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40% of US!

That's how many of us (smokers and former smokers) have or will have COPD in their lifetime. And only half of us even know that we have this chronic smoking related progressive incurable lung disease.

Does that sound ominous? Well, I want you to know that yes, it is very serious and at the same time, that there may not be a cure - yet - but there is much you can do to manage your lung health if you have been diagnosed.

If you have smoked more than 100 Sickerettes in your LIFE - and who of us haven't? - then you need to tell your Doctor that you demand a Spirometry Test! This simple non-invasive breathing test can be taken usually right in your doctor's office and you will get the results immediately. It will strongly indicate if and how much permanent lung damage those Years of smoking caused your lungs. Don't wait! Early diagnosis can be a life-saver!

If you have been told that you have mild COPD don't let the thought, "It's not so bad - I have time" - cross your mind! Mild means that you've been given an opportunity to make very important lifestyle changes that may disrupt the decline of the disease! 

If you have general questions about how to manage COPD there is literally a ton of info in my past Blogs. Please snoop and READ READ READ! If you have specific questions, please PM me at any time and I'll get back to you with what I know so far.

Here is a great article that fell into my mailbox this morning:

http://www.theledger.com/article/20160303/NEWS/160309792?p=5&tc=pg&tc=ar

Move, move, move! If you have very low numbers, you may need guided help but you can exercise! We all can change our nutrition plan, get our vaccinations, and avoid pollutants. There's much more you can do.

It's not just about living longer, it's about quallity of LIFE! The worst thing you can do is to give in and sit on the couch! I do know that CO2 toxicity makes you want to veg out but don't fall for it! If you can only exercise for 5 minutes at a time - do it! - Several times a day! I realize what I'm saying! I know how it feels! But you have to overcome the lethargy and move!

Our hope lies in the fast paced R&D that's happening right now! Ellen recently had a LVRS lung reduction surgery that caused a lot of pain but did prolong her life but soon, very soon, they will be able to do the same process without open lung surgery using coils that are injected, expand and then collapse the damaged lung areas. I'm talking months, at the most a couple of Years. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Genetics are making leaps and bounds that they may soon be able to turn off inflammatory genetic markers. This would halt the decline of COPD. It's just around the corner. 

I'm telling you this so that you don't give in! Our job is to stay healthy as possible until these practices become available. We can do it! 

Only one treatment will prolong your life - Smoking Cessation! AND stay away from second and third hand smoke! This is a must! Any other choice is slooooow suicide!

OK I'll get off my soapbox now! Breathe Easy, folks!

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7 Replies
elvan
Member

Thanks for more great information!

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SimplySheri
Member

You're saving lives, my friend, not soapboxing 🙂  Excellent blog and wonderful message!!

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Giulia
Member

We like your soapbox, it's full of good suds!

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JACKIE1-25-15
Member

Thank you for he information. 

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NewMe
Member

All of this information is good for us to know, and you very well could serve as the inspiration that prolongs some reader's lifetimes. Keep preaching - we are learning good info from you.

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smorgy8513
Member

Thomas, as always a great Blog full of info and encourgement.

Question:    I had a spirometry test done about 6 months in to my Quit and it was Great!

Since I smoked for over 40 years I know I could still developp COPD......how often should I have the test done?

Thanks Friend.

Sharon

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That's a great question, Sharon! Look for smptoms of COPD such as:

- shortness of breath

- a wet cough

- wheezing

- chest tighness

especially in the morning when you first get up or after physical exertion. 

Also, as an EX-smoker I would want to be tested every 5-7 Years even if I haven't noticed any symptoms because the decline is slow and many people with mild COPD may not realize that their symptoms are more than just natural aging. Again, the idea is to catch it early! I haven't seen any guidelines - this is just my opinion.

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