Hi, I'm sure this may have been asked before in many different ways. I am a 45 male former smoker. I've had a spirometry test and the lab test results state that they've detected COPD. I'm in generally good shape could lose 15 pounds to get to my ideal weight but only struggle with breath at higher intensity exercise. I have a referral to a respirologist, however; have not been given any treatments or prognosis. I guess I'm trying to get a sense of what I'm in for. I'm hoping I could hear other peoples experiences who were diagnosed in their 40's. Where you started in your diagnosis, medical and natural treatments and lifestyle changes that worked or didn't. What does the disease feel like? Were you able to continue working, playing with your kids? How fast does this disease progress? I know everyone is different, so I guess I'm just hoping to hear some positive stories for hope and if it's not so good, I want to hear that as well to help me prepare for what's to come.
My husband has this at 46, diagnosed in 09'
It's not a kind disease. There is no cure. Only loose bandages of meds that don't help much. Especially pretizone that steroid that makes you antsy and starving. Do try to keep in shape and take vitamins and eat healthier. Anti inflammatory foods are helpful. Take probiotics too especially to help for lots of antibiotics and frequent lung infections. But there's going to be times you do everything great and you're still going to be down and not be able to breathe.
Friends and family don't always understand, they'll say you over did it when you didn't, the disease has a mind of its own. When you get your handicap placker, elderly people will mad dog you because you look fine on the outside.
Get support around you. Save up your money for when you later have to go on disability. Just get ready. Some people do good for many years maintaining, but better to be ready. Hope this helps.
Hi Brenda can I also ask at what stage your husband was diagnosed at and was he a smoker if he was when did he quit? Asking to relate as much as I can to my own circumstance. Thanks
It was at 38 years old, he did smoke in his younger days for a few years on top of his asthma he already had.
Anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, Turmeric, berries, fish. Etc
I feel very lucky I stopped smoking before I was diagnosed, I don't know if I could with people telling me I had to. I'm doing better than I was when it was diagnosed, keep doing what you can. I'm 70 and am skiing some, 6 days last year 5 the previous, and I'm looking forward to 10? this year. Don't let it get to you, I get sick sometimes; I'm not paraplegic so far!
@Marcus72 2015 I got the flu then it went to pneumonia. I had a bronchoscopy and nighttime oxygen it was diagnosed in July of 2015, however it was suggested for several years before that. I’ve had asthma/bronchitis most most of my life, and used cigarettes to compensate. I’ve discovered I’m not unique in that. I finally quit after several tries, and don’t go near cigarette smoke.
That's awesome to hear your doing so well despite your disease deegy2, I only wish that was the case for my husband. I'm sure some cases are worse than others.
Thanks for sharing deegy. Glad to hear you quit smoking. I find it difficult to avoid second hand smoke, it's amazing to me how many people still smoke and I never noticed before. Have you're conditions gotten better since you've quit?
Welcome to the group, heres a wonderful link you may find very helpful. As mentioned, d keep your endurance up by exercising 3/4 time per week, take a 20min walk, don't make it a chore, when having trouble talk w/general doc or specialist (I use walk in clinic now, they can prescribe necessary meds but still see specialist 1/yr.) This is manageable & one bad days try nebulizer (breathing treatments) if prescribed to assist or get signed up by your doc for respiratory therapy if necessary. The webinar classes (link I gave you) are extremely helpful & I do use some of his suggestions as I bought a treadmill for $200 & its invaluable on hot nasty days. Keep posting folks here understand.
p.s. diagnosed 9/2015 though as diggy mentioned symptoms where there years prior that I noticed in '08 while walking my dogs couple miles huffing/puffing slightly more. Quit smoking 2yr &1mo ago (yippy), long term heavy smoker for 40yrs. Taking Anoro (non steroid) inhaled once daily since 9/2015 yet don't really notice feeling better one way or the other but keep taking it.