I have found that being up front with family and friends make things easier all the way around. When I tell a friend I will do something on a certain day in the future I always add "unless my COPD says no".

Does having COPD make you less fun? I don't think so, and it's a good opportunity to educate your friends about something they may not know a whole lot about. It's especially important to let them know that you can manage and control this chronic condition just like you can manage and control diabetes or many other chronic things.

I've had COPD since 1985 at least and maybe before that. I exercise daily, consult in my professional field and am a COPD advocate. I travel a lot, usually twice a month by air, and I have about a third the lung function of someone my age (70) who doesn't have lung disease. Life is really quite good, and my friends know it.

Jean

I really dont think your friends will respond that way if they are trully your friends, some people dont like being around other people who are ill they think maybe it will wear off on them, those people will be caustios around you, dont pay any attention to them. im like you I keep an upbeat attitude, life of the party kinda gal, I try to keep them laughing, life is toooo short as it is to do other wise. Always remember things happen for a reason!!! Im 67 and gods not done with me yet. A good example..last year I got sick and nothing I did worked so I told my son gotte go to the hospital, winter time, I guess I was kinda turning blue, he called an ambulance, go to hosp. And they wanted to put this cpac machine on my face, I refused they knocked me out for 2 days, but the reason is MY SON QUIT SMOKING COLD TURKEY AND HASNT TOUCHED ONE CIG. SINCE. So I was happy, and it doesnt matter how it happened im glad it took that to make him see enough to quit on his own.
m

Breathless if they are you friends I am sure they wont look at you that way. Agree with Marva, someone should know just in case. But please dont feel ashamed as there is no reason to. Hugs to ya!

Hi Marva
I'm not in denial I just don't want people looking at me with that "oh she's ill" look in their eyes I'm me I'm Lisa fest then COPD not the other way round x