I'm in the same boat as you Kathy. I'm in stage 4 and on o2- 24/7. I was asking the same question. But I think the good lord is the only one who knows the answer to that. I was told by some of the members in this group to not get caught up worrying about the different stages, just take your meds when your supposed to and try to get some exercise. Then trust in God to take care of the rest. Good luck and God bless. I have added you to my team and you can add me if you want to.

Do not worry about what stage you are in. I believe that staying active is the most important thing you can do with COPD. I have 35 percent lung function and have been on oxygen for 1-1//2 years. Exercise is critical. I am currently in a pulmonary rehab program at my local hospital and it REALLY HELPS. I find that when I am active I feel better physically and psychologically.

No one, not even someone who's still smoking, comes with an "expires by" date stamped somewhere. No one can tell you what your life expectancy is. I can tell you that until you quit completely, you'll continue to do more damage to your lungs and lose more lung function every year than someone who doesn't smoke. It can get pretty nasty toward the end and death by cigarettes isn't something I'd wish on anyone. Just sayin'.

If you can quit and begin a good diet and exercise program with the help of your doc, you have a good chance of living a long and successful life. I know; been there, done that. In 2003, I got out of the hospital after respiratory failure with an FEV1 of 16% and was a very overweight mess. I went on an aggressive diet and exercise program and over 18 months lost over 100 pounds, got off O2 completely, reduced my meds by about 2/3, got rid of my C-pap and got a whole new wardrobe. I was able to work full time until my planned retirement at the end of 2009, I still work part-time and travel all over the US and Canada on business, I am a COPD advocate and am involved in many different boards, committees, clinical studies and other projects. I have a family I enjoy and I'm active in my church. Life can be quite good........I hope yours can be too.

Talk with your doc about how to quit and begin an exercise program, along with a good diet.

I was told that I was stage 4 but I am not on O2 yet other than when I sleep. I quit smoking 2 1/4 years ago, started eating healthier, started exercising, and tried to keep the weight off. I think I am holding steady at this time.
Keep your head up, stay active, and hopefully you will have an easy breathing day.

Hello what gets me with medical staff i am over weight & they all say lose weight & do more exercise with copd you get out of breath easily so how can you exercise