Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyCOPDTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does any one that you live with someone who does not beleave you are sick,and have COPD?

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
Twxas
July 27
 · 
Reactions
A MyCOPDTeam Member

My husband was always skeptical. He is older than me and has some health issues so if I mentioned a symptom I was having he always flipped the conversation to his own health issues. He acted like he didn't believe me because I still get around pretty good and it's an invisible condition in the earlier stages. I made an appt with a pulmonologist a couple weeks ago and asked my husband to go in with me. He sat beside me as the doctor explained I only have 50% capacity in my lungs and showed us the xrays and graphed spirometry results. We talked about the symptoms abd what to expect if it progresses. FINALLY, my husband understands when I have a bad day and gives me the quiet space I want at times.

August 1
A MyCOPDTeam Member

That’s terrible for someone in ur family not to believe u were u would hafto bring that person to ur doctor to make them believe u that’s bothersome to me im so sorry for u

July 27
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Next time take that someone to your Drs. Appointment

July 27
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Yes some people are stupid like that. I've had people say that to me too I think they're just jealous cuz they don't they don't have COPD lol lol

July 27
MyCOPDTeam

What a frustrating situation — living with someone who doesn't fully understand or believe that COPD is a real and serious condition. You are definitely not alone in this experience. Many MyCOPDTeam members have shared similar struggles with loved ones who don't quite "get it."

COPD is an invisible illness in many ways Show Full Answer

What a frustrating situation — living with someone who doesn't fully understand or believe that COPD is a real and serious condition. You are definitely not alone in this experience. Many MyCOPDTeam members have shared similar struggles with loved ones who don't quite "get it."

COPD is an invisible illness in many ways, meaning symptoms aren't always obvious to others. This can make it hard for people close to you to understand the daily challenges you face.

Here are a few things that might help:

- Bring them to a doctor's appointment so they can hear directly from your care team about your condition
- Share educational resources about COPD so they can learn more on their own
- Set gentle but firm boundaries — remind them that COPD doesn't take a day off, even when you look "fine"
- Lean on your support network, whether that's friends, a counselor, or an online community of people who truly understand

Having a supportive environment at home really does make a difference in managing COPD well. If the situation is causing significant stress, it may be worth speaking with your doctor or a mental health professional, as emotional wellbeing plays an important role in managing your health.

July 27

Related Questions

View All

What is stem cell therapy for COPD?

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
Stamps, AR
March 28, 2015

Your COPD does not define you...
What are you tired of hearing about your COPD?
I'm not faking being sick...
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In