The Diagnosis
In the ER there was nothing urgent — they thought it was mild pneumonia. But the doctor noticed the cough I described and said, "Get spirometry done. This isn't a bad idea for you."
Spirometry results: mild COPD. My lungs work at 72% capacity — enough for all daily activities. But the trend was declining — and that was already concerning.
I sat with the doctor. "What are my steps?" I asked. She smiled: "Yossi, you're in the best position. You're relatively young. Mild stage. If you act today — you can live to a very old age without the disease stopping you."
"My diagnosis wasn't a break and wasn't a shock. It was like a red traffic light that flashed in front of me in time — and made me brake in time. Early detection is the best thing that can happen to a COPD patient."
The Sharp Change
That same day I stopped smoking. Not 'I'll try' — I stopped. I took out the last pack from my pocket, crushed it in my hand, and threw it away. It wasn't always easy. I was irritable for two weeks. But I didn't go back.
I started treatment with an inhaler called Anoro. At first it felt like an unnecessary item. But after two weeks — I noticed I was breathing much more freely. The morning cough disappeared.
I added running to my routine. At first 10 minutes, shyly. After six months — 30 minutes. After a year — 45 minutes. Today I run a half marathon once a year. My lungs, even if damaged, work excellently.
The Follow-up
Once a year I get spirometry. Over the 5 years since diagnosis — my lung capacity actually went up a bit. Not much — but definitely didn't go down. And that's my big victory.
I keep up with every vaccination: flu in fall, pneumococcal every 5 years, and a monthly reminder to make sure I'm staying on track.
And I have a group of two other friends who were diagnosed with COPD at a young age. We meet once a month for coffee, talk about treatments, about doctors, about how it affects the family. It helps a lot.
My Message
If you were diagnosed with COPD at a relatively young age and mild stage — you're in the best position. Everything is in your hands. Immediate smoking cessation, starting medication, and regular physical activity — all three together can give you 20-30 years of good life.
Don't fear the diagnosis. It's not a death sentence. It's a sign. You choose whether to slow down or keep going at full speed and hurt yourself.
And to anyone smoking 40+ and coughing in the morning — go get spirometry done. A 10-minute test can save you years of regret.
"The diagnosis didn't stop me — it pushed me forward. And it was one of the best things that happened to me in my life."
— Yossi Bar-Tal
