The New Face of COPD: Tim

I went back in 2007 because I requested it. At that time I was very deconditioned and by the time I finished Phase two and was getting ready to go into Phase three maintenance,
I felt like a new person. I've been going every since.

What is your biggest limitation from COPD?
I have a lot of problems trying to breathe when I'm outside. I don't have much of a social life, and very few friends anymore.

Why?
Most of our friends were work-related and when I had to quit working we just seemed to drift apart. We were always outdoor people and did a lot of camping and hiking. Since we can't do those things any longer, we just don't have a lot in common with them anymore. I don't think it's anybody's fault, it's just the circumstances. We still see some
of them and have them over for dinner and we still get invites but just not as often as we used to.

I went online to find information and found all kinds of support groups. After awhile you find the places that "fit" and make friends that, although you may not ever meet them
face to face, they become your closest friends.

By attending Pulmonary Rehab I have meet people in my local area with the same problems I have. Friendships have developed and it's nice to be able to talk to
someone face to face who understands what you're taking about. Awareness and helping others is very important but sometimes you just want to have a conversation without
giving a class on the use of O2 or whatever.

If there is a Better Breather's Club in your area, attend it and see if you find it worthwhile. Many of these clubs offer a great place for camaraderie and support.
They offer education and a place to be with others.

What has been most surprising about life with COPD?
The lack of knowledge about the disease, not only among your everyday person on the street, but in the medical profession. It just seems like there are no set standards amongst the medical profession. Every doctor I see has his own idea about how to deal with COPD. I know it comes from their training but I have tried and tried to find some kind of common ground with them and they all disagree. It can be from how much O2 (oxygen) you should have, to how low or high your oxygen saturations should be. Should you be
hospitalized for an exacerbation and which meds should be used? It goes on and on.

What has helped the most?
Support Groups and Pulmonary Rehab.

What has helped the least?
The health care system in general. Specifically, the financial side if it.

How is your health now, compared to when you were first diagnosed?
I have learned many things to help me get through my day but this is a progressive terminal disease and every time I get sick or grow another year older my health deteriorates. I have been holding my own for the last couple of years but there's no guarantee about how long that will last.

If you had to give one piece of advice to somebody with COPD, what would it be?
Learn everything you can about the disease. Never stop researching and always stay current on new developments. Work with - not against - your doctors and keep as fit as possible.