How to Live a Full Life When You Have COPD

By Kathi MacNaughton, Health Pro Tuesday, September 15, 2009

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Yes, it IS possible... you CAN live a quality life, even after you've been diagnosed with COPD. I'm not saying there won't need to be changes. You have to accept the reality that your life will never be quite the same once you've been diagnosed with COPD. But that doesn't mean you need to give up on ...

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tailspin37

10/ 9/09 7:02pm

Hello To All:

I have been doing lots of inventory on myself

for the last four days.

I have a lot of things I can do to make changes

to the way I have been living for many years.

I am in the process of quitting smoking.

Yesterday, I started a healthy diet; 3 meals a day,

I also started an exercise program suited to my

abilities; Walking, lifting 2 lb weights, breathing exercises,

and not feeling sorry for myself.

And most important, keeping a positive attitude, and

being greatful for all the things I can do and enjoy.

No matter what limitations I have, there are millions

of people who have it much worse than I have.

To your health with smiles,

John

Kathi MacNaughton, Health Pro

10/10/09 12:17am

John, You have such a great attitude! Good for you. You are doing all the right things. Now the only thing I can recommend is that you also have a strong support system for when/if things get tougher to handle than right now. If nothing else, know that WE are here for you at the COPD Connection.

Keep up the good work!

Kathi

tailspin37

10/10/09 1:41pm

Kathi:

Thanks for the word of encouragement.

I have made a comittment to myself to visit

this site at least once per day. I am looking forward

to meeting new people, and making new friends.

I have found out that most problems that life hands

us are diminished, when others are there for you.

Thank you all for being there,

John

pinkonyx

12/ 1/10 5:09am

i had a breathing attack yesterday and it was the scariest feeling ever!! i wasent doing anything very active, i felt dizzy and winded. finally i went to the hospital for the 2nd time in 1 month. they gave me prednisone and then the nebulizer. that is when the fun bagan i went into a severe aniety attack i count breath,swallow,my heart was racing,omg i was just so scared.is this the way my life is going to continue to be?

Kathi MacNaughton, Health Pro

12/ 1/10 11:53am

Hi there... I feel for you. I have asthma and have had such attacks occasionally over the years. It's quite terrifying not to be able to catch your breath. But I don't think you need to expect that your life will be like this 100% of the time. I'm guessing your symptoms may have been greatly worsened by your anxiety.

So, while it's definitely important that you stay on top of treatment for the physical side of your illness by taking your meds, using your nebulizer as ordered, and learning to balance rest and exercise, you'll also benefit from learning some deep breathing and relaxation exercises to calm your soul.

Here are a couple websites to get you started:

http://www.hws.edu/studentlife/counseling_relax.aspx

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_relief_meditation_yoga_relaxation.htm

Many people have also been helped to manage disease and stress by a technique called EFT. If you Google the term, you will likely find many sites that can guide you through it.

Hang in there,

Kathi

pinkonyx

12/ 1/10 2:28pm

hi kathi, i want to thank you for the support and the links to the great sites i will take a look after i write this. hope to chat again w/you and thanks you very much sharon

lotusgirl

3/ 1/12 7:33pm

Hi Kathy and fellow COPD sufferers,

I am a 50 year old female who has just two days ago been diagnosed with severe COPD. I couldn't kick a particularly bad flu from six months ago, and have had the typical COPD dry hacking cough followed by a mucous filled cough, and shortness of breath for what I believe to be a couple of years now that I have been diagnosed, it all makes sense now.

I also have a small mass in the lung but won't know until mid-April whether it is the big C, or merely scar tissue.

I have been advised not to try to give up smoking until I after I finish a 12 day course of steroids as I will be too hyper during this period but I will certainly be off the cigarettes after that.

I'm a little afraid of the future being just new to this disease but your words of wisdom and motivation Kathy are definitely inspiring and I shall log on often and keep in touch.

Kim :)

How to Live a Full Life When You Have COPD

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