I was diagnosed some time ago with emphazema,(don't know about the spelling either), and I know that it is a lung desease and all that, but I don't know what to expect out of life. I began inhaler treatment yesterday so that I can breath better, 2 puffs 4X a day, but still, I feel clueless. Is there anyone to talk to about this? I am only 41. Thanks

I don't have emphasmima but I do have lung problems and I am 20. I can relate in some what you are saying and do feel for you. If you want to talk just e-mail me at cutensassybrat@yahoo.com okay.
God Bless.

There are a lot of sites on the internet to help us that have emphysema. Here are two you might like to try.http://copd-support.com/index.html
and http://www.cheshire-med.com/programs/pulrehab/rehinfo.html




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JeriC, First and foremost IF you smoke STOP. Take your medicines the doctor perscribes, eat healthy, keep up your excersise level (but don't overdue) get your flu shots and pnuemonia shots every year. There are many support groups around the country most sponsored by hospitals, call your local hospital ask the Respiratory Therapy Dept. if they have any support groups, material on your condition etc. They are a great resource. also check out http://emphysemafoundation.org really informative.

Hi,
I was diagnosed with emphysema about a year
ago. I am also on the regiment of puffers, but I am also on a nebulizer. My condition has gotten a lot worse, very quickly. I have ended up in the hospital and did a stint at a rehib center for lung problems. I am being considered for lung reduction surgery, but my weight is a major problem. I have gone from 165 lbs down to 110 lbs. They will not operate unless I weigh at least 145 lbs. I have worked at the same company for 20 years, but now I am on a medical leave of absence. They are talking about me going on disability. So, I have quite alot of feelings about the whole situation, most of them bad. The thing is that I am only 43, and it seems like my life is over. Physically, there is little I can do, and emotionally, I feel drained and depressed. The future seems very bleek indeed. I try to stay upbeat but it is hard.
Well, that is my situation. The thing I have learned is to NOT to give up. I have good friends and family, and support is crutial. I don't know what the future has in store, but I pray things work out. Take care,
Erik

Cutenbrat:

Do you know what your lung problems is??? If not look into alpha one antitrypsin deficiency at alphaone.org good luck
My boyfriend was just diagnosed with moderately severe pulmonary function tests (emphysema) What can I expect?? Anyone ever collapse to floor from coughing and have lungs go into spasm. He has had this twice. Once not coherent and once was. HELP Elaine

alpha LH 1 defficency, is very rare and is found with a simple blood test. the levels should be between 1.20 and 2.10 g/L, i think it would have or should have been found by now. it is a emzme disorder that no longer protects the lung an so the lungs are really digested by your own body an painful at the time.

I think if you read the info on the alphaone.org site you would find alot of info and in fact it is not as rare as you think it is. And most doctors will not do this simple blood test unless requested. My boyfriend has alpha one antritrypsin deficiency and he is liver affected. It is more common than you think. Elaine

My boyfriend has emphysema with 75% lung function, can someone tell me what I can expect if he continues to smoke and even if he quits like he wants to. thanks Elaine