How do I handle knowing I won't be here much longer?

Sorry, I meant to say: my suggestion is to take it one day at a time and look for the little joys of the day. Meet with your family and friends and try to build a support system around yourself. If all else fails you can talk to a therapist and they can help you overcome some of your fears/work through your feelings. I I wish you the best of luck...

Thanks Dani87.  I do have a therapist, but it is too new and raw for her to help me with this.  I haven't told my family, which is 2 sons in their 40's.  One is in jail and the other is going through major court battles with his ex which are taking a huge toll on him and my grandchildren.  I've been in school the past 2 years to get my degree, and don't know if I can continue.  New course started yesterday and I can't do anything on it.  Can't think, no energy, just powerlessness and hopelessness.

It's good that you are in school, it provides an outlet and a way of keeping yourself distracted. I wish you the best of luck.

It really is good for u to stay busy! I can't imagine what n how ur going through! I have stage 2 COPD And I have no idea what's going to happen! So can u enlightened me,I know everybody is different,but can u give me something? My Dr won't tell me what to expect!

Start exercising now!  And if you smoke, QUIT.  I was doing well until a year ago, and started going down hill then.  Too much stress, and wasn't taking care of myself.  Taking care of others instead of me.  Keep active and busy and have things to look forward to.

I excercise everyday....I walk 30 min a day 6 days a week even though my lungs give me problems n I have to get on nebulizer immediately after walking n my knee try to give out on. E because my bones r detoriatoring cause of Osteoporosis n Osteoarthritis! But I still walk! Slowly w a cane!

I'm going to try walking here at the apt complex, just around the parking lot.  I too have the osteo's and have trouble with balance and walking.  Knees have been giving me trouble lately.

I'm 63, and at Stage 4 COPD.  Can't walk a block on my own now.  Doc just upped my oxygen to 4.

It's a horrible thing plus my mom has pulminary fibrosis sling with it. Sucking the life out of her

So sorry to hear that about your mom.  I am trying to stay positive about it, but it is difficult.  Guess there is a process to go through and I just have to experience it.

Yes the process depends on your general health. My moms is not good. Yours sounds better . You just have to take it one day at a time I guess

yes, now at stage 4

 

I'm so sorry for your illness! But u could a still a Long while,My sister has been on 4% on FEV1 FOR A VERY LONG TIME! BUT SHE ALSO HAS A LIVER CANCER! I PRAY FOR A RECOVERY FOR HER,,YEAH A MIRACLE FOR HER! and I'm praying for you now! Miracles can happen!

So can u tell me a little about ur journey & how come you have Stage 4 n how u got here??

smoking for 40 years.  My own doing.  Thanks for the info on your sister.... so sorry she is suffering, but it does give me some hope that I'll be around for a while yet.

 

Yes Ma'am! I was a smoker for 35 years so I know why u mean! I'm so sorry for ur illness again,But when u were in stage 2 what was going on then w ur lungs,my I ask?

No problem, She is in alot of pain n stays in bed alot! Can not walk ! She has alot of faith,to stay strong because in 7 mths she will b a GREAT GMA!

I didn't know anything about the stages.  Didn't have insurance and didn't see a doctor for several years after diagnosed.  I was using an herbal product, and my life was the same.... still active, physical, no changes noted.  The herbal product was discontinued a few years ago and I haven't found anything to replace it.  Lungs have gone down quickly since then.

Sadley your dictor will not tell u of stages or what ti expect.

My current doctors didn't either.  I had to ask after some research I did on my own.  Then family doc checked and the pulmonary specialist had put down that I was in Stage 4.  This was on Monday.  Still trying to come to terms with it.  Sleeping a lot this week and last.  Trying to pull out of the dumps on this one.

The only thing I do know is get exercise everyday and do all breathing treatments is you have a nebulizer. It's crucial.