What began as a decision to improve her health quickly turned into a devastating nightmare for Loyda Cordero Faliero, a 39-year-old mother from Franklinville, New York. For over two decades, Faliero was a smoker. Like many others, she believed switching from cigarettes to vaping would be a smarter, safer alternative—a step in the right direction. When she first quit smoking and turned to vaping, she felt proud of herself. It seemed like a major victory.

“I was proud of myself for quitting cigarettes,” Faliero said in a recent interview. “I thought vaping would be the safer option.” But that sense of accomplishment didn’t last. Less than two years into her vaping journey, Faliero found herself in a life-or-death situation, rushed to the emergency room and struggling to breathe. Doctors diagnosed her with bullous emphysema—a serious, irreversible form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They discovered large air pockets, known as pulmonary bullae, had developed in her lungs. One of those pockets had burst.

“My lung collapsed because it was filling with liquid from my vape,” she shared, according to LadBible. “One of the bullae burst, and that could’ve killed me instantly.”

That terrifying episode marked a turning point in her life. Faliero now faces severe physical limitations. Even something as simple as lying flat to sleep has become a dangerous risk. She’s been forced to sleep upright in a recliner to prevent choking in her sleep. Everyday tasks like preparing a meal, washing dishes, or lifting a gallon of milk now leave her breathless and in pain.

“If I lie flat, I could choke to death on my own spit,” she explained. “I can’t even stand up to make dinner without ending up in tears from the pain.”

Bullous emphysema is generally associated with long-term cigarette use, but in Faliero’s case, her doctors believe vaping played the primary role in her condition. The buildup of fluid and inflammation in her lungs—caused by the chemicals in the vape—triggered the damage. She had gone from smoking cigarettes to vaping almost nonstop, a habit that quickly became excessive and harmful.

“It really has taken over my life more than I ever thought it would,” she admitted. “I quit something thinking it was going to be healthier, but it destroyed me.”

Vaping has long been advertised as a cleaner, less harmful alternative to smoking. Sleek designs, fruity flavors, and catchy slogans have made e-cigarettes especially appealing to younger generations and those looking to quit traditional cigarettes. But mounting research paints a more concerning picture. Experts warn that inhaling heated chemicals and aerosolized particles can lead to irritation, chronic inflammation, and even long-term damage to lung tissue. While the kind of severe lung damage Faliero experienced is relatively rare, it’s not unheard of. Her case is a stark reminder that “less harmful” does not mean safe.

“I want people to understand, this isn’t just water vapor,” Faliero emphasized. “If I had kept vaping, I’d be on life support in five years. That’s how much damage it’s done.”

Her personal story serves as a wake-up call for many who view vaping as a harmless habit or a stepping stone to better health. In reality, the consequences can be severe—even life-threatening. Faliero says she never imagined that choosing to vape would lead her down this path. The decision she once celebrated now haunts her daily.

“Basically, I’m on my deathbed,” she said bluntly. “This is a ticking time bomb, and I want people to know the truth before it’s too late.”

Despite her deteriorating condition, Faliero is determined to speak out. She hopes her experience will raise awareness and make others reconsider their choices. She wants to prevent others from going through the suffering she endures every day.

“Don’t make the same mistake I did,” she warns. “Don’t let the bright colors and fruity flavors fool you. This stuff is dangerous.”

Today, Faliero’s life looks vastly different from what it was just a couple of years ago. Once an active mom, now she relies on oxygen support and carefully manages her movements to avoid aggravating her lungs. Her daily routine has been reduced to managing symptoms and staying alive. She can no longer participate in family outings or simple physical activities. Her independence has been compromised, and her future remains uncertain.

But through it all, she clings to one purpose: warning others before it’s too late.

“I thought I was doing the right thing for my health,” she reflected. “I thought I was making a smart choice. But now I live with constant pain and fear, and I want to make sure no one else has to go through this.”

Faliero’s message is not just a cautionary tale—it’s a plea. She urges anyone considering vaping to research the risks and think critically before picking up a device. And to those who are already vaping, she hopes they’ll take her experience seriously and seek help if they feel dependent.

“This isn’t about judgment,” she said. “It’s about survival.”

As the public health community continues to study the long-term effects of vaping, stories like Faliero’s add a deeply human element to the debate. For her, the damage has already been done. But by sharing her story, she hopes it won’t be in vain.

“If I can save even one person from ending up like me, it’s worth it,” she said.

Faliero’s journey from proud quitter to chronic patient is a harsh reality check for anyone who sees vaping as a harmless trend. Her experience underscores the importance of transparency, research, and caution when it comes to health choices. Because sometimes, what seems like a better option can end up being the most dangerous of all.