I know people who have been at stage 4 for many years, some as long as 20 or more. Stage 4 is the point at which there are no new classes of meds to try, although, unless you're one of those who tried every med in the class one at a time, and there are a few of you out there, there are lots of new singles and combinations that might help you more than what you're currently taking. When or how you go down seems to be dependent on a couple of things. People who have a regular exercise routine and have weight under control don't get sick as often as others and usually aren't as sick. Getting sick and getting really sick are things you want to avoid like the plague, because that when you do more damage to your lungs that you can't undo. So avoiding getting sick is really important.

Hi, @A MyCOPDTeam Member - I didn’t realize you worried about your stages. @A MyCOPDTeam Member is right with everything she said, especially the part about keeping active.

From my point of view, Stage 4 or End Stage is just a label with no serious or ominous strings attached. I’ve been at Stage 4 since 2015-2017, and I keep going and going and going. Movement is the key to longevity and steady health despite the label. Hugs to you.

Saturday, 29-OCT-22 @6:41pm PST

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A MyCOPDT...

A MyCOPDT...

Stage 4 has to be a GOLD classification.
Pulmonary function tests the only way to define the stage you are in, this can not be done clinically by listening to lungs. It can not be reversed but progression can be slowed by lifestyle changes i.e. exercise, stop smoking and of course proper medications with instructions on how to properly use them.

Stages are medical terms to be used by the doctors to identify the progress of your illness also the term end stage is another term that the medical field uses. It has no meaning to us other than now is the time to take really good care of yourself and avoid illness if you can and if you do become ill don't mess about get the help you need ASAP.
Ive got a friend in town who is stage 4 when I met him 11 years ago and he is still moving along quite well, fact is he will be joining us for dinner tomorrow. He used to live here year round but the last couple years he has become a snowbird and goes to California in the winter. He is 87, so don't fret

Stage 4 is a number.I have been stage 4 since 2012 A cold to some is no big deal but to you, call your Doctor and get meds. Don't let it linger it. Can turn on a dime to major breathing issues. God Bless you.🙏🙏🙏