Lung Blog

I was diagnosed as having COPD, but recent tests show I have AAT deficiency (inherited emphysema). I never smoked. I don't expect a lot of publicity on this, but other than my pulmonary dr., other doctors don't seem to know what this is. I use Advair 500 and am quite ok as long as I don't walk uphill, walk fast, exert myself - or have a cold! Since I twice (15 years apart) got terrible reactions to flu shots, my dr. told me not to take one this year. Is there anything I can take to lessen the effects of a flu? (I am 68 and have not gotten a flu for at least 15 years.)

Thanks

I have been smoke free for three years come 12/12/2005. However, I still experience acute shortness of breath after walking up 20 plus stairs, especially if carrying anything weighing 10 lbs or more.
I find it difficult to vacuum, scrub floors, stack wood, rake leaves, etc., for more than three to five minutes without being out of breath.

I was a heavy smoker 2 plus packs a day for over 45 years. Age now, 60.

I have been diagnosed as having enphyzema. I am curious to know if it progresses into cancer even though I no longer smoke.

I carry a comdevent inhaler and only use occassionally. Sometimes not remembering I even carry it. I use ADVAIR in the AM, and PM only if I am going to be going out.

I don't drink and do 30 toe bend exercises each morning. Some days I will lift 25 lbs dumb bells in sets of 10 repetitions and do 25 to 30 sit ups.

Main concern is the prgression of the disease.

Will look forward to your responce.

Thank You
Geo McMurtrey

My husband was diagnosed with COPD in 2003, he has severe COPD with congestive heart failure. His health has declined so much as to the point he can no longer work, he was a truck driver for hauling grain, and a farmer. We have been doing all the medications and proper care tricks the doctor has advised us to do, he quit smoking cigaretts 2 years ago. We have been reading and digging up all kinds of information on this disease. We are very down about the fact there is nothing can be for him to help him get better, feel better.
The finanical part of all this is so over whelming for us. We were wondering if this disease can progress into cancer and if there are is financial
places that will help us? I work 40 hrs. a week and it is still not enough to meet the demands of paying rent, car payments, utlities, insurance, groceries , & the medicines we both have .
Any & all info on this disease would be great help.

ALMOST EVERY EVENING , I GET SEVERE PAIN IN MY RIB CAGE , WHICH FEELS LIKE IT IS MY LUNGS.
I NOW TAKE A PAIN KILLER , OR THE BEST SOLUTIION , IS TO PUT A HOT WATER BOTTLE ON MY CHEST AND IT WILL ALEVIATE YTHE PAIN

DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE SIMILIAR PAIN AND HOW DO YOU ELIMINATE

THANK YOU
SAUL

I have been diagnosed with advanced stage Pulmonary Sarcoidosis with significant lung involvement. Sometimes I feel like Sarcoidosis is the step-child of lung diseases because so many people get it and recover with minimal scarring that the full negative impact of this disease (when it doesn't clear up) is rarely mentioned or no one seems to know a lot about it. I am elated that many do recover. That is a joy to my soul. I am also encouraged when I read of the successes of the people in the newsletter. I have started walking short distances just taking breathers when I need too and it really does make me feel better. I can relate to pushing a cart in the grocery store or looking at five steps going up and not getting overwhelmed. I understand about not being able to work (I lost my job due to the illness) and watching your finances seemingly crumble around you but there is hope. I had to begin to concentrate on the things I could control (diet and exercise) and I had to turn everything else ove to God. I know that sounds like a simple solution but because of that I kept my sanity. I watched my mother die of respiratory failure when she was 57 years old. I am now 50 and getting Social Security disability. It is not much but every bit helps. My desire is to fully recover and I believe what is impossible for man is possible with God. He is my hope and my strongtower.

I have copd for 9 years, I have been working out 5 days a week at a gym for over a year. Since I have been working out my copd has been much more managable, I donot become as breathless as I once did and engage in activities that i never thought I would be able to do.
Excercise, try it , It works

I have COPD and emphysema and have had for two years. I smoked 2 to 3 packs a day. But I quit cold turkey just before I did a long hospital stay. I use oxygen 24/7 and have the last two years. I would give anything to have not smoked. I would never smoke again, and tell people all the time they need to quit before they look like me with a hose hanging off my face. Just so I have enough oxygen to breath...

I was diagnosed with severe stage Emphysema over 5 years ago. I have never smoked and tested negative to the heridity factor. I am on O2 24/7 and have been for the past three years. I use duo neb nebulizer treatment 3x a day and advair 250 twice a day. For the most part I do fine. I do get frustrated at the seeming lack of interest in this disease or the assumption that all who have it are smokers. I have been treated rudely when asking people to please not smoke. I do however agree with an earlier post. I am living with this disease not dying of it. I am not a victim and plan to live a fulfilling life...just a little slower and taking time to smell the roses. Gayle

I have COPD, amongst other problems. I wish to share with others who may have difficulty falling asleep at night, or any other time. I have found that "Cool Mint Listerine Oral Care Strips" allow me to breathe easier when I attempt to go to sleep. These reduce the coughing and rattling that I've normally experienced plus may help reduce tooth decay. At my last dental checkup I had NO cavities. I am also on O2 24/7.

I have been diagnosed with severe enphyzema and COPD will it turn to cancer or will the meds i am on take care of it. Thanks stephen lay

Hello. I have just been diagnosed with COPD. I am 31 years of age. I also can't sleep at night, very restless, and ribs are very painful. My quality of life went south. I am a smoker but also a steelworker. 2 other employees have been diagnosed also with lung diseases two years ago. I contacted the Ministry of Labour and they found that there were no "filters" in the ventilation system. We worked in a confined Space. The investigation is ongoing and I encourage anyone else who may be in the same situation with their employer to fight back as I am. I Live in Eastern Ontario. Any feedback would be helpful for this journey a head of me?

Thank you

Jeremy

Hello, I have enphyzema & COPD for about five years,& am now on O2, nrbulizer, advair, spiriva,
& combivent. About a year & a half ago I read an
article about a device in the EXPERIMENTAL stages
that was inserted into the lung during a half hour
non evasive surgery that helped patients like my=
self immediately. Does anyone know what the latest
news is on this?

I have recently been diagnosed with Emphysema.
I am 34 yrs old. My doctor refuses to send me to a specialist. The Dr. who told me at the hospital i had it, Strongly suggests that i see a specialist. I quit smoking after 21 yrs. Feel better but fear what will happen to my little ones. any input would be greatly appreciated.
Shirley.

I was diagnosed as having COPD Emphysema about four years ago along with a degenerative disc disease (arthritis of the spine) and a heart problem where because of the right hand side of my heart being enlarged because of the Emphysema (a common cause apparently) I am unable to do the exercises that would help with this disease. My biggest set back was handed to me courtesy of The Abbey National Building Society who decided that my illnesses were not classed by them as critical and refused to pay out on my policy, thus forcing repossession on myself and my family. So much for helping their customers!!!!

Somebody explain me what COPD is? I s different toEmphysema wright?. I would like to know because my dr. told me that I need to do not smoke, because is like my lungs present some changes i am not a big time smokrer , just 6 or 7 cigarretes per day ( during night time) liliana