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INTRODUCTION




Hello!

I am so glad you took the time to check out my blog. This will be my way of communicating to everyone, my struggle with COPD. Sorry if you are confused! The name change required me to repost all of the previous posts. Please forgive this inconvenience! 

The next several posts will be about the first year I found something was wrong, and a summary of year following that. Of course, I will sprinkle in some more personal info about myself and interests here and there for those who don't know me or don't know me very well. 

Being diagnosed with this "invisible" disease has been tough. I am only 41, and was diagnosed in 2011. I have a tiny little princess who is just 4 years old! My two older girls are 26 and 20. And, I have two grandsons as well. So with this diagnosis, I worry so much about them all. I want to see my little girl and grandsons, and my future grandchildren grow. Being there for their big days, and their bad days, and all of the days in between is so important to me. 

No one lives forever. Although, sometimes we wish we could. I have accepted the reality that I may not be here in a few years. But, I maintain a positive attitude and make light of my situation. The only time I get down, is when someone challenges me about being sick, or how sick, or just doesn't understand how much help I really need, or why I can't keep plans, go to events, don't come visit, or show so little empathy that I wonder if they are actually human. 

Since my diagnosis, I have joined many online support groups, and educated myself about the disease. I do not know everything there is to know about COPD. The term was coined more recently and is more of an umbrella name for many diseases of the lungs. There has not been enough study done on COPD, but one major find, was that it can be genetic. Rare, but possible. I have two DNA tests to be sure that is not the case for me, and thankfully, I am not a carrier. 

So, in closing, I am here to share my story, my experiences. Hopefully, you will join me and learn more about this disease, one of the fastest growing diseases we face today. This isn't just about me, it is about you, and your family and loved ones too. Grow with me, learn with me, share with me, breathe with me.

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