Very scared

[Worrysoul]

Just found out i havd mild emphasema im 40 yrs old with four kids. Dont no much about this but i need to be here to watch my kids grow up. Does anybody know much about this.

[Badbessie]

Hi, there is a lot you can do yourself. If you smoke then this is the time to give up. This is most important thing you can do to help your situation. The next is look at your weight if you are over or under weight now is the time to see a Dietitian to ask for advice. As this can also be a factor. Next start exercising this can improve the outlook greatly. Lastly take your medications religiously.

If you make the changes and keep on top of any chest infections you can slow progression and live a long and full life.

[gingermusic]

The advice from Badbessie is exactly right. I was also diagnosed at the age of 40 and I am now 67 years of age. I did not stop smoking until some 13 years ago or I migth have been better than I am now. I am now limited in what I can do without suffering extreme shortness of breath and I am on oxygen for 16 hours daily plus whenever I go out, so the stopping smoking if you are a smoker is paramount. If you can get onto a Pulmonary course then go to it they are worth while.

[madametobacco49 in reply to gingermusic]

amazing only 16 hrs? why amI on 24/7--makes me wonder--thinkmay be the heart failure too--MmeT

[gingermusic in reply to madametobacco49]

I think if you add up the 16 hours I have to be on it plus all the time I am using it when out or breathless it is not far short of 24/7 some days. If just sitting down on the computer for instance I don't need it but I do for doing housework like the washing and ironing

[madametobacco49 in reply to gingermusic]

your doing ok--I was92 on o2 today-laid down took it off---dropped to 88 in less than 5 minutes--the most important thing is quit smoking--dr said mine may stop here since quitting--I didn't quit because of this--it came with quitting--odd huh? MmeT

[madametobacco49 in reply to gingermusic]

Ginger don't be scared--we must go on and do best we can--Your body is saying enuff--and you must listen--I smoked 53 years and I did sum real damage--plus both parents smoked and now all my kids smoke--They call it growing up in a drug culture--"Once I didn't know better but when I knew better I done better" That's you---Keep me posted--I think your gonna be ok--Love,MmeT

[Hidden]

All you got to do to see your kids grow up and see your grand children is (1) eat sensable (2) exersize like walk to the school do not use the car keep off the choclate and take your time a round tbe houes as there is allways a nother day like you have not got to clean the up stairs and down stairs and do all the washing and ironing in one day just make each day a job to do each day like up stairs one day down stairs and washing the next day shopping the next and so on

[mrsmummy in reply to Hidden]

Good advice David.

[Worrysoul]

Thank you all. Went to see my doctor all he said was youll be fine. He ask if i smoke told him i quit the day he told me over 3 wks. He just kept saying ill be fine so i turned to google. Which scares the crap out of me. I cry all day long im so lost.

[Caspiana in reply to Worrysoul]

Hello Worrysoul . Oh Dr. Google. Almost all of us Google when we are diagnosed and all of us like you are terrified of what we read. Google is not a fortune teller and cannot predict the outcome of your illness specifically for you. It is a study of cases and they tend to focus on the worst case scenarios which is NOT telling of your case. Everyone is different. So like I was told when I first joined here don't consult Dr. Google. The advice given by everyone above will help you live a good life and be there for your children. Hang in there, I know how frightening it is but it will be okay. ((HUG))

Cas xx

[madametobacco49 in reply to Worrysoul]

oh I so get that crying --im sorry MmeT

[lKeith]

Worrysoul,

Hi just seen your post. I have a severe case of emphysema and have recently heard of Lung coils and Lung valves and have been researching these items. Today I have had a break through.

I have made contact with a local rep for the product and he has given me a list of centres,

Keith

[Worrysoul in reply to lKeith]

Thank you, yes when i went to see my md he said ct scan is very sensetive and there is only begining of emphasema and if i stop smoking ill be fine. Dont no much on what to do he said i dont need med or diet for that and dont worry myself

[madametobacco49 in reply to Worrysoul]

that's true--my dr said it may not progress since I quit smoking--you will be ok--Hang in there--you got a long life ahead--MmeT

[madametobacco49]

just found out I have it too--tho I don't kno how bad==I saw cat scan=-looked like black bubbles--lower lobes bad--I have heart failure too--guess they can go together--im not happy to say the least and more than scared, On O2 24/7 I do wish you well--my hope is it don't progress since I quit smoking a year ago November but just dxed---more scans to follow--you will be ok--but do what dr says--Hugs MmeT

[Catnip]

Greetings.

Don't panic. Stop smoking, exercise, and look forward to the next 30 years. That's how long ago it is since I was told I had COPD.

Catnip

[Clamdigger]

My Uncle had COPD for years you will see your kids grow up. With mild emphasema you have few years really take care of your lungs and do lung excerises is important.. Its over whelming when you find out but being on this site people have had it for a few years...

[Lullabelle1962]

Hi, I'm new to this site, I'm 55 and been a pack a day for 35 years. I've a lot of cracking and popping and what seems to be loud intermittent whistling when I breath out especially lying down. A cold goes straight to my chest and has me coughing for weeks. Could it be emphysema

[mrsmummy in reply to Lullabelle1962]

Only a doctor can answer this question and I suggest you make an appointment so tests can be conducted.