How long before I need oxygen

[luckystrike]

I am a man aged 46 I have been diagnosed with copd I have history of asthma and I was a heavy smoker. My fev1 is 60% how long before this deteriotes and I end up needing oxygen

[lynnkay]

I just turned 51 and in Oct. 2007 I was told I had COPD. My brother is close to your age and was told he had COPD, about 6 months before me. We lost our sweet mother in Aug. 2007 with pulmonary fibrosis. She passed away 4 months after a lung transplant. I don't want to confuse you or scare you. Pulmonary fibrosis is a totally different type lung disease. It is terminal from the beginning and life expectancy is only 5-6 years. I am just saying that last year was a terrible year for our family. Lung disease has hit us hard. I do understand though how you feel. You wonder what lies ahead. I do as well. I have researched COPD thoroughly. I cannot much find out anything on time frames for oxygen or how long each stage of the disease lasts. I believe it depends on each individual. I was told I had asthma about 3 years ago by an ER doctor. Of course, that doctor did nothing. So, I walked around thinking well I just have asthma and I continued to smoke heavily. It wasn't asthma, it was COPD even back then. My family doctor diagnosed the COPD and then I went for a second opinion with a pulmonary doctor. Pulmonary doctor confirmed COPD. Just educate yourself on this disease as much as possible. Nutrition and exercise are very important with this disease as well. Above all notice when your symptoms become worse. I am still learning how to cope with COPD. I will be honest about that. I was in the moderate stage when diagnosed last October.  I cannot get any answers, but somehow I know the disease has advanced.  I just know how I am feeling. I am not enjoying summer at all. I have to stay indoors with AC. Where we live is usually always hot and humid. Still staying inside breathing is very difficult some days. I am staying so fatigued. Like I cannot get enough sleep. I find that so frustrating , as I always had lots of energy in the past. My fingernails are turning blue. I have a left ankle that is swelling. Never had that problem in my life. Left ankle swelling could very possibly mean that COPD is effecting my heart somehow as well. I am praying not. Then, I am dreading winter. This past winter I was sick quite often. Bronchitis twice, pleurisy and pneumonia. I was always a healthy person. So much has changed with this disease. But, I am trying to cope. I didn't mean to tell you my life story. But, I just want you to know as I previously said, that I do understand how you are feeling. And it is normal to wonder about this lung disease that we have. Maybe someone else experienced medically can help you further. This is a very good forum for answers and support. From some of my latest symptoms, it may very well mean, that oxygen is not far off for me. I don't want to go on oxygen to be honest. But, if it helps improve my quality of life somewhat, then that is the way it will have to be. You take care of yourself and I hope someone more experienced can answer your question. Just hang in there though. I am going to as well.