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Stage 4

Posted , 4 users are following.

LouAnne8000
LouAnne8000

My dr. recently said I was in Stage 4 of COPD. I feel like I've been here for years! Does anyone know how this progresses? I'm on 30mg of steroids and on oxygen 24/7. It is very difficult to do housework, but I think I'm ok. Am I just hanging on waiting for a really bad flare up?

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • tonya101572
    tonya101572 LouAnne8000

    Posted

    This is from my experience only with my momma and daddy with this disease. My momma lived a little over a year once she was on oxygen 24/7 and my daddy was maybe about 6 months. But, I will say I had a friend who's momma lived for close to 20 years with using oxygen 24/7. I'm not sure though how long she was in end stages copd. My daddy and momma also developed chf months before they died. My advice to you would be stay as active as you can! Keep moving! 

    • LouAnne8000
      LouAnne8000 tonya101572

      Posted

      Thank you for your advise and info on past history with your mom, dad and your mother's friend.  What is ChFC?

    • tonya101572
      tonya101572 LouAnne8000

      Posted

      CHF, is congested heart failure, my mommas pulmonologist told her at the beginning she probably wouldnt die from the copd but her heart would weaken from the copd and eventually her heart would give out. It took awhile to diagnose her, but  they finally found it when she was admitted to the hospital. Before she was diagnosed though, she started having swelling in her lower legs and her breathing got worse. Once she was put on medication for it though her breathing actually got a little better. 
    • tonya101572
      tonya101572 LouAnne8000

      Posted

      Also, if your still smoking, throw them away now! Dont wait till its too late to stop if your still smoking.  Both my momma and  daddy quit too late. My friends mom made it as long as she did because she quit smoking as soon as she was diagnosed. Good luck to you and try not to worry! Just enjoy life to the fullest!! None of us know when we will be called home. 
  • Vee2
    Vee2 LouAnne8000

    Posted

    I would say avoid people infected with colds or flu wherever possible.  If you have Children or any one ask them to stay away if they have a cold.

    And good advice from tonya " stay as active as you can" its important, diaphragm and any other strengthened muscles use less oxygen that unused ones and keep some level of fitness does help us breathe easier.

    End stage is something that may mean something different to each person.  But if you mean severe COPD with say 24% lung function of there abouts people can live a good many years and other not so long.

    In the main staying as active as you can and avoiding the things that are known to put us more at risk of lung infection would be a good choice.

  • martin63346
    martin63346 LouAnne8000

    Posted

    There is really no cause for you to worry unnecessarily provided you Stop smoking (if you are continuing to smoke) Exercise daily (you should sign up for Pulmonary rehab), religiously take your prescribed medications; have an annual flu injection and a pneumovax injection; eat good and nourishing food; lay of the alcohol. I have been at Stage 4 - very severe for more than 10 years. Good luck!

     

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