Article: Exercise Your Lungs

I was reading this article and I would really like to know if Michael Asarch has been tested for Alpha one antitrypsin deficiency. Not sure the spelling is correct but most pulmologist would know. Being a young 47 years old and having copd for in his 30s not good. My husband was diagnosed with copd in his late 30s was finally diagnosed by a VA doctor in Spokane Washington with this genetic disease in 2001. He was on oxygen and in a wheel chair not getting around much in 2002. Majority of the people who have Alpha One are misdiagnosed or are never diagnosed. In 2003 my husband had a lung transplant and is now doing very well and living a better quality of life.

This is a very well written article, the author has done quite well. I think that the only major point that he missed was that the experts feel that only 50% of all COPD patients have been even identified. This is bad news, because instead of being the 4th leading cause of death, it probably be ranked as the 3rd leading cause of death.

Unfortunately the number of people dying from a disease does directly affect the amount of money spent and the research on that disease. Since the majority of COPD patients have smoked and are older there is also a tendency to say "It's their own fault and they have lived their lives already." That's not a fair analysis and does not consider the impact on families and the high cost of their medical care to society.

Well, in answer to your question ricleen, I have indeed been checked for Alpha 1. That was on of the first places my Pulmonary Doctor started. I have been fortunate as I have been going to National Jewish Health in Denver, Co. They are one of the forerunners in lung disease research and treatment. People from all over including Internationally go there for evaluation.
As I stated, I have been fortunate to have such a facility close by. I believe it has made all the difference.
Lest we forget though, it is also up to the individual and the decisions they make regarding their own health care, and how much effort they are willing to exert to live a life of quality with this damn decease.
The bottom line is that I may not be able to do some of the things I use to, quickly. But I am able to enjoy my life and where it leads, come what may!
I am currently awaiting a double lung transplant as well.
One final word about any kind of life altering decease. I believe that one must establish goals too. This gives a person reason, and a great feeling of triumph when one achieves those goals. Try it,, how full is your glass, mine is cracked but I still get nourishment from it. Thank You all for your interests. And again thank You, Denise Mann
Michael Asarch