In 2009 I was diagnosed with COPD. Look it up. It's a breathing problem. I wrote it up to 35 years in a cabinet shop whiffing sawdust and lacquer fumes. My lung capacity was 74%. I had never had a problem lifting but walking, running and cardiac work was difficult.  I lowered my weight on my lifts and stepped up my cardiac work. My lung capacity increased some every six months. The "C" in COPD is chronic. It means it wont get better.

For my Canadian and other international buddies, COPD is an automatic turn down on a health insurance application. We have coverage but it comes with a high deductible and as a result we pay $25,000 a year for health insurance.

I have been rigid long distance walker and swimmer for the last 2 and a half years.It's important to understand that the condition with which I was diagnosed can't get better. I took my annual lung capacity test today. You blow into a machine. My lung capacity measured at 97%. The pulmomologist told me that I was no longer in the range that can be considered as having COPD. He told me to toss my two a day inhaler. I plan on reapplying for health insurance with my current company as well as others. I'm at least $149 per month richer for eliminating the inhaler. We may be a great deal richer once the insurer receives the letter from my doctor acknowledging a mistaken diagnosis.

Never quit.

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