My sincere sympathy to both of you regarding this nasty diagnosis, especially at such a young age. I hope for both your sakes she is able to qualify for SS Disability. It's not an easy benefit to receive and one must have a lawyer for any success. There are firms that specialize in this at no cost to you, (Kennedy out of Chicago comes to mind) but I believe she must have worked under the SS system for at least 10 years and have been unable to work for a solid year before you can actually apply. Financial stress is the last thing you need after having received such bad news; just a shame.
my 33 year old wife now has COPD
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To add to what Charming said, they will more than likely deny you at first. Keep applying. And keep applying, and keep applying. Don't give up. 
she wants to work, she wants to be a productive part of society. i believe if you are on SSD they will allow you to work a part time job. with her back condition she cannot sit or stand for more then a given length of time. this makes it difficult to do clerical or any other type of work. now she has to add COPD to the list of problems. this is has not been good. she ALWAYS had a job and always helped put food on the table. i seriously believe she wants to be a productive member of society, but i really do not believe she can work a FULL TIME job. she certainly cannot do the job that she did for many years, and had many years experience doing. her last job was at a major hospital, now she from time to time says she wishes she could go right back there. she felt her work was rewarding and that it was hard work but she felt good doing it.
this whole thing really hasnt been easy on our marriage but there is still plenty of love here. i took the vow for better or for worse... and yes im still here, and have no intention of going anywhere. i know that from time to time i have been difficult on her, i was accustomed to having two incomes. i bought house expecting to have two incomes.
in today's society it seems almost impossible to pay $150+ groceries, $800 mortgage, $250 heating bills in the winter, gas in the car, car insurance, electric bills, ect on $19 hourly that i make. this is NOT the 1950's anymore where a typical household can afford for the wife to stay home, those days are long gone. im driving a 1996 pontiac bonnevile powered by that good ol' reliable 3800 V6 and it has been paid for quite some time. im sure glad that $1.200 car does what i need it do. it helps to have tools and the ability to do my own repairs as i would not make it long if i had to pay a "shop".
i sure hope she can get SSD because im SOOO tired of being broke, working my !@@ off just to BARELY pay the bills. the cost of living needs to go down, but the GOV keeps increasing minium wage. when minimum wage goes up it simply drives up the cost of living. any adults making min wage should simply find a better job, after all its not difficult for someone that's healthy to get $10-11. bottom line when minium wage goes up i do not get a raise that equals said increase. i am against min wage increases, its screwing the middle class.
END OF RANT, lol
this whole thing really hasnt been easy on our marriage but there is still plenty of love here
. i took the vow for better or for worse... and yes im still here, and have no intention of going anywhere. i know that from time to time i have been difficult on her, i was accustomed to having two incomes. i bought house expecting to have two incomes.in today's society it seems almost impossible to pay $150+ groceries, $800 mortgage, $250 heating bills in the winter, gas in the car, car insurance, electric bills, ect on $19 hourly that i make. this is NOT the 1950's anymore where a typical household can afford for the wife to stay home, those days are long gone. im driving a 1996 pontiac bonnevile powered by that good ol' reliable 3800 V6 and it has been paid for quite some time. im sure glad that $1.200 car does what i need it do. it helps to have tools and the ability to do my own repairs as i would not make it long if i had to pay a "shop".
i sure hope she can get SSD because im SOOO tired of being broke, working my !@@ off just to BARELY pay the bills. the cost of living needs to go down, but the GOV keeps increasing minium wage. when minimum wage goes up it simply drives up the cost of living. any adults making min wage should simply find a better job, after all its not difficult for someone that's healthy to get $10-11. bottom line when minium wage goes up i do not get a raise that equals said increase. i am against min wage increases, its screwing the middle class.
END OF RANT, lol
ad356, I admire her desire to work despite difficult medical conditions. In answer to your question, yes, she can work part-time while on SSD, though I am no longer sure of the $ limitations. It's been many years since I went through this process with a sister-in-law, so the details escape me. Just remember, to be eligible to even apply, she must be "unable to work," for a solid year. How one gets through that year financially is the stickler, but it sounds as though you are both very resourceful. I wish you both the best and sincerely hope vaping prevents her COPD from escalating.
Hi ad356.
I have Stage II emphysema. Diagnosed just 4 or 5 months ago.
I was retired until a few days ago. So I had a lot of time to read about it.
Genetics has nothing to do with it. That was my mistake.
I thought I could count on my Super Genes.
Mother is living proof @101 yrs old and doesn't even take aspirin.
My father died in an accident, otherwise, he would be 110 by now.
Smoking has Everything to do with COPD
We,smokers,damage our lungs in the early stages of smoking.
It can appear many years later. But the damage was done at the beginning.
I'm very sorry for your wife, for you and your family. I know the feeling.
She is very young and her family needs her. Specially you. I don't know if you have kids together.
When I was diagnosed, the 1st thing I did was coming to our forum with the bad news.
Only I can attest that vaping was the trigger for me to go directly to the Pulmo.
!00% VG was sucking my air. Even if I've read here that it was healthier. And then, the contrary.
My GP never noticed anything. Even after having all the tests, the says my breathing is normal.
His only concern is about nodules that show up in the CT Scan. Cancer probably.
My wife is a doctor in nursing. Even she says my lungs don't make any noise.
Believe me when I say the best situation would be NOT TO VAPE AT ALL.
I don't inhale now, and I feel way better in the morning than when I go to sleep.
Even if I've taken every precaution to delay the progress.
OF COURSE THAT VAPING AFFECT THE LUNGS. Even fresh air affect the lungs.
If I wasn't so addicted to nicotine, I WOULD NOT BE VAPING EITHER
I carry my mods very visibly in hopes of turning a smoker into a vaper. The best of two evils.
But I have my doubts now. The teenagers are the only ones that get excited.
Smokers get as mad at me, as I get mad at them.
I've heard so many times "sure, I'll give you a call". And nobody calls me.
DO NOT TRUST DOCTORS. Trust the labs and tests. Whatever you don't understand, ASK.
It is your duty to get informed. I can rant all day and will do no good.
There's plenty of good info in the forums. And bad info also. Beware.
I wish you both THE VERY BEST in your journey.
Carlos.
I have Stage II emphysema. Diagnosed just 4 or 5 months ago.
I was retired until a few days ago. So I had a lot of time to read about it.
Genetics has nothing to do with it. That was my mistake.
I thought I could count on my Super Genes.
Mother is living proof @101 yrs old and doesn't even take aspirin.
My father died in an accident, otherwise, he would be 110 by now.
Smoking has Everything to do with COPD
We,smokers,damage our lungs in the early stages of smoking.
It can appear many years later. But the damage was done at the beginning.
I'm very sorry for your wife, for you and your family. I know the feeling.
She is very young and her family needs her. Specially you. I don't know if you have kids together.
When I was diagnosed, the 1st thing I did was coming to our forum with the bad news.
Only I can attest that vaping was the trigger for me to go directly to the Pulmo.
!00% VG was sucking my air. Even if I've read here that it was healthier. And then, the contrary.
My GP never noticed anything. Even after having all the tests, the says my breathing is normal.
His only concern is about nodules that show up in the CT Scan. Cancer probably.
My wife is a doctor in nursing. Even she says my lungs don't make any noise.
Believe me when I say the best situation would be NOT TO VAPE AT ALL.
I don't inhale now, and I feel way better in the morning than when I go to sleep.
Even if I've taken every precaution to delay the progress.
OF COURSE THAT VAPING AFFECT THE LUNGS. Even fresh air affect the lungs.
If I wasn't so addicted to nicotine, I WOULD NOT BE VAPING EITHER
I carry my mods very visibly in hopes of turning a smoker into a vaper. The best of two evils.
But I have my doubts now. The teenagers are the only ones that get excited.
Smokers get as mad at me, as I get mad at them.
I've heard so many times "sure, I'll give you a call". And nobody calls me.
DO NOT TRUST DOCTORS. Trust the labs and tests. Whatever you don't understand, ASK.
It is your duty to get informed. I can rant all day and will do no good.
There's plenty of good info in the forums. And bad info also. Beware.
I wish you both THE VERY BEST in your journey.
Carlos.
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did her relatives also smoke?
to say genetics didn't make her "predisposed" might be a mistake, but to say smoking most likely was the cause of her contracting the disease seems to be a pretty fair assessment
either way, regardless where blame is placed, it won't change your situation
to say genetics didn't make her "predisposed" might be a mistake, but to say smoking most likely was the cause of her contracting the disease seems to be a pretty fair assessment
either way, regardless where blame is placed, it won't change your situation
To add to what Charming said, they will more than likely deny you at first. Keep applying. And keep applying, and keep applying. Don't give up.
I tried to appeal the almost automatic denial myself but they make it too confusing, on purpose. I hired a Lawyer a few weeks before my hearing before the court & found out there how there's no way I could have done it alone.
Very sorry to hear COPD taking someone way too young & I believe hereditary has everything to do with it.
Good luck to you both.
JC
I wonder how that Dr would explain the people in the world that have COPD and never smoked? He sounds like one of those docs that blame everything on smoking. Smoking is bad and does cause health problems. Just not all of them
Hi Salemgold,
You are my Rock of Gibraltar!.
There are innumerable causes for contracting COPD. Too many to name.
However, statistically, 95% of the COPD sufferers have smoked at some point in their life.
It's not a doctors thing. It's a proven fact.
It usually develops many years after the fact.
I have fellow COPD sufferers than can't understand why they have COPD if they stopped smoking 30 years ago.
The damage is done when we start smoking.
In this case, she's very very young to be suffering from it.
This is the only part I'm willing to concede to genetics. And family history.
Also, let me say that only 70% of smokers contract COPD. But it not genetics. It's sheer luck, or low consumption.
My wife smoked for 40 years and she's healthy.She only smoked at night, (from my pack) and never more than 2 a day.
All said and done, occupational hazards, the subway, and even constant barbecueing, can cause COPD.
But that falls into the 5% aforementioned. Smoking is the 3rd cause of death in America. And the only self-inflicted.
I hope this clarify your doubts. And, by no means, I mean to "lose" you.
Love, Carlos.
Quote....Also, let me say that only 70% of smokers contract COPD. But it not genetics. It's sheer luck, or low consumption....Quote
Of the remaining 30% I gotta wonder how many were undiagnosed due to cost or other factors.
Like dying from "unrelated" illnesses? Just wonderin' out loud. Excuse me please.
Of the remaining 30% I gotta wonder how many were undiagnosed due to cost or other factors.
Like dying from "unrelated" illnesses? Just wonderin' out loud. Excuse me please.
Time to be positive and receptive now.
Stem cells are just a spit away. Less than 10 yrs. She'll make it.
Me, I'm not sure. Besides who cares if an old fart dies at 65+
a) Play the harmonica. My assistant sings while I play.. My motivation.
b) Exercise, Run, walk, aerobics, yoga. Don't push or lift.
c) Eat balanced. 6 small meals a day.
d) Breathing exercises. Watch them in YouTube and follow as much as possible.
e) Be proactive. Self pity will get you worse. Been there, done that.
f) Read about your condition and document yourself with true facts.
g) Don't trust doctors. We are their guinea pigs.
i) Rejoice and be thankful for the years you have lived pain free.
Many don't make it even to your age. And are in constant pain.
I got more, but you need to find your own path. God Is Great!!!.
Carlos.
d)
Stem cells are just a spit away. Less than 10 yrs. She'll make it.
Me, I'm not sure. Besides who cares if an old fart dies at 65+
a) Play the harmonica. My assistant sings while I play.. My motivation.
b) Exercise, Run, walk, aerobics, yoga. Don't push or lift.
c) Eat balanced. 6 small meals a day.
d) Breathing exercises. Watch them in YouTube and follow as much as possible.
e) Be proactive. Self pity will get you worse. Been there, done that.
f) Read about your condition and document yourself with true facts.
g) Don't trust doctors. We are their guinea pigs.
i) Rejoice and be thankful for the years you have lived pain free.
Many don't make it even to your age. And are in constant pain.
I got more, but you need to find your own path. God Is Great!!!.
Carlos.
d)
There is no cure NOW.
Stem cells can cure anything. Only they are a few years away for COPD.
COPD is progressive. I should know. I'm one of the lucky ones.
The only way to slow the process, not cure, it learning how to take care of ourselves.
I'm sorry "hoping" won't do any good.
Carlos.
I have been linked to the health system one way or another for more than 40 yrs.
That's how I met my wife. We have been married for 25 years.
She has been a Dr.in nursing for more than 30 years.. Specialized in heart failure.
10 of those years seating in the board of heart transplant.
Meaning that she has the power of let live or let die.
I don't envy her.
I also have COPD.
How is that for experience.
Family history is very important for heart conditions, hypertension, etc.
All that is related to cancer too. Also sick organs. even lungs.
But COPD has nothing to do with genetics or family history.
COPD is self inflicted 95 % of the time. By smoking.
The rest is either exposure to fumes or occupational hazards.
Find me a COPD sufferer that has never smoked
and has lived in a clean environment and I will agree with you.
Carlos
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Asthma and COPD have a statistical link. See The Link between Asthma & COPD - American Lung Association
Also see AOCS.
Asthma has a genetic link. Is Asthma Inherited?
So genetics play a part. Certainly not the only part.
Also note that there are many incidents of COPD in never-smokers. Thus, environmental factors play into it. Certainly smoking is the most common cause though.
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Sorry for the unfortunate news with your wife. I am not doctor, but I would never rule out genetics playing a role in any disease. I think it's a bit obtuse of the doctor to state genetics having 0 to do with it. But, I'm no doctor.
Many people manage life pretty well with COPD. My mother stopped smoking 35 yrs ago yet still developed it. Her sister died of it, and her mother had severe asthma. Her brother smoked Camel non filtereds for 55 or so years, and he died of almost every form of cancer possible EXCEPT for lung cancer.
Common sense tells me that both genetics and lifestyle play a role in disease. It's hard to argue with how terrible smoking makes you feel, and how much better most of us feel when we quit.
At any rate....I hope your wife is able to manage with her diagnosis. Take care.
Many people manage life pretty well with COPD. My mother stopped smoking 35 yrs ago yet still developed it. Her sister died of it, and her mother had severe asthma. Her brother smoked Camel non filtereds for 55 or so years, and he died of almost every form of cancer possible EXCEPT for lung cancer.
Common sense tells me that both genetics and lifestyle play a role in disease. It's hard to argue with how terrible smoking makes you feel, and how much better most of us feel when we quit.
At any rate....I hope your wife is able to manage with her diagnosis. Take care.
She should not disclose her health issues to any potential employer. Appllying for disability is a good idea. Be warned!! Typiclly they will deny the first application.. the way to avoid that is to have all of your ducks in a row. Make sure that you have notes from all of her Dr's along with all of your pay stubs going back 6 months. Copies of your bills, bank accounts etc. It is better to apply in person rather than onliine.
Disability comes with medicaid so that will help towards paying for the medications that she needs. Rather then paying full price you will only have a co-pay. Based on what you said your income is she would most likely qualify for at least the medicaid portion of disability.
Good luck! Please keep us posted and if you need help please feel free to PM me... I have a disabled son so I am familiar with navigating the SSD system.
I am going to respectfully disagree with you about your daughter. Just because genetics play a role in health issues does not mean that every child will 100% of the time develop the same health issues that their parents have. The varying factor being environment.
Sorry to hear that.
Good news (I hope) is that some COPD medications are about to go generic....at least that's been the rumor for a while. While the UK has inexpensive COPD meds, the US has it mostly "locked up" into Symbicort...and it's 200+ dollars a month (that Insurance paid little for in most cases). It's their "bread winner" and they lock it up with minor patent changes till hell freezes over. Yet, the rumors have been that it will go Generic.
Also, there seems to be more than a casual link between COPD and asthma. And there may be a genetic link to asthma too. So who knows?
What really yanks my chain is that cigs are MORE dangerous and harmful now than they were in the 60s/70s. I think (this is just "tin foil hat theory") that it's part of the social engineering going on to stamp out smoking. Your wife is one of the causalities. Not only of the Fire-safe-cig B.S. that MANDATED glue in them, but of the movement in general that is praying on people's health and then charging huge sums in medical fees and pharma. Sure, it could have happened anyway without the manufacturing changes in the "product" but....it may have taken longer or not happened at all.
I suppose we could "blame" better diagnosis nowadays for it too. IDK. But ya gotta wonder why cigs are worse for people now than ever.
Just a wild
They always used to lump asthma in with the other COPD ailments, but lately that's been changing, I've noticed; asthma is now described as a "chronic RESTRICTIVE pulmonary disorder", since the "obstruction" is not permanent, but comes and goes.
Andria
I fully agree.
I'm alien to the definition of COPD. An umbrella for emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma.
I have emphysema. Nothing else. Why do I have to say I have COPD?.
In reference to asthma. I had asthmatic bronchitis when I was a kid. Before the deluge.
I cured it myself by breathing the least possible. Wanting to die.
I don't recommend this deathwish method. But it worked for me.
Breathing is an involuntary act.
I tend to overemphasize to make a point. My Cuban blood at work.
Sometimes I overreach a little. I apologize for this.
You have given me one of the most courteous replies I have ever received.
And one of the most respectful too.
It teaches me a lesson. I don't need to get so excited to make a point.
Thank you.
Carlos.
.PS I edited this post to denote that I deleted the part of my daughter in the other post.
It detracts from what I meant. Thanks again
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