COPD, what is it, and how does it affect your life?

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I'm sure many of you never even heard of COPD, yet, it's one of the largest killing machines out there. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or more commonly known as COPD, is simply Emphysema along with Chronic Bronchitis. It's the fourth highest killer in the Nation. In fact, once it's reached certain stages, it progresses fairly quickly. It can really change one's life, from what you know, today, if you have it. I should know, I was recently diagnosed with this fatal disease. It's funny how fast things can change...almost overnight. Awhile ago, I was sitting at my computer, typing away. I was also painting my artwork, and teaching my son, as if everything was normal. Then, it all changed. I developed some sort of stye in my eye, and it just wouldn't go away. Off I went, kids in tow, to the emergency room. Of course, the stye was just that, but my body wasn't fighting it, normally. I asked, while at the hospital, "if there was something they could do about this cough that I had noticed, too." The doc asked me some more questions and listened to my chest, and then she took a few x-rays. The news wasn't surprising, but a few days later, I came to the realization of how fast this was going to take hold. She did a few more tests, and then asked how long I'd been smoking. Gee, I had to think about that. "Hmm...about 30 yrs, I guess," was my response. After looking at the resulting x-rays, and fiddling with her pen, she said with a stern face..."COPD," and of course, she added in..."I better quit smoking." Of course, I thought, ok, no biggy, but I'm not quitting, because I'm not going to make life hard on everyone in my family, while I attempt to do so. Gee, I thought -- I become a bear, when I attempt to quit smoking. Yeah, that was really good thinking -- NOT! I thought about how many times I came up with some lame excuse, but knew inside, that this wasn't about anyone else. This was about the fact that I didn't think I 'could' quit. It wasn't until the disease forced me to quit, that I actually even reduced my smoking. It's been 5 days since I stopped reaching for two packs of cigarettes, on a day to day basis. I've essentially quit, although, I have to admit, that one cig a day, keeps me from going nuts. I'm not completely smoke-free, as I still have one cig., at least for now. I can tell, when I reach for it, though, as I have to think long and hard about it. You see, I can feel the effects of it, at night. Heck, at this point, I'm sure it doesn't matter, much because the effect is about the same, regardless of whether I pick it up or not, right now. I generally wake up twice during the night, to cough my brains out, and my heart rate elevates tremendously. Then, it's time to try to catch my breath. Of course, although, I'm sure that sounds fairly easy to do, in actuality, it's probably one of the most difficult parts of this disease. Eventually, the COPD will stop my lungs from operating altogether, and I'll pass on. I think the hardest part about this is trying to explain it to your kids. It's probably one of the hardest things anyone has to do. Thankfully, I've lived long enough to see my 48th birthday. Will I be here, next year? I don't know, but I do know that it's changed my life, considerably, and I'm sure it will change my life, even more, as the disease worsens. Today, I'm glad I can still go to the movies with my children, and although winded, I'm still able to go without a wheelchair and oxygen attached to my face. Although I have to admit, I don't leave the house without my brochiodialator, anymore, or on medication that allows my lungs to expand a bit more. Still, I'm thankful I can still get out of bed. I'm also grateful I'm still able to teach my son his studies, at least, for now. My only regret is that I didn't learn what it would be like sooner, and I didn't do everything in my power to slow it down, when I could. I've been asked a few times if I'm bitter about it. No, I'm not...not at all. However, I realize I better really take the time to look around me, and appreciate every day that I can still stand up, still love those around me, and be able to watch the sun rise and set, once again. Now, I'm not writing this for pity, but to try to warn others about what lies in store, if you choose the same path I did. I realize you've probably heard it just as many times as myself, and many of you will probably ignore it. However, maybe, just maybe, one of you will follow along as my story progresses, and you'll be able to see what you could and probably will endure, if you don't do something about it now. It's too late for me, but for you...there's still time. I'll continue the story, as I go through each part of this disease and try to keep everyone updated. Feel free to comment...and folks, I've already heard it a billion times..."Why were you sooo stupid? I know, I know, and you're right!" Angel