My problems started a few years before I was diagnosed. I had shortness of breath and extreme tireness. I thought it was Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. My primary physician ran many tests on me, but was unable to find anything wrong. And since he couldn't find anything wrong, I kept on smoking. He never checked my lungs or asked me about smoking cigarettes.

I don't know if I would have stopped then, but I wish he had been more through. Anyway, my husband and I were on vacation the last of march '92. That's when my husband became aware of just how ill I really was. I was unable to walk more than a few feet without resting or leaning on something. He had to pull me up a flight of stairs so I could go to the ladies room. Thats when he put his foot down and demanded our doctor do something.
 

My primary physician sent me to a Pulmonary specialist. The Pulmonary specialist knew right away what my problem was but he had to run all the tests in order to make an acurate diagnoses. When my tests came back, he called me at my home quite alarmed and very upset. He told me I needed to be hospitalized immediately. It seems that I was in very poor condition and he was afraid I might die at any time.

I was put on oxygen immediately and so many inhalers and pills I needed a bag just for all my medicine. I was glad to know what I had had a name but I didn't understand or know just what was SEVERE COPD. I knew it was 'Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease' but surly it wasn't emphysema. I called the American Lung Association and read all the brochures they sent me. I started searching the internet. I wasn't happy with all I found out, but at least I knew what it was, and I had to learn to cope with it.
 

I had always been a very active and independent person, in control of my life. I loved my job. I was a multiline insurance agent licensed in Texas, and at the top of my company. Very successful. I have to admit, I kept working long after my doctor advised me to quit. I just kept pushing until I couldn't push any longer. I finally had to give up and quit my job March '96. It was the hardest thing for me to leave my company. I keep my license renewed in case a miracle happens and someday I am normal again, and can return to work. Not likely but a dream that I keep in my heart.

My Pulmonary Specialist sent me to physical therapy which helped me immensely. The physical therapist educated me on this disease. I try to exercise a little bit every day and I watch what I eat and take vitamins.
 

My husband put in a flower garden in our back yard so I could have a pleasant place to sit and read. He has been my biggest supporter. I couldn't have made it this far without him. He helps me so much. He cleans the house as I can no longer run a vacumn cleaner or even make a bed.
 

I stay away from perfume, hair spray and any fumes of any kind if I can. Anyone who smokes should see what smoking did to me. I am still young but my body can't do what my mind wants it to. I wish I had never smoked a cigarette in my life. I'm not ready for this. I wasn't ready to retire.