Hello again, Flamecat. My Pulmonary doctor said I have "diffuse lung nodules"; and so he had me come back every 3 months...each time to get either an x-ray, or another cat scan. Don't fret about getting a cat scan taken. Its real quick...you lay down, and go under this machine for a brief time. The machine talks: tells you to breathe, and to hold your breath. Its easy...then when its done, you move out from under the machine. Its really nothing at all. A cat scan will tell you exactly what condition your lungs are in. You don't have a good doctor. For one thing, emphysema is a progressive disease. You can't just quit smoking, and have it reverse itself. Plus, you CAN know what stage you're in with this disease: that's why a Pulmonary doctor is the best one to see about this: if you can possibly get in to see one. This is their specialty: looking at the lungs. It really is best to be told the truth about your lungs: for then you can be prescribed medicine that will really help YOU. Your doctor is full of it; to tell you you can't know how advanced your disease is: I cry BS on that one! You have the right to know! Its your lungs, not his! Do try and find another doctor. You need a doctor who will work with you: care about you. Lung disease in people can get complicated. You need a doctor that cares about you: wants to do the best he/she can.
Anyway, good luck staying quit. You can do it. One day at a time; never forget that. Well, I'd better close now. Take care; write anytime...if I see your post, I'll respond. Debbie

hi debbie
I have C.O.P.D which seems to be getting worse!
I have now been put on sivira along with my other inhalers but the only thing they say will help is to quit smoking! My lungs will never be right now but at least they wont get any worse.....giving up the fags easter sunday (will probably gain so much weight and die from heart attack anyway!) still it's worth a try, I have seen so many people suffer with C.O.P.D (worked in nursing homes) and really dont want to get to that stage!
I want to play with my grandchildren and NOT just watch them so fingers crossed easter sunday is the day.
thanks dac

I also have been told I have emphysema it was found during a blood gas test I have no idea what to expect at this stage.
I have put into place what I require near the end.
Im not giving up smoking as the damage has already been done.
I was not told how bad it was yet on a exercise document I needed signing the Dr wrote severe emphysema now this could have been for them to take it easy with me as I have multi problems with skelatal problems.
So far I feel ok I do loose breath when I rush like for the phone but I has no idea it was thats serious at the time,weird I stil dont feel that breathless.
Maybe I am in the Early stages what ever that can mean.
yes i alos had infested cellulitis have no idea idea if that was any connection, I am seeing a immunologist for a defeincy IGe for which i have had several innoculations like flu Pnumonia and now HIB and Meggicol next blood test in 4 weeks time he seems to be in a rush to immuise me against any chest infections.
winter is just getting under way here in Australia.
I may give him the 3rd degree when I see him next time lol

I also have been told I have emphysema it was found during a blood gas test I have no idea what to expect at this stage.
I have put into place what I require near the end.
Im not giving up smoking as the damage has already been done.
I was not told how bad it was yet, on a exercise document I needed signing the Dr wrote severe emphysema now this could have been for them to take it easy with me as I have multi problems with skelatal problems.
So far I feel ok I do loose breath when I rush like for the phone but I had no idea it was this serious at the time,weird I still dont feel that breathless.
Maybe I am in the Early stages what ever that can mean.
yes I also had infected cellulitis have no idea idea if that was any connection, I am seeing a immunologist for a defeincy IGe for which i have had several innoculations like flu Pnumonia and now HIB and Meggicoll next blood test in 4 weeks time he seems to be in a rush to immuise me against any chest infections.
winter is just getting under way here in Australia.
I may give him the 3rd degree when I see him next time lol

Oxcally, the damage may be done but stopping smoking will prevent further damage. I have had a very large improvement since I stopped. I breathe much better and am able to do much more Was the damage healed no but it certainly stopped as it won't if you keep smoking. I never thought I was breathless either until a friend suggested we stop and sit and when I asked why they told me I was out of breath and I didn't even realize it. They were an RN. I had been told that people learn to just sort of accept the way they breathe and compensate for it.

I dont' know how old you are but if you are fairly young you might want to get tested for the Alpha 1 gene as the treatment is different to keep it from progressing. It is a definite fact that if you don't stop smoking you will get worse sometimes in one felt swoop and then you will have little chance for a normal life. You still do. I believe cellulitis is an autoimmune disease and there are some disease that are autoimmune caused so it is worth following up on. I don't think you Dr. would have written severe if that was not the case. My tests have gone up about 20% since Iquit but that is your choice but I smoked 53 years non stop and by all rights should be on O2 all the time but have not needed to yet. I know if I had not quit I would be on it. No question. You can live a long time with severe emphysema with proper meds, xecise and not smoking

I. too was diagnosed with emphysema a couple of months ago. I had a pulminary test due to asthma that turned to broncitis and when I went for results, I was told I have emphysema. My father and grandmother died from this disease.
I had a stress test, the kind they do with nuclear meds injection and the dr. sadi my heart was happy, my lungs were not. As expected my oxygen levels dropped rapidly with the excertion of the stress test. She (the dr) has recommended o2 for night time.
I am just seeing a primary right now, I asked her if I needed to see a pulmanary dr. and she said not to waste my money she could do the same for me, but after reading the threads on this site, I am making an appt with the pulminologist (sp).
I am using advair, albuterol and spireva. But my breathing and fatique has not improved. She (my dr.) said she would recommend respiratory therapy, but that required 6 weeks local and I travel extensively for my job.
I am in a 12 step program for addiction and it has really helped me deal with this. I at first was in full shame, knowing I did this to myself with the knowledge that I was already genetically pre-disposed, but I deal with this the way I deal with all obstacles in my life, one day at a time, one minite at a time if necessary.
Thanks to all of you who posted, I learned a lot here and the support is fantastic.

Serenity, when you find a pulmonologist and get that all worked out I would see if you can make an appt with the rehab leader and see what exercises you can do on your own. It is real important to do upper body exercises and if you travel there are often gyms where you stay, maybe. Pulmonary rehab is very important in keeping your body in shape as you use less oxygen when your body is in good shape and you use it more efficiently which is the main thing. If you have an execise program of your own that may be all you need. Main thing is to not gain weight, not smoke and keep informed. Like you said one day at a time. Stay well and away from people with colds.

Thanks Canyondweller, I have gained some weight over the last year, due to hypoxia upon exertion. I used to do pilates and that helped a lot, I need to get back into it. I am out of shape and I knw that doesn't help.
Thanks for the reply.

If you are home in evenings and can do exercise there then ask your Dr. if you can have O2 for exercise. Many people do. Has she done a 6 minutes walk with oximeter to see how you desatuarate?
The drugs you are on are all good ones and it may be true that a pulmonologist cannot do more but they can track it better. I assume you have all the pulmonary function tests,etc. If so then maybe you don't need a oulmonolgist if you have had the walk and PfT's. I don't know I prefer a specialist but it depends on where you live and other factors. It sounds like they are pretty up on things.

Please read my other posts.If you have emphysema,PLEASE READ THEM!!!!!!!!!!
Rodney
PS-you can write to me at REMOVED. and I can show you what my right lung looked like when they took it out after a LVRS.
lung volume reduction surgery.





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