Emphysema: Hi. My partner was told last... - Lung Conditions C...

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Emphysema

Titchel profile image
23 Replies

Hi. My partner was told last week he has emphysema and 52% lung function. He was prescribed a "puffer" like u get for asthma. He has to go back to hospital I'm guessing for more tests next month. I'm so worried but wondering what will happen now?

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Titchel profile image
Titchel
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23 Replies
stone-UK profile image
stone-UK

Hi

At 52% lung function he is classed as moderate. Although the condition is incurable and progressive. It can be managed. First consideration is to stop smoking and avoid others who smoke and any toxic fumes.

Exercise and a good diet are essential.

Beware of certain household products, if it makes you gasp, or takes your breath away it’s likely to be or become a trigger.

It’s about avoidance and knowing your limitations.

Titchel profile image
Titchel in reply tostone-UK

Thanks stone-uk he is trying to stop smoking now. He knows that's really important but struggling a bit. He does go to the gym 4 times a week. Thank u for the advice

stone-UK profile image
stone-UK in reply toTitchel

Hi

If he’s struggling, may be e-cigs will help, at least it will remove the harmful effects of tobacco

Titchel profile image
Titchel

I was going to get him one tomorrow but wasn't sure if he should or not

2greys profile image
2greys

"what will happen now?"

I should imagine that the hospital consultant will want a CT Scan, if he's already had one then it is the results of that scan that will be discussed.

He is going to have to make small, but essential, changes to his lifestyle. As Stone has said, he must stop smoking cigarettes, if he doesn't then his emphysema will progress a lot, lot faster. He already exercises that is a plus, no change needed there. He must eat a healthy diet, with lots of fruit and veg and also achieve a healthy BMI. He should also drink plenty of water. He should also get vaccinated with the flu jab also the pneumonia vaccination. He must also take his inhaler with him wherever he goes, he will never know just when he will need it in an emergency.

Ask if he can be referred to Pulmonary Rehabilitation where he will do a 50/50 course of tailored exercises and education about how to manage the symptoms of his condition.

If he is still working then he should remain working to stay as active as possible. Also if he leaves his job (assuming he is working) then it will be extremely difficult for him to get another one.

That is just to start with, there are many, many other tips to help him on this forum so keep coming back reading the posts. Do not be afraid to ask questions, there is hundreds of collective years worth of experience of living with this condition, someone will have an answer.

This is not a death sentence for him. There is no reason that he cannot lead a relatively normal life. I lead a relatively normal life including working full-time (to stay active) and I have severe emphysema. My running days are over but then I am 68 this year and have little desire to run again, live up three flights of stairs and carry a 20 kilo shopping trolley up them as well.

Titchel profile image
Titchel in reply to2greys

Thank you for all the advice 2greys. I feel a bit better now. He WILL stop smoking he knows he has too. I'm going to go to his next appointment with him and will ask about Pulmonary rehabilitation as I have read about that quite a bit.

Badbessie profile image
Badbessie

He above all must stop smoking. I was diagnosed 14 months ago. I was a thirty a day man and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. There is lots of help and various products out there to help him. I tried them all, gum patches, sweets in the end I vaped which worked for me. After giving up smoking and starting my exercise programme my lung function improved.

Above all do not Google it....as 2 Grey's as stated we are here to help.

Titchel profile image
Titchel in reply toBadbessie

Thank u badbessie I'm going to get him a vape tomorrow and whatever else he needs to stop smoking

Stumpy55 profile image
Stumpy55

Hello Titchel, after all the good advice you have been given by 2greys and Badbessie there is very little I can say except you have to be in control of the illness not the other way round. Try not to worry too much about what happens next, as long as you follow the guidelines, and move on. Wishing you both all the very best and can you stay with us and let us know how you are getting on . ✋️😊

Titchel profile image
Titchel in reply toStumpy55

Thank u stumpy55. I'm just glad I found this site as was worrying myself to death

Stumpy55 profile image
Stumpy55 in reply toTitchel

There is always someone to talk to on this site Titchel, people including myself that knows from experience what you are going through, so you are not alone. ✋️😊

Titchel profile image
Titchel in reply toStumpy55

It's good to know I'm not alone feel a bit better

Stumpy55 profile image
Stumpy55 in reply toTitchel

That's good, you are definitely not alone, you have all of us here 🌹

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

Hi I have had mild copd around 10 years now and managed to give up smoking last year. Although I am not out of the woods yet I am getting there.

There is a very good quit smoking site on here called Quit. Your husband will get lots of help and support on there as I did. x

Titchel profile image
Titchel in reply tohypercat54

I will have a look once I find the search button. Thank u hypercat54

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

Hi go into My hub at the top, then click on view communities, then into browse other communities. Type in Quit and the site will come up. x

Titchel profile image
Titchel in reply tohypercat54

Thank u ill will do now

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

I had to check myself as they have recently changed the system yet again! It all gets very confusing sometimes. x

Titchel profile image
Titchel in reply tohypercat54

Haha .. I've found it. Thank u

Pantani profile image
Pantani

The only thing I can add is to make a list of all the questions you can think of so you can ask the consultant when you go to the appointment.

Titchel profile image
Titchel in reply toPantani

I will do I just don't really know what sort of things I should be asking 😐

southcats profile image
southcats

sorry to hear about your husband's emphysema, i think the pulmonary rehab is superb as not only does it get us exercising but lets us come to terms with the limitations in a really positive way, helps regain self-confidence. also, agree best write the questions beforehand

Titchel profile image
Titchel in reply tosouthcats

I've read about this and am going to ask. Thank u

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