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Coming to terms with COPD

Please read this blog unless you KNOW you don't have COPD!

20% of our Community does have COPD and Knows it - they've been diagnosed.

Another 20% also has COPD and DO NOT EVEN KNOW IT!

So how can you know for certain?

ALL Smokers and EX-Smokers should be tested for COPD with a simple Spirometry Test!

A Spirometry Test is a simple noninvasive breathing test that's affordable and accessible. Doctors tend not to use them. They have a biased misunderstanding that COPD effects old men. It actually is more predominant in Women these days! As for old, well, does 25 seem old to you?

Another misconception is that only heavy smokers get COPD. While the odds of getting COPD are increased with more smoking, COPD is an auto-immune illness. Just ONE SICKERETTE will flip the switch and send you into COPD! For EXample, I was a closet smoker who smoked a pack a week for 20 Years. Statistically, I had very good odds - but I DO have COPD!

Folks react to a diagnosis in different ways. Some seem to think that the meds are all they need! They underestimate the serious lifestyle changes necessary to live a Healthy and Happy life with COPD.

Others figure it as a death sentence (COPD is incurable) BUT they overestimate the Power of COPD to ruin their lives! With good choices they may be able to live a full Happy Life!

We all go through the grief stages We all have the one option that nobody can give us EXcept US! Quit Smoking!!!! TODAY would be an EXcellent day for that! Learn about COPD and other lifestyle changes that you can make that will preserve your lung health. Knowledge is POWER! The more you know the less victimized you feel and the more proactive you become!

R.I.P. Polly Bergen!

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3 Replies
Barbara145
Member

Great blog, Thomas.  I have certainly been grieving that I have it. Thanks for the info.  It comforted me.  God bless you my brother in Christ.   Barbara

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newlife5
Member

the spirometry test isnt as frightening as it sounds....I took the test and was told i dont have COPD  i do have a little bit of asthma...but thats all....accoeding to my doctor... after smoking 43 years... you cant imagine how much a releif that is to me....

so bottom limne is ... get the test... i will releive you mind.. so that true healing can take place

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MarilynH
Member

Thank you Thomas, I've read everything you have on your page about copd, i had a breathing test done the 1st of July and flunked it . I'm told it's mild. I haven't been back to the doctor but I have quit smoking 71 days today. 

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