Many people have COPD for years and go undiagnosed until it progresses to a point where you begin noticing the effects. That cough when smoking and phlegm in the morning or tale-tale signs that you are developing it but most people don't do anything about it at that time. I see comments from people who say they've had it 20+ years and wonder if it was diagnosed that long ago by a pulmonist.

What stage are you in now

I m close to it, good luck in your journey.

Thank u for giving me some encouragement
Greatly appreciated

Welcome Graham.
Yes many people have lived a very long life with it.