Hi Kathleen, I'm really glad you are here too. I don't get a chance to get on here as much as I would like. The website messes with my computer because of all the graphics. But I'm hoping to get it fixed soon. (If not, maybe I'll accidently on purpose knock it on the floor so I can get a new one?)
Anyway, I know how you feel too. My breathing actually got worse when I quit smoking, but that was only because that is when the emphysema decided to let me know it was around. I've had Chronic Bronchitis for probably over 15 years, was just diagnosed with the E about 8 months ago (39 days into my quit). I was so devistated by the diagnosis, I had to be treated for depression. Between quitting smoking, and the depression, I've gained quite a bit of weight (50+ pounds). That much weight gain in that short a time is surely contributing to my breathing problems. I'm sure that once I start to lose, my breathing will get much better. I was going to Pulmonary Rehab (I highly recommend that to EVERYBODY!) for awhile, but had to quit because I got sick, and now my work won't allow me to work my hours around it. But I learned a lot there that helps me to breath better than I was. The cold weather doesn't help either.
Please feel free to look around this group and the links that are here. And like Claudia said, this group really isn't very active, but most of us are all together in other clubs too. It is nice to have this club to add links to or to post to if there is anything you want to say about your COPD that you don't feel good saying elsewhere though. And please add me as a friend if you'd like.
