Sometimes it may feel as if you're alone, but you're not. Have a look on this site to see if someone lives near you, you don't have to meet them but even phone conversations can be a great help. Avoid the internet (apart from sites like this), there are people out there who make even me look normal. Be positive, When you wake up in the morning are you breathing? Right that's a good start now go downstairs for your morning coffee or whatever you like, chill for a few minutes then go back up the stairs, Sit on the top step for a rest then go back down again. Just say "You are my lungs and you're going to do what I want" . It's not always easy but look at the TV or YouTube and find something to make you laugh. The most important things to remember are....Never give out...Never give in...and Never give up. Who knows there may be a new treatment for all of us tomorrow.

I totally agree it is time to put on your big girl pants and don't let your condition get you down, of course you will battle to make friends if you are in that state of mind. People will avoid you. Get down on your knees and thank The Lord for the very gift of life. I feel so sorry that you are in the state of mind where everything seems fruitless. Be strong and fight your condition. God bless

Hi iammon, I can relate, it does really hurt to be so sick, so young. I am not as young as you bu It still too young to be living like this.. I know what you mean about being afraid to go out by yourself too. I went through that for awhile and all I can say about that is I pushed myself and eventually the fear did go away. It is hard to start a relationship if you have COPD, and i have just gotten use to the fact that I will probably be alone. I think it is much different if you are already married. Itj is totally different if you are single. When you were oxygen or your actions are very limited people dont even look at you as relationship material. We dont get the chance to fall in love with someone new because I feel we are overlooked right from the start. Who knows maybe we both will meet someone, maybe not but I have gotten to the point where I am ok with that too. I really am and if a guy is that shallow as an adult, I would not want him anyway. Have you checked to see if there are any support groups that meet in your area? Some places have support groups for people with COPD and it might be a good place to meet new friends.

Go out to some hospital copd support groups that's how to meet people like you

Hi Argentina, I am sorry you are hurting. I also went through a stage where I felt the same way and I know it felt devastating at the time. I had a boyfriend who dumped me once I came home with oxygen and picked up with a woman who everyone tells me (and I have also met her - I tried to be friendly and civil) has no class or manners at all. Totally opposite of me and embarrasses him every time they are in front of our friends. She also takes all his money which I get a laugh out of. I know you are young, I am also fairly young to be this sick. I did get through the shock of it all and I wish I could tell you how to magically take it all away. We know that is not possible/ I stayed close to friends, refused to become a hermit, still try to look my best when I go out. If I ever fall in love again, great, but I no longer feel that I need a relationship, actually I don't know if I would even want one if it did come along. You are more that just a woman that wears oxygen, there is so much more and I wish for you that you meet people who look past the oxygen and see you for the person you are.