The Diagnosis
About 18 years ago, I started coughing and experiencing breathing difficulties. At first, I thought it was a passing flu, but time went on and the symptoms only got worse. Every few steps I had to stop and rest. My family doctor insisted I get a CT scan, and after receiving the results, I found out I have COPD — a chronic lung disease that progresses and affects the lungs.
"I didn't let the disease run my life — I fought with all my strength to keep my routine."
Living with the Disease
I didn't understand at first what this disease meant. The problem with COPD is that it's a quiet disease that progresses slowly, but it's always there. I didn't let the disease run my life — I fought with all my strength to keep my routine. But there was always a quiet voice, from outside and within me, reminding me that I was "guilty." The feeling of shame about the disease was very heavy.
The Community
I follow conversations in communities of COPD patients on Facebook and WhatsApp. We need companions in our troubles — people who truly understand us. Someone who hasn't experienced severe shortness of breath can't understand us completely. Within a week, the deterioration turned me into someone needing constant care. I didn't leave the house for almost 4 months.
The Strength to Continue
At 72, I feel too young to be in a state requiring constant care. Simple actions like taking a shower and even heating food — it all revolves around the bed. And sometimes thoughts wander to dark places. But then your grandchild sends you a WhatsApp message that starts with "dear grandma, how are you?" — and life gains meaning again. My close friends come every day, my doctors are by my side, and I choose to use the time I have. Think positive, only positive.
"Your grandchild sends you a WhatsApp message that starts with 'dear grandma' — and life gains meaning again."
— Rachel Nadav
