We all have different reactions to this diagnosis. Depression, anxiety, a sense of loss, what's the use? They're all pretty typical. It took me two years and a trip to the hospital to realize that I didn't have to give in to this, that there were things I could do to make things a lot better for myself. Sitting in the hospital getting a lot of 02 out of the wall, and actually realizing that my doc didn't think I could do the things that were necessary scared me and made me mad. Those two things are powerful motivators and I started a very aggressive diet and exercise program that got me off 02 completely, let me lose my c-pap machine, reduce a lot of meds to practically nothing and get a whole new wardrobe. I'm on 02 now because I know I need to be, and I've resurrected some of the diet and exercise things because I want to increase my stamina and endurance again. These things work, and I need to take advantage of that again.

@A MyCOPDTeam Member - yes. A thousand times yes !

Added to all the “what’s the point?” thinking (which may be practical or may be depression rearing its ugly head, which only you can say for sure), are the other complications:
- finding a way to afford to live
- choosing healthcare paths that lead to wellness vs debilitation
- choosing relationships that allow for independence vs dependence
- still finding a way to enjoy yourself despite the challenges

I have made no bones about the fact that I chose euthanasia at 14, yet this body keeps going and going despite my state of impairment.

Having made my wishes official during my will and healthcare directive creation in 2016, I chose euthanasia under California’s Death With Dignity laws, and then put that decision on the back burner as I focus on my good days vs my bad ones.

There is a really good variety of documentaries out there which show that attitude is up to each of us, and that we each need to find our own motivating purpose in life to help give us a reason every day to choose to fight our demons. Michael J Fox’s latest, “Still”, is one of those heartbreakingly honest tales about finding motivation despite being exhausted by the daily battles to merely exist.

Your existence doesn’t have to be any kind of motivating cause for others. Our motivating purpose is as individual as we are, and can be something as small as feeling the warmth of the sun on our face. It can be the pet that loves you and for whom you are their world. It can be children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, your significant other or best friend, or simply wanting to complete some hobby or task we set ourselves.

Some people find their faith gives them the strength to put up with the degradations and related indignities in our lives. Some people find volunteering and bringing a smile to someone else’s face is enough to keep themselves motivated and enjoying life, despite their dependency and lack of participative value they may bring to this world on a day-to-day basis.

Truly, there is no rhyme or reason why any of us are here and why we keep on existing despite our challenges. Just find the joy where you can, for as long as you can, hang on during the rough patches, and hope for the best.

That’s it. Hope. As long as we hope for… joy. Hope for love. Hope for (something) to find each day to renew our spirit, we can go on and not make ourselves too crazy being alone in our heads without adult supervision, LOL

Take care of you and be kind to yourself on the rough days. Hugs.

Tuesday, 30-MAY-23

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

@A MyCOPDTeam Member ! C'mon Carey, I know life and this lil'l problem of our's is just a bunch of crap...But throwing a whole lot of energy on it isn't good either...because our attitudes can and do affect everything !! And I feel that I can't waste anymore of my hard earned energy it's not beneficial to me or anyone for that matter. Yes it's hard to try to stay positive but I don't like the alternative and that's not an option ! So Carey, pick-up those big girl panties; kick the dirt and get back in the game ! Because you are worth it Period !

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

Wow,what a question about points, with this thing that affects us all is there any point to giving my wife the satisfaction of caring for me awwww, is there any point iñ helping my kids succeed awwww, is there any point to trying different things that I might not have tried 9r the small places to visit awwww,is there any point to telling lame jokes and stupid stories awwww you bet as it just increases my own quality of life in my owñ way, you bet i know how hard it is to get dressed ànd how tired you are and that brings depression and that brings you here to rant and rave ànd talk any that brings us to the point that you have a whole family to talk to here who all have a point to give even you !

Have a point filled day
Regards
Leo Drake

The COPD that afflicts me is in stage 1. This week I paid dues for a year at a gym because I too want to increase my stamina and set up good habits for the rest of my life.
I have a personal trainer for 10 sessions to get me started training safely and so I don’t hurt myself in doing too much too fast.
I reach out to people too. When ever I go out, I look for people that I can compliment for a job well done or for the way they wear their hair, or something they are wearing that makes them look stylish.
I am greatly helped when I can assist others in their attempts to progress through life. Sometimes all it takes is a kind word to make someone’s day.
In times past, when discouraged or depressed, I found it helpful to walk and at each step say “thank you.” , until I felt better. Sometimes it took half an hour and sometimes less, but I always felt better for it.
Breathe easy everyone.😊