COPD AND IN PANIC MODE A BIT

[lynnkay]

I have posted some questions in the past here in the respiratory forum of MedHelp. When I was first diagnosed with moderate stage COPD. I was diagnosed in Oct. 07. I have come to terms with my lung disease. I even attempt to help others on the COPD and respiratory forum, when I feel that I can provide some answer or help ease some one's mind. Well folks, my mind needs easing right now. I just read a post in the COPD forum. I really felt for the person that wrote the post. But, it rather raised a scary question in my own mind. In this post, a lady said that her husband was diagnosed last summer of 08, in the moderate to severe stage of COPD. Now, he is in the end stage of the disease. I do not doubt this lady at all. But, it has been my understanding from research on the net, that COPD slowly progresses. I was diagnosed a year almost before this lady's husband, about in the stage he was in. Now, he is in the end stage of COPD. Can someone ease my mind here. I have come to terms with my COPD, but I will admit, the fear is still there, of what the future holds or even how much future I actually have. My way of thinking on this has been, well I am in the moderate stage, so I got a number of years left. But, now wondering and concerned, maybe that is not so. Thank you

[mary59az]

Don't panic, you don't know all the underlying issue he may have, was he a smoker, did he quit? how long was he sick before he went to the doctor? is he taking his med's. I was diagnosed in Feb 08, smoked for 46 years sometimes heavy, was in the hospital for exacerbation in april 08, left on 2 lpm 24/7. Now I only use it at night or if my sats fall too low from overdoing it. I try to eat right stay on my meds and most of all I listen to my body, if I am tired I rest. everyone is different. I had stage 4 invasive cervical cancer 22 years ago, they said 5 years expectancy. the mind is a beautiful thing that can help you. Listen to your doctor, thank god for every day and have a positive attitude