Doc. Says..........

[Weeannie]

So saw my doc yesterday and we were discussing my COPD (emphysema) and he says that as long as I never smoke again (been stopped over 3yrs) my COPD wont get any worse. I thought that there were other factors such as dust and pollution that were also contributors. Thoughts please xx

[rubyred777]

Hi Weeannie

I think alot depends on what stage your at also. Do you know your fev1 ? If your mild

I think you can keep your self fit and have a fairly normal life.

You will get alot of feedback from others

Rubyxx 😊 😊

[Weeannie in reply to rubyred777]

Thanks for that. I'm mild stage but I also have asthma which doesn't help x

[stone-UK]

Hi

There will be several things that will cause you concern, it is a bit trial and error, you will notice a increase in breathlessness when exposed to certain chemicals.

Mine are strong cleaning products, air fresheners. You will learn to recognise the ones that affect you, avoid if you can.

Dust will also be irritating to your condition. Second hand smoke should also be avoided.

[Weeannie in reply to stone-UK]

There are a few things I avoid as they trigger my asthma so it's the same for the copd. Thanks x

[Suz01]

Hi Weeannie,

When I was first told I had emphysema (seen on a ct scan taken for another issue) I was told it was mild. When I might have had too hopeful a look on my face the next comment was don't get me wrong it is a significant area. But he (dr) would hope if I stopped smoking I would maintain the level of fitness I had and hopefully stop the progression. That was in June 2013. I stopped smoking from that moment on. Since then the only time I felt it was progressing was following a bout with Influenza A hot on the heels of a chest infection and I would get breathless doing normal chores for weeks after the infection had seemed to clear. That really upset me big time! That eventually passed and I don't feel any worse. Possibly better because I don't smoke I don't cough anymore. This coming winter might be testing. Every now and again I get tight in the chest I think that is the universe's way of reminding me I do have diseased lungs. The first dr whose specialty was anesthesia only had the ct scan to go on. Following FLT a lung specialist then told me I was moderate. My fev1 is a brilliant 95% but my DLCO and lung volumes rate poorly! I would hope your doctor is right. Quit, exercise, eat well and stay away as much as possible from obvious pollution/dust and germs. It would be interesting to know what stage you are? Cheers Suz x

[Weeannie in reply to Suz01]

He says mild with scarring on both sides. Ì do my best to be healthy. Thanks x

[peege]

I would just say do everything in your power to keep your immune system tip top so that you can fight off bugs. Practise slightly OCD hand hygeine (it's possibe to be clandestine about it so people don't think you're a nutter).

I do both the above to avoid catching anything as it will always end up in my lungs & take a very long time to get over.

It's unbelievable how many coughs and colds ive been in contact with and not caught them. X

[Weeannie in reply to peege]

I am a bit ocd with hands lol small bottles of hand gel everywhere x

[Hidden]

Sadly I am still progressing even after stopping smoking 7 years ago. I have gone from 49% to 29% in the past 7 years. I believe though that if I had not stopped smoking I would have progressed at a much faster rate.

[Weeannie in reply to Hidden]

This seems to be the general consensus. Thanks x

[winebuff]

I was first diagnosed 15 years ago and managed to carry on playing golf for some years and a few more years with a buggy,now it's impossible. I did stop smoking as soon as I was diagnosed ,not quite sure what your Doctor means I understand that gradual deteriation is normal

[Weeannie in reply to winebuff]

That's my understanding too, based on what I've read and been told by others. Thanks though x

[hallentine47]

I was diagnosed 11 years ago with COPD/Emphysema and immediately stopped smoking. I am 68 this month and have deteriorated dramatically. I have sever COPD now and I have exercised (have my own treadmill and bike) been on two Reh courses and eat healthily. Constant infections and exacerbations and normal aging have taken their toll. The Doc sounds a but of a salesman to me!! Try to sell a dream when he can do little else!! Air temperature and the seasons generally and polluted atmosphere are all triggers. I get on with my life as best I can and learn as much about this illness as possible and do every thing that is positive to stay as well as possible. Hope you can do the same.

[Weeannie in reply to hallentine47]

Thanks hallentine 47. I do everything I can to help myself. I've even started walking the dog............ lol x

[Papajankypot in reply to hallentine47]

I feel your pain. Best wishes.

[Dmactds]

I had much the same conversation with my doc...., I work with wood and am always around sawdust and other 'fumes' but he said those particles are not of a size that would impair the lungs and the 'fumes' of paint thinner, acetone and other common woodworking chemicals are inconsequential when used in the modest amounts by the typical woodworker.

He reiterated that it was cigarette/cigar smoke that "did the deed" and that it was best to keep away from the stuff. However, he made no such promise that my emphysema would not progress.

I stopped puffing on the cigs in '09..., coming up on my six year anniversary of March 15th (...Hooray for the "Ides of March" !!!), which is when I was first diagnosed as COPD. I've never had sputum, mucus or any other manifestation besides being short of breath until my pulmonary collapse 2 and a half years ago which just about did me in, but that was brought on by general self abuse including an over fondness for merlot. I stopped drinking then as well and don't miss it a bit as I feel I've contributed quite enough dues to the tobacco/booze industries since my teens to feel well "paid up".

I'm now 72.

Duncan

[Weeannie in reply to Dmactds]

Thanks for that.

[Papajankypot in reply to Dmactds]

Damn Duncan. 72. I hope to live til I'm 72... like I said to Ruby, I WAS also was a woodworker. I worked at a Guitar Factory in very similar conditions to what you described. I worked with acetone and wood glue. I was diagnosed with early stages of COPD a couple of months ago. I'm trying to come to grips with the fact that I need to stop smoking and drinking(and weed, my FAVORITE 😀). I have a 2 year old daughter thats my world and hate to think of her hurting because of my weaknesses. Anyways Duncan, I hope that you get this message in good health and happiness. Any advice (or really words of encouragement)would be much appreciated. Take care buddy. Your friend, Stu

[Dmactds in reply to Papajankypot]

Stu,

Thanks for your lengthy, long, lovely reply albeit a bit late; I'm now 74 and, because of a few dietary changes and participation in a rehab group I attend twice a week, I'm doing better than I was but not as well as I plan on being with continued maintenance.

You mentioned feeling the need to give up 3 things: smoking, drinking and weed. Of those, quite obviously the smoking of regular tobacco is the most, by far, critical to abandon..., and do it immediately if you want to see your daughter have her own child far, far down the line.

Giving up smoking now is not going to cure your lung problems but it'll help..., it'll help immensely!!

The drinking is another matter but I wouldn't advise trying to 86 both of them at the same time..., but you probably realize that; you didn't mention your age but as you get older the nasty habits you pick up when young and fit and defiant are harder on your aging body. As you get " a little bit older" you should be getting " a little bit wiser " and begin to stop the Helter Skelter of your life. (clever the way I worked that in...., don'cha think??)

The weed I think is another matter altogether but I'm not sure of its deleterious effect on the lungs. I 'do' know it's hyped as being helpful in the maintenance of several other illnesses. I, however, gave all that up years ago and am not inclined to get "back in the game" at this age. If you have a doc you trust you might ask him about this matter.

Once again, thanks for your reply; I must now get ready for one of my twice weekly rehab sessions. Let us know how you get along...

Take a little bit of what's all around you,

Duncan

[Papajankypot]

How's it going bud? I just read your post and I can really relate without your feeling. I work at a Guitar Factory in Memphis Tennessee for five years. I work and an environment constantly in sawdust. I also worked with acetone constantly. I'm 37 years old. I do smoke about a pack of cigarettes a day. I recently went to the doctor and had a chest x-ray because I have bronchitis. She informed me that I was in the early stages of COPD. I'm just curious if you work in a simular environment. I'm still smoking. I don't really ever feel any signs or symptoms of COPD unless I'm in hot temperatures, which sucks living in the south. Anyways, I hope you're doing better man. Holler back when you have time. Thanks

[Dmactds in reply to Papajankypot]

Stu,

Just saw this second try at sending a message of yours; please see my other reply. Chat later.

Duncan

[Karnak]

Hi

I was recently diagnosed and stopped smoking for 6 years. I was diagnosed with moderate COPD with FEV 71%. This was all post a pneumothorax and left sided bullectomy. Been in hospital a few times with odd ECG's and chest pains all put down to lung spasms. Quite healthy is but think the quality of information you get is variable. My GP says get on with it my Respiratory Consultant said you have plateaued discharge and come back when on nebuliser. Think positive mind and positive people around you helps.