I am 34 yrs old and have been diagnosed with COPD with asthma on top of that. Iguess it has just started to set in on me that I,m slowly dying. They told me that it’s moderate. I am just wanting to know approx. I know that everyone is different so I just wanted to see if anyone could tell me!
I have had pneumonia (double) several times. I catch colds, flu, whatever is going around. I havepartly blocked airways and I have damage to the air sacs, my airways stay swollen most of the time and I have alot of mucus most of the time also, sometimes so thick it feels like I can’t breathe or it feels like there is a very tiny hole to breathe through. Maybe these details help.
Mike_T says:
I know exactly how you feel, I was in a very similar situation. I remember that I was so nervous at that time and I took it out on everyone around me. I didnt know what could I do until, thanks god, I found Smoke Deter. Now I can look back and laugh on myself and in the same time I remember how helpless I was. I hope that I'll never be in the same situation again
Pretty scarey stuff.
I had never heard of COPD when the pulmonologist said I had it. I also was diagnosed with the asthma. According to all the info I could find, COPD was either emphysema or chronic bronchitis. The pulmonologist assured me I had asthma COPD. Then I tried to find information on the life expectancy; all I could find was that it’s the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. and did, indeed, sound as though my time left was seriously short. After a lot of exploration and talking with others having COPD, I determined that everyone is different. Johnny Carson died of emphysema at 85. He had had it for at least the past 20-30 years.
I was diagnosed three years ago and the doctor suggested from my history of pneumonia, colds, etc, that I had had this condition for many years. In 1996 I had to have a company physical and flunked the spirometry test. I was told that people often have the condition for years before it is properly diagnosed. As HMOs are prone to do, they determined a specialist was unnecessary and the family practitioner prescribed inhalers, steroids, asthma medication, etc. for every incident of flareups.
I would have told you three years ago my time was very limited. Would have bet no more than a year or so. Actually, now that my medication has been adjusted to necessary levels, I feel better than I have in years. I went from oxygen 24/7 to now only when I sleep and exercise. I go to the healthplex and use the treadmill and pool often. I amaze myself at how much I have improved with a little exercise.
My doctor does recommend I keep my pnuemonia and flu shots up to date and steer clear of anyone with a cold to lessen the chance of exacerbation. The asthma medication can have a side effect of depression, so be alert to that. We especially don’t need to slump into a depression. I do take an anti-depressant because finding out I had the condition really hit me hard and coupled with the medication, well, I need it. Attitude is a big determinant in COPD’s severity on a person.
Absolutely no one can tell you how much time you have left whether because of COPD or anything else. You’re not going to be doing any more mountain climbing or run the Boston Marathon, but it is so important to live each day to the fullest. There’s still plenty you can do, and you will probably live a long, productive life as long as you aren’t your own worst enemy and just give up.
You can live along time with COPD. Quit smoking, if you do, and try to exercise. I know the latter will be hard with the SOB you will bre having. Try to keep your O2 on if you were given it and pratice your "pursed lip" breathing.
COPD is a very broad term describing what is going on with the oxygen exchange in your body. Without knowing more than you have asthma it’s impossible to say what your life expectancy might be. You could live for another 70 years based on what you have asked.
Every person with COPD is different, but if you take care of yourself and stop smoking you can live quite a long time.
Mike,
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis at such an early age, but please be positive because there are a lot of things you can do. My entire family has a history of lung problems. My mother is in Stage IV COPD. First, if you smoke – no ifs ands or BUTTS – you must stop. Secondly, you must exercise. I know – I know – you are saying that with lung problems it is hard. I am not talking about heavy weight lifting or anything. Walk, walk, walk. Walking is very good for your heart – and as your COPD progresses your heart must be healthy. The more you walk – the better you will feel. Your heart takes up the slack from poorly functioning lungs. You must have a strong heart to survive COPD. Third, quit soda or any high sugar drinks. #4. No alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate you and you need – guess what? – #5. lots of water, water, water. 6. Over the counter Mucinex is a lifesaver. It helps bring up trapped sputum in the lungs. I used be by prescription only. So, here is the list:
1. Stop smoking if you smoke
2. Walk, walk, walk to keep your heart strong
3. Stop drinking sugary drinks
4. No alcohol
5. Drink lots of water
6. Mucinex to loosen trapped sputum
7. If you even think you are heading into a pneumonia or excacerbation get to the doctor and have them give you a z pack of antibiotics and steroids (either a shot of steroids at the office – works faster – or take home steroid prescription). Hope this helps. This is all advice from a fifth generation asthma – COPD family. Good luck to you.