[susanny]

I am so glad you didn't curl up and wait to die. So many people don't find the right site on the computer and see all the doom and gloom and give up. Your wife must be so proud of you, I know I am. Getting the exercise you put into gardening is the best thing you can do for yourself. Are you getting any now that the season is over? I'd hate to see you slow down as exercise is key to strength.

I am so glad to meet you. And if you aren't an inspiration, I don't know who is.

Sue

[andyf]

Yes I do exercise and now that the harvest and canning season is over the garden plot has to be prepared for winter and Spring planting.
Just planted potatoes which will be up in the Spring.
I found a back pack on line for the "D" tank which frees up from dragging around the 50' hose.
Also get in lots of walking regularly following wife around the mall.

Where would I post to maybe get in touch with the other gardener which was mentioned on site?

Andy

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Actually we have several gardeners here, including the one I was referring to.

I'll put something up in the Over the Fence area alerting folks..... you could always post there, or in the General Discussion area.......

Anyway; the Over the Fence area is basically for daily "chewing the fat" Here's a link to today's conversations. philns.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=fence&action=display&thread=6488

You're welcome to jump right in and tell us how your day is going!

[susanny]

Andy, I neglected to look to see where you live.....your planting season is a loooottttt longer than the rest of ours. New potatoes are my favorite. The little red creamers.

[Wildoats]

Hi Andy and welcome aboard!
You're a fast learner..I was in a pout for a good year and a half before I got off my duff and decided to live.
I was Dx (oop "short hand" for diagnosed) in 2001.Sat back and waited to die..I have a very good wife, dont know if I woulda pt up with my stuff.
Lots of knowledge here, that's for sure. Several centuries of experience living with this disease when you add us all up.
I'm another gardener. Envy you the season you have.Around here, we cant plant till Victoria day (Memorial day) and it's rare that you don't have to have everything in by Labor day.
Glad you joined up..look fwd to hearing more from you!
Brian

[Deleted]

Hi andy!

You will love copd canada, everyone here gets along and we help each other with all the ups and downs life throws us.

Welcome, join in, your family now!

[aero63]

Welcome Andy and glad that you joined.