The stages generally are for doctors to help them figure out what meds and treatments are appropriate for patients at what stages. They really aren't designed to give you an idea of what to expect at any given stage of the disease. And if they've used the term "end stage" all that really means is they've given you everything in their arsenal of "stuff" and there's no other treatment to try, unless you switch one med out for another that does basically the same thing (don't discount that, because sometimes it does make a difference). There are people with COPD who've been "end stage" for well over 10 years.

That doesn't mean and shouldn't be interpreted to mean that there aren't things that can be done to keep you comfortable; there are. There just isn't anything else available that might improve things significantly.

Jean

Depending on which system you use, there are either three or four, and they take into account your FEV1, the number of exacerbations experienced in a year and your general health. The COPD Foundation generally uses three stages and the GOLD standard uses four. Both categorize according to mild, moderate and severe. GOLD has a fourth stage, Very Severe.

Jean

About 7 years ago, I stayed in a long term care facility to try and slow the pnuemonia Down for 22 days. They gave me 3 antibiotic s the entire time, ( I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis 36 years ago). They told me there was nothing more they could do. I had a good pulmonary doctor and an infectious disease doctor and they said we would try to treat the symptoms as they come. I don' worry so much about the stage I'm in, I just take one day at a time.when the pnuemonia overtakes me and the fever is high I have to go in the hospital. They always tell me I may not make it. I get weaker, but I figure God has his plan. I take an antibiotic (Cipro 750 mg) 10 dayson and 10 days off all the time. About 20 years ago I went on a regiment of 9 different pills (the only name I remember is Cipro). It slowed the pnuemonia down and I've been on Cipro ever since. Sorry I went on, but Copd is a progressive disease and at present they can only try to slow your symptoms down. Take each day as it comes.

I know that there are stages, 4 of them. I have never been given "A Stage" by any of my doctors, ever. I would venture to say I am probably in stage 3, or even in stage 4 as they are talking about a lung transplant now, but never once has there ever been any talk about what stage of the disease I am in. Still see a long life ahead of me.

The stages are...mild...moderate...severe....very severe.