Carolyn Krall: I started smoking in my mid to late 20's and before I knew it I went from occasional to 3 packs a day. I knew this was not a good thing but continued anyway. I started trying to stop smoking in my 40's and I continued to try. I finally succeeded in June of 2000, I wasn't going to start a new century with a bad addiction. I worked in the auto industry on the assembly line working 10-12 hour days 6-7 days a week. I was getting a bit short of breathe but blamed it on weight and age. During Christmas break of 01, my hubby and I went to New Orleans. Well I came down with what I thought was my semi annual bronchitis and didn't want to hassle with HMO and out of state Drs. We ended up going home early and I didn't actually make it home for 3 weeks. I went straight to ER since I noticed I was turning blue. When I finally came home I was on 6lpm of O2, 60mg of Prednesone and what seemed like a ton of inhalers. I was devastated, my life was over and at the tender age of 51, I wasn't sure life was worth living. After several months I found the Copd chatroom and I finally found someone who could relate to what I was going through! I found answers that the Drs didn't have because they haven't lived our lives. This group saved my life in more ways then 1 ! One day I was asked if I would consider hosting in our Chatroom, I was hesitant but went ahead with it anyway. Next thing I know I am being asked to Coordinate in the chatroom. Well since then I haven't been able to sit on my fingers! This group has given me so much including life despite Copd that the only thing I can do is pay it forward! Because of what I learned here, I no longer need daytime O2. My lung function has improved tremendously, because of what I have learned. The Drs tell me I still have COPD but it is primarily Asthma and Bronchitis. I have both under control for now, and hope to keep it that way. e-mail Carolyn Return