sorry to hear you're crook with it Jason....I remember reading about COPD awhile back....I'm sure you've done lots of net research yourself....but thought I'd put a link to some info on helping manage it...just simple things you can do at home....

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_LivingWith.html

there's even a COPD chat room....sometimes good to have a vent to people who are going through it too....

http://www.copd-international.com/Chat-schedule.htm

good you're back to WC'ing....

Sorry to hear about your health problems, man. Good luck.

I'm a severely disabled chap, that was struck down by a speeding car while walking across a road, me and the Missus was hit, my Missus has severe brain damage, and me, I'm just the metal man, going through operation after operation, I'm now on 44 ops., why I'm telling you this, is becuase this only happened 8 1/2 years ago, and you never seem to see a light at the end of the tunnel when it first occurs, but believe me as bleak as it looks now, you WILL get through this, you've got loving family, good friends, take your strength from them, don't try and take it all on yourself....Jason what you need now and I know this might sound stupid, but what you need, remember that old John Wayne movie...'True Grit" thats what you're going to need, the sand to get through this, and eventually the ability to smile and laugh even though you are very ill, once you are laughing again, you'll know you have it beat....Godspeed and Godbless Jason...My thoughts are with you my friend

Jason, I wish you the best! It's hard to vue illness as just that and not "punishment", but that's all it is: illness.

There are support groups like: https://forums.wincustomize.com which has a bunch of very nice people willing to help as best they can with just about anything you might ever need. I think you already know that, though. And those mentioned by SydneySiders.

If there's ever anything I can do Jason, please tell me. A question or whatever, please ask away. Godspeed!

Your future is as bright as you make it. If you get depressed, there's so much help for that too!

My wife has been living with COPD for several years now and is her usual cheerful self. Seriously though,she controls it for the most part  with medication and rarely uses her O2 equipment.There are many good books on the subject,including one we saw on TV and sent for.If I can find the web address of others,I will post them here.Knowledge is power.Btw,If you smoke,now is a good time to quit.

P.S. My wife and I are only 52 and our future is as bright as we make it to be.Good Luck to you.

prayers adn good thoughts going out

I too have advanced COPD so my prayers are with you young man.  Every breath is a precious gift.

Wiz, ANY time is a good time to quit smoking!

My best wishes for you Jason. Keep your chin up, were all pulling for ya

Good luck Jason, medical problems affect a lot of us, sucks but c'est la vie as they say.. hope everything works out for ya.

Luck and Wishes to you, Jason.

Jason,

Please keep us informed about your condition and treatment.  Also there are many great sites and forums on the net.  Just be sure they are of reputable source.  If any of us can help, please feel free to PM us.

all my best Jason i have a friend with copd she felt the same way for a while.

but with her family and friends around she said it didn't feel so hopeless.

i wish the same for you.my friend is back at work and doing so much better hang in there we are all here for you

sorry to hear about this sweety..........hang in there !!

Hey Jason, I'm gonna pester ya: Please update us and tell us how you're feeling and what's going on.

When we men get sick with a chronic disease, we tend towards depression. For men this means "retreating to the cave" and losing contact with your friends, apart from the irritability, apathy, inactivity, decreased libido and alterations in sleep and appetite....

A wonderful picture all around. But if these things are happening, and you can perceive it, please get to your doctor, or a therapist quickly. Life is precious and each moment is unique and when gone won't return.

So, if this is happening to you, please take action. Get out and go for a walk. Call your friends. Write to me.

You, being a Carver might mean you and I are related, even if distantly. So please don't hesitate to write. Please, Jason.

This is going to sound strange. My breathing issues were related to my eating habits, I was simply eating too much (no I dont look like a fatass yet hehe) Simply put when I eat too much, I start huffing and puffing. Ive talked to my doctor and he says for now - go for a walk 2 times a day. And eat lighter. Drink more water. I usually do nothing but sit here in front of the TV or Computer room - So that fits the bill.

Ive noticed a big improvement already doing this for a few days now and I am going to continue to eat , but eat lightly.

jason, some foods can irritate your condition too. Do some research and find out which foods should be modified in your diet and you should have even more increased success (wheat gluten and wheat related foods do tend to irritate many different illnesses and there are several more as well.)

Might want to try lo carb, hi protein.

Oh yes, and a 0 cigarette diet might help too.  

Part of COPD is the sensation of feeling overstuffed and shortness of breath.  You will feel much better eating reduced amount 5 or 6 times a day instead of 3 regular meals.  Don't eat late in the evening as it can affect your breathing during sleep.  And always be assured you can ask for help here.  Those of us who have gone through this for years know most of the things to help stay comfortable.

seconded...

a link to give you a guide to the balance of foods.....

lo carb, hi protein...keeps you feeling satisfied without the bloated carb feeling....might be just up your alley...

(lotsa water though)

http://67.210.103.30/atkins/acceptable-foods-phase1.php

glad you're getting it under control Jason.....