Posted , 8 users are following.
I am anxious about this recent news - have not smoked for 11 years and when I did smoke, it was never more than about 12 cigs a day or less. To boot, I also quit several times. I'm scared
1 like, 26 replies
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annann rosemary27900
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rosemary27900 annann
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I'm 58
annann rosemary27900
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I am 70 and was diagnosed about 12 years ago and was a heavy smoker and carried on smoking until 2 yrs ago and apart from when I get flare ups I lead a normal life with my Braltus inhaler so I wouldn't worry too much if I was you. Having said that I guess everyone is different but personnally I think you will be fine.
rosemary27900 annann
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Put my mind at ease. I go for a lung function test on April 4. I have no symptoms whatsoever so it is upsetting me a great deal.
robertgreynomad rosemary27900
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Hi Rosemary.
Please don't panic too much.
From what you have said it is VERY early days and as we all have signs of copd showing whenever it was we smoked.
If you gave up smoking and have lived, what could be called a healthy lifestyle since, ie: good diet, excercise and generally stayed away from all the other nasties that the world seems to want to throw at us, you may have nothing much to worry yourself about.
However, I would recomend that you have a regular yaerly health
rosemary27900 robertgreynomad
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I guess reading about other people's experiences have frightened me. I basically think I have only a few years left. I know on some level that that is not rational but until I know more details, I guess talking to other people with this disease helps.
robertgreynomad
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Sorry hit the wrong button.!!
Have a regular health check and if posssible se a resputory specialist.
His test could possibly include a spiromitory test.
You have not mentioned whether you have any probles, especialy with breathing or shortness of breath ??.
You also don't mention your age ?
I am 74 and live with 20% lung capacity for a number of years.
It really can be controlled but NOT reversed.
There are many people on these forums that have lived very usefull lives and we are all happy to advise you of how we cope with the problems that COPD can have. BUT remember , these are our experiences, we are not medical professionals.
I do hope this helps and I really wish you the best of help for the future.
Regards Robertgreynomad ( OZ)
rosemary27900 robertgreynomad
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aitarg35939 rosemary27900
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Most of us with any kind of COPD get diagnosed a bit differently, that is, after we've been showing symptoms for long enough to complain to our docs. If they have caught yours earlier, all to the good.
Sadly, those periods when you stopped smoking for awhile don't count as anything other than more pack years. I can't explain it, I just know from all my docs that that's how it is for our lungs.
rosemary27900 aitarg35939
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hypercat rosemary27900
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Hi don't panic as unless you have severe symptoms it will only be mild. I was diagnosed with mild copd at 54 and 9 years later am still mild. You need to look after your health and live a healthy lifestyle and you will be fine.
Most people with copd die with it rather than from it.
rosemary27900 hypercat
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aitarg35939 rosemary27900
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If we take care of ourselves & our lungs, chances are we'll die of something else - or just plain old age - rather than die from our lung disease.
You asked me if lung disease continues to worsen. None of us can offer an absolute but we give our experience. For me as for so many others here, I rocked along for 15 or more years without things getting much worse. The only reason I'm worse now is because I was too stupid to go back to the doctor when my cough got worse. That's all on me. As everyone here says, eat right, exercise,learn good breathing techniques, and do your meds if they give you any. You really are very fortunate to catch this before you've started showing symptoms.
hypercat rosemary27900
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Exactly what I said! Copd is a chronic condition but certainly at the early stages is well managable as long as you lead a healthy lifestyle.
Whilst it is progressive it normally is very slow and mine has not progressed at all in 9 years. I don't expect to ever reach a severe stage.
The doctor told me that it wouldn't kill me and something else would get me first ie old age. So unless you want to live until 120 chill out.
rosemary27900 hypercat
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You made me laugh with your "chill out" comment. A big hug and kiss to you my friend. xxxooo🇨🇦
hypercat rosemary27900
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