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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: bren
Date: 03-12-2006, 10:49 AM (1 of 15)
I need to unload ...so who best to talk to ...but your friends...I had a breathing test done before I went on holiday's and surprise Susie ...i was coughing so much and short winded for a long time ...I got my result's back Friday ...I have COPD (Emphysema)...I am not taking it well ...I am having a great Pity Party...Not doing me alot of good ...but can't seem to help it at the moment ...I thought it was Asthma ...which is not good either...but when she said Emphysema...I almost hit the floor...I quit smoking 6 years ago...not soon enough...anyone out there with it...and how are you coping ...  ...my own fault ...I'm so angery at me ...
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489 
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From: esrun3
Date: 03-12-2006, 10:57 AM (2 of 15)
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Bren, I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My dad had COPD-most days were good, some very bad. He lived many many years with it. Mostly bothered him if he was around others who heavily smoked or if the air quality was bad. Stress will sometimes add to your symptoms too. Best advise I can give you is to please, please, follow any and all of your doctors instructions regarding exrcise, medication, etc. If you google or check with your local hospital I'm betting there are support groups out there if that interests you. Please vent all you want and know that we are here for you!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: trini
Date: 03-12-2006, 04:35 PM (3 of 15)
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So sorry to learn of your diagnosis; hope that with medication and therapies you are able to feel better. Leila. |
User: trini
Member since: 09-17-2005 Total posts: 74 |
From: Lise
Date: 03-12-2006, 05:05 PM (4 of 15)
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Bren, Don't panic. Emphysema can be handled although not cured. i was diagnosed with it about 12 years ago and am no worse now than I was then. I have X-rays once a year, checkups three times a year, and use medications twice a day. I too was devastated and panic-stricken when first diagnosed but I have learned to live with it and though restricted in certain physical activities, I hardly ever give it a thought now. If you would like to ask questions or just unload you can e-mail me privately. In the meantime keep your chin up - you will be able to handle it Lise 
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User: Lise
Member since: 07-24-2000 Total posts: 231 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 03-12-2006, 07:38 PM (5 of 15)
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Bren, We are all here for you 24/7 ... Vent all you like.. we will listen.. But , we will not let you give up.. A lot can be done in today's world that was impossible in the 60's when my uncle had it.. And I must have quit smoking about the same time you did.. I think I have one more year on you.. I just passed my 7th anniversary.. Every time I go to the Dr, I expect her to say the same thing to me.. Several people in my Shepherds Ctr Classes have the little portable oxygen kits they wear.. Helps them keep active.. and 1 of them has kept to her volunteer schedule.. (3 days a week).. Be sure to follow the Drs. orders and learn all the best things to do to help yourself also.. We are here.. I know you have a lot of our e-mail addresses also if you need anything privately from us.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: swartzrn
Date: 03-12-2006, 08:37 PM (6 of 15)
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HI Bren--it's OK to have a pity party but I promise, if you follow the doctors orders you'll be OK. I have taken care of quite a few patients with COPD and they all have their ups and downs. The weather can be a factor, environmental conditions, stress (like someone said,) illness like a common cold can aggravate it and just a number of things. Many patients with COPD live just as they once did...I think it's very natural to be having a pity party. I had a pity party when I found out I needed a hysterectomy at 33 years old..then I was angry, then I was sad, and on and on--sorta like the grieving process. You'll be JUST FINE and you have all of us to vent to and we're always here! If you need anything, just ask! You have my prayers and positive thoughts and if you have any questions, let me know. I cannot say enough, just follow what the doctor tells you and YAY for you quiting smoking years ago!! BTW, my great uncle had COPD and had it for years--he remained VERY active and worked and followed his normal routine. You'll do just fine!
Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 03-12-2006, 10:58 PM (7 of 15)
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Hang in there Bren!!! I agree with others, do what your doctor/therapists recommend and you'll be fine. And, we're all here for you anytime you feel like venting. Just know that what you're feeling right now is a pretty normal reaction to a diagnosis such as you've just been given. I'm also glad that you stopped smoking when you did. I stopped 9 years ago and it's the best thing I ever did for myself but that is no guarantee that I won't have COPD before my life is over. Because you did stop smoking several years ago, your prognosis is probably really good. I worked with a woman who was in total denial about having it and absolutely refused to stop smoking and sucked on inhalers all day long and coughed until she couldn't get her breath. She finally did quit smoking when she almost died with pneumonia caused by the abuse of the inhalers. She went around telling everyone that she had asthma and allergies when we all knew better. Medicine has come a long way in the treament of emphyzema. I don't think there's a cure, but I do know they can keep it under control so that most people live a normal life (LOL) whatever definition of normal fits your life. I'll put you on my prayer list and keep you there, so be prepared to feel better. LOL Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-12-2006, 11:55 PM (8 of 15)
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Sorry Bren...it's ok though..they have great therapies now. My mother-in-law has had COPD for many yrs now and shes doing Ok. (even gonna have hip surgery in about 2 wks)(she's also had cancer twice and beaten that too). Exercise, do what therapies the Dr's tell you and you'll do well...really. [[[ ]]] I think I have a pity party once a wk or so, then I think there are others worse off than I am...(but we ALL need a pity party once-in-awhile). Dealing with a chronic condition is harder sometimes than others. It's always good to have a GOOD Dr who LISTENS. Friends and family who LISTEN. Besides you can always come in here and tell us you want US to listen... Don't be angry at yourself. Don't blame yourself for anything. You quit smoking...COPD is managable. You're gonna do great, just remember that ! Kath (seer of all good things...  )
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: bren
Date: 03-13-2006, 05:58 AM (9 of 15)
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Thanks for all your help guy's...It doses help to know that people can keep on doing there regular things...with medication's...I swim everynight with the girls...I started to go for a walk's but I cough so much ...maybe the med's will help me after they get in my system. It does help a great deal to know your out there for me to talk to ...sometimes it's hard to talk to family cause there to close ...i had this test done four years ago...My doctor never told me it was emphyzema back then...when i had my result's from this test ...she said why are you so shocked!!! we discussed it before...No we did not disguss it!!! I would have remembered that ...I knew she was not going to listen to me ...so I shut up...why would she retest me if she knew I had emphyzema already!!! and why did she not put me on something...I was constantly telling her I cough so much...and out of breath...I'm angery at her for that  ...She was going threw her own hell with breast cancer...maybe she thought she told me ...but she didn't ...doctor's aren't perfect either... I should have asked her what my old test said ...but she told me once if there is anything to tell she would call...I did not get a call... oh well what's done is done ...now I have to take care of what is...Thank's friend's
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-13-2006, 06:58 AM (10 of 15)
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Bren -- Take care of yourself. I'm sure treatment will help and remember you have an international rooting section out here. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: bren
Date: 03-13-2006, 07:12 AM (11 of 15)
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Oh thank's Dorothy...just made me cry ....Like I need help this past couple day's...I 'm going to deal with this ...I have know choice...LOL
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489
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From: StitchNTime
Date: 03-18-2006, 10:00 PM (12 of 15)
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Hey Bren, So glad you quit smoking already. I know COPDers who are still hanging on to their cigarettes and making matters so much worse. My dad has COPD...emphysema...and is on oxygen and several breathing treatments a day. If yours has progressed far enough you can get home equipment to help you breath. The best thing you can do for yourself is try to stay as active and healthy as possible. Keep away from people with respiratory infections and viruses, if at all possible. And by all means, don't wait to go to the doctor if you think you may be getting something on top of what you already have going on. I hope you are dealing with the news better now. ((((((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))))))) Judy Judy
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1 |
User: StitchNTime
Member since: 03-14-2006 Total posts: 90 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-19-2006, 11:01 PM (13 of 15)
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As we go through life we start "collecting" ailments. I've had many a friend/relative who has had a terrible diagnosis, one we knew for sure would do them in and they've lived ripe old lives and died of (often) natural causes many years after that diagnosis. As long as you draw breath, just be thankful. Things will be OK. You can live a long life too. The main key, as everyone has said is to do exactly what the doctors/therapists tell you. My daughter, now a registered respiratory therapist has personally counseled many of her friends and their families with this diagnosis and her first response is to tell them to follow orders to the letter.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MaryW
Date: 03-20-2006, 08:43 AM (14 of 15)
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Bren, we are always here for you, you know that. You're smart, don't let it get the best of you. (wagging my finger at you)
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Gabby
Date: 04-12-2006, 04:27 AM (15 of 15)
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Bren, I have COPD too and that did make me a little depress. I do pretty much what I want, although I do get out of breath. I am not physical active like you. I just been told that I have type 2 diabetes. That really made me unhappy. Now I have to really get moving. The dr. did tell me to do swimming excerise, that would be easier because of the COPD. You will be just fine, and keep up the swimming. gabby
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User: Gabby
Member since: 07-27-2004 Total posts: 13 
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