Living well with COPD

Hello Thortwenty, can you please tell us something about yourself?

Hi I am seventy two years of age, am married for fifty three years to my husband Joseph. I have three lads and six grandchildren.

I have two dogs, three cats and two strays who come for food, I have a lovely big garden with trees, shrubs and flowers. I love the garden, can’t do any heavy work but do what I can. I like to walk along the beach when I can as it gets me out of the house.

Tell us how and when you were diagnosed with COPD?

I was diagnosed with COPD in 2010. I was taken aback when they told me, as I had given up smoking for thirty years. I asked how, told damage done before I gave up. I was in early stages back then and not too bad at the present time.

Both my brother and my sister died from it. Both were smokers.

What COPD treatment you were prescribed? Did you switch to another in the course of time?

I was put on seratide 500 mgs morning and evening also ventolin as I needed. Has not changed since.
We lived in a big town at the time, we moved to a little seaside village as the air was better for me.

Do you have other conditions apart from COPD?

I also have rheumatoid arthritis but am in remission for the last two years. I was put on 20 mgs of methotrexate plus humira 40 mgs every two week. I lost my two hips and my left shoulder all replaced, right shoulder badly damaged before it worked.

What helps you cope with your condition and not feel alone?

Have to say I am good at the moment. My husband is a blessing, helps me when I am down. I do get depressed at times, then I say to myself, come on, there are other people worse off out there and tomorrow is another day. I am coping with a broken shoulder at the moment as I fell. As I said it’s good to be alive thank God.

What message would you share with other COPD patients?

I hope all of you suffering with COPD out there feel good. I will pray for you.