Fiance 32 diagnosed with mild emphysema from ct scan

[djangelbaby209]

Hi all. I'm wondering what our next steps are? I'm not sure how to console him right now. Are ct scans 100% correct? What is his life expectancy? We have two beautiful children together and I have so many questions and concerns. I am just so sad. Yes he is a smoker.

[megshafer]

Hi!! I was diagnosed with mild emphysemous changes in 2016. I was stopped smoking immediately, cold turkey! All the physicians and pulmonologist (lots of opinions, I wanted). All said...normal life span...since I stopped smoking, stay away from second hand smoke, and outdoor fires.. and exercise, keep moving, it's been a few years now....I have no symptoms...unless I run for along time. At age 32 has your husband been tested for Apha 1, it's a genetic emphysema since he is relatively young? There are different treatments Alpha1. Stopping smoking would be the very best thing he could do.

Meg

[djangelbaby209 in reply to megshafer]

Honestly we just found our today. He has to go get an opinion from a specialist. But I'm like trying to google stuff and find answers because idk how to console him or what to tell him.

[megshafer in reply to djangelbaby209]

I am sorry. By your comment I assumed that sense you asked if a CT was 100% correct, he had had a CT scan which are very accurate, one might be wrong, but it would probably be rare.

Once again, I am sorry, was only trying to help.

Meg

[djangelbaby209 in reply to megshafer]

Yeah I mean I figured the result was pretty accurate. But I wanted to be able to give him information so he didnt have to freak out so bad and feel like he was on his death bed you know?

[Phil749 in reply to megshafer]

Hia just read your story please don’t worry I have the same condition and copd I’m on a lot of medication I’m still doing well for five years or more this condition restricts a lot of your life but you can live with it with the right treatment don’t settle for one opinion most importantly stress has a major effect be well be safe

[Caspiana]

Hello djangelbaby209 👋 and welcome to the forum. I am very sorry to read of your news. It is a shock, not just to the patient but to the family as well.

I don't have Emphysema but I do have a very rare lung disease. I will tell you that I did Google a lot when I was first diagnosed and if the information I gleaned from Google was 100% accurate, with regards to me and my diagnosis, I wouldn't be sitting here right now. So please know that although there is helpful information out there, it is not all pertinent to your husband's condition as everyone is different and disease progresses differently for all of us.

I suppose the important thing now is for him to consider ditching the cigarettes. As megshafer has very wisely pointed out, exercise and keeping fit is very important along with a healthy diet and a sensible lifestyle. Being positive and staying motivated helps no end.

All of us go through the "shock" phase. But we come to terms with it and pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and move forward. I am sure your husband will too. Just be as supportive as you can, but remember to take care of yourself as well. It's too easy to get consumed by our condition. Your husband has many good years yet to enjoy with you and your children.

Very best wishes to you both.

Cas xx 🎶

[djangelbaby209 in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you so much! We plane to quit together Monday. Theres just so many unknowns!

[Badbessie]

Hi please keep away from "Doctor" Google. It will only make any anxiety worse. Normally diagnosis is made from a CT scan and the results are normally conclusive. How his mild emphysema will affect him in the future is a very open question. Emphysema can affect us in many ways and in all honesty no one can give you the answer you need.

I have moderate emphysema and have been told to expect a normal life expectancy. This was predicted after I changed my lifestyle. The most important part of this was giving up smoking. I smoked for over 40 years and is perhaps the hardest thing I have done. But to improve your husband's prognosis he must stop. If he he over or under weight he must take action to get his weight right and eat a good diet. Lastly exercise is very important. In my opinion the specialist Doctors can only do so much. It is very much a case of thinking what can I do to help myself. There is a great amount he can do.

[corriena]

Hi you husbands emphcemia is mild if he stops smoking now eats healthy and keeps himself resonably fit, he will probably be around to play with his grand children. And his empacemia could still be mild. I was diagnosed at 35 as severe, but had been getting more unwell since my early 20s. I am now early 50s still sever but able to do alot more than i could by simple life style changes. Do listen to what your Dr's tell you and take thear advice. Moast know what they are talking about but also ask lots of questions. Maybe start a list of things you would like to know so when you see Dr again you dont forget them. Good luck and try to stop worrying and live your best life today

[djangelbaby209 in reply to corriena]

I have messaged his doctor with a couple.of questions but they haven't set up any sort of appointment for him as of yet.

[corriena in reply to djangelbaby209]

You can ring the blf help line they have an information pack on copd (free) and they will be able to answer your questions and they are realy nice and frendly no question is silly or uimportant.

[christina1947]

Hi it’s a condition and lots of people live with health conditions most important stop the cigs read all u can about things you can do to help the condition change of life style maybe needed. In other words look after yourself and you will be fine xxx

[hypercat54]

Hi I have mild copd which is still mild after 10 years! The doctor told me I would die of something else ie old age first.

However he does need to stop smoking as this can run the risk of massively accelerating the disease to the more severe levels. There is a very good stop smoking site on here called Quit which helped me stop.

Lastly stop googling indiscriminantly as you will scare yourself silly. Stick to recognised sights such as this one, the NHS etc. x