Emphysema

[seanf]

Hello, I am new to this site. I had a chest X-ray last week and have been told today by my doctor I have emphysema. I am very worried about this. Many websites say life expectancy is 5 years! I don't know how bad it is but I am assuming I have moderate emphysema as it showed up on the X-ray. I would really appreciate any advice and support! Thank you

[Katinka46]

Welcome to this forum. There are plenty of people here living well and fruitfully with emphysema and you will find a lot of help and support. There are things you can do to help yourself, physically and mentally. Ask to be referred for pulmonary rehabilitation. It is a brilliant course.

All the best.

[seanf in reply to Katinka46]

Hello. Thank you for your reply and support. It means a lot to me. I will definitely look into pulmonary rehabilitation. I am very low at the moment but will try my best to focus on keeping as healthy as possible. I am still able to exercise which can't be a bad thing.

[mrsmummy]

You can safely ignore the life expectancy predictions. They are a long way from accurate. Many of our members were diagnosed a lot longer than 5 years ago. They must have forgotten to Google because they are still here and mostly enjoying their lives albeit at a slower pace. Welcome to the forum.

[seanf in reply to mrsmummy]

Hello. Thank you replying to my post. Your words are very kind and supportive. Yes, I did use Google and I appreciate it can be doom and gloom at times. I guess reading that doesn't help me right now as I only got diagnosed yesterday so am very low at the moment. Thank you once again. It really does mean a lot to me.

[Pam1952]

Hello, and a very warm welcome to the group. I was diagnosed at 57 and am now 65. Still working full time and leading an active life. I have no intention of going anywhere for a long time ☺. Exercise and a healthy diet is the key. XXX

[seanf in reply to Pam1952]

Hello Pam. Thank you for replying to my post and advice. I am very low at the moment as I only got diagnosed yesterday. It's really good to know that you are not letting this beat you. As I get used to my situation I'm sure I will come to terms with it a lot better. Thank you for your message, it really does mean a lot to me.

[Pam1952]

No worries. Any questions, just fire away....we're all here to listen. ☺

[seanf in reply to Pam1952]

Thank you Pam

[seanf]

I have had 2 chest infections in 10 weeks. Do chest infections do permanent damage and progress emphysema more quickly?