copd

[indypaul]

49 male stage 4 copd, how long do u think i'll be able to keep working? i have desk job, on phone most of day. not on o2 yet.

[indypaul]

Dr. Wilson, can i send you all my pft, abg test, and ct scan and get your insight on copd progresstion?

[jimgreg]

its crazy i know..i still smoke haveing brething issues was 57% on fev1 im sure its alot Les..but my Sat's are 98%..i can walk but get winded not serve but still the same..i guess im in stage 2..but i know people stage 4 that stopped smoking and still work..im unlucky on disability..

[indypaul]

well my fev is 29, bmi 29 seeing lung dr. late Aug. i have alot of trouble breathing after walking normal speed and carrying bags from car to house(about 25 ft away) my gp wants me on o2???? thanx for your input.

[allmymarbles]

You don't sound like stage 4. If you were you would be seriously incapacitated and on oxygen. Yet there you are working away....

[NCteacher]

You're considered stage 4, and you're not on O2 yet?  That's surprising.  I understand your question and your desire for a time frame, but I'm not sure that anyone will be able to give that to you.  There's just not a reliable way to judge how your disease will progress.  Some people do quite well for a very long period time.  I'd just suggest staying in touch with your doctor to monitor your condition.  The fact that you have a desk job would be a plus.  How newly diagnosed are you?