I was just diagnosed with moderate emphasyma, no doubt from 30 years of a pack a day. I am 49 and have always been prone to anxiety, probably one of the reasons I smoked. Long story short, I’m terrified from the moment I wake until the moment i sleep. I’ve probably been breathing badly for a some years but now am totally fixated on it which makes my anxiety spiral even more. I have an fev1 of 52% I think. I’m terrified guys. Quit smoking two months ago before I was diagnosed and instead of feeling positive I feel like I’m just trying to stave off the inevitable respirators and pain. Sorry to be so dark but any kind words would be greatly appreciated.
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Laurielozenge
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Hi, just read your post and I'm new to this site as well, but from what I've seen and read anyone from anywhere in the world is welcome 🙂 I'm in the UK but we're all linked by lung problems. I'm not a doctor but my younger brother has emphysema and he's had it for over 10 years. He still gets about really well, far better than me, he gets tired and has to rest when he over does things but my brother is much older you anyway as he's 64. Please don't worry yourself over years in the future because that will overshadow and spoil your life 🙂 I personally try to take life one day at a time, after recently going on to oxygen 24/7 I got a little down but trust me that just makes you feel worse. I'm sure other people on here can help and advise you far better than me but just felt I had to reach out to say no this isn't the end of your life, you have many many years yet so smile my friend, take things slowly and above all enjoy living 😉
It’s always upsetting when you get this sort of diagnosis but all is not lost, although you may have to change your lifestyle a bit. You have given up smoking, which is great and other things you can do are to eat a healthy diet and take exercise, also lose weight if you need to. If you continue to be so anxious then talk to your doctor, as it is not unusual and they can help. Remember that you are still you and you are NOT defined by your illness. Good luck xx
Hi Laurielozenge, We have a few members here from N. America plus other countries from around the world. You have done yourself a big favour by giving up smoking, it is the best move that you have made towards slowing down the progression of this disease. You are overreacting a little, but understandable given you are prone to anxiety. With a change of lifestyle, eating healthily, exercising and taking your meds, then you can expect to live well into your old age. I too have Emphysema my fev1 was 31% last year and I am still working full-time, on my feet all day, as a production engineer and 69 this year.
Forget what you have read via Dr. Google there are many sites out there with either inaccurate or out of date information. Also beware of the many sites that offer cures that are just "snake oil", they are just after your money. Read through some of the previous posts here, you will find loads of help and when you are ready just ask for advice.
Welcome to our Nutty Forum Laurie, You will get all the advise you are asking for. Great you stopped smoking, You WILL feel the benefits soon, 2 months is Good, but 6 Months is Great, Go for Gold and Treat this as your new Found Healthy Life ahead of you. I thought like you when I stopped, it is the evil little Nicotine Bugger playing with your nerves, Kick him out and you will feel so much better. I have FEV1 at 26%, on Oxygen have been for the last 4 Years, feel so much better for not smoking and I stay fit with exercise classes and The Gym. Always stay Positive, it works. keep us all updated on your Progress Laurie. Best Wishes Hun. xxxx
I am now 69 years of age and have lived with Emphysema for the past 29 years. Ok I am now reliant on oxygen but my life is no way over. The important thing for you to stay well is to exercise every day even if its only a good walk and eat as sensibly as you can. You will help your breathing by keeping a good weight. Don't give into it positive thinking is what you need. Best of luck
Doesn’t matter where you’re from, we’re all in the same boat. I have also been recently diagnosed with emphysema and a giant bullae, which has occupied about 90% of my right lung and can appreciate your feelings of anxiety, which I have also experienced, the thoughts of my god this is an old man’s disease I won’t be able to walk the length of my self next month, not wanting to get out of bed to go to work etc etc.
I don’t know your current family situation, however I have young family and the way I have dealt with my anxiety and worries is to just tell myself I have to be strong for them and that although I know couldn’t play an hour of football with them like I used to we just have to find things that I can do without overdoing it.
When things start getting on top of me I go for a walk, it helps clear the head and also helps knowing it’s helping my condition, if it’s raining I go for a drive, at least it’s a change of scenery!
You’ve done the hard bit by stopping smoking and the rest just needs little steps, you’re young enough to make a difference to your condition, try to exercise as much as you can, if your diet’s not great try eating fresh fruit & veg more, junk food can alter your mood & contribute towards depression.
Try to surround yourself with positive things and people, if you find it difficult start small, hopefully even just coming on here and chatting might help a bit.
Try to find something that to occupy your mind that makes you feel less anxious, some of these might sound silly but try things like suduko, crosswords, puzzles, colouring etc if you’re no good at them you’re never too young to learn and will help to distract your brain.
Anyway I’ve just realised how much I’ve waffled! Chin up and there’s loads of us out here in the same boat as you and there are loads of ways we can help ourselves cope with our condition better.
Hia it’s always difficult when told you have something basically uncurable but there are many ways of making best of life . I live alone & cat have lived around world . Now in Uk I lived New Mexico USA lovely rest time Africa . I have out lived my consultant 4 years . Being frightened is normal . It’s. Also about the idear of dieing. Being in Africa I Learned live each day as was the last . Yes I am at ease when End comes . But I am 69 . But there are many ways of living quite well we have breatheasy groups here as exercise does wonders wishing you peace
Hi Laurie lozenge, it makes no difference what nationality you are, everyone is welcome here. I know how scared you must feel, but honestly you still have a good life ahead of you. Yes you will have to take things a little easier than before but you can still live a normal happy life. Plenty of exercise and a good healthy diet will slow down the progression of this disease you would be pleasantly surprised how you feel taking things at your own pace. Try also to stay positive and take your meds, live each day as it comes and don't let this disease control your life you can control the disease. Good luck hope this helps you. Please keep posting and if you ever need to chat in private you are more than welcome to message me. Have a lovely day and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx
I an ex pat from England living in the States. Please do not google your condition it will smeared the pants off you. Hopefully you no longer smoke. Start exercising,a little at a time, take your medication and read the posts on this site. Lots of great advice 5o be had 🐞 I also have emphysema but am doing the best I can. Try and be positive as it will help you.
Hi Laurie, just wanted to say we’re not so dissimilar, except I’m 39 and not experiencing many symptoms at present. I also have a history of anxiety and agree it is absolutely one of the big reasons why we couldn’t seem to stop. But now we have. And I know it’s tough. I’m facing a similar terror to what you are and I’m trying to minimise when I give into it. I’m doing this by staying busy as much as I can. Then there’s days like today when I’m just hiding in my room. This site is packed with people who understand and care. Just wanted to reach out wnd say that you’re not alone, and there will be good days ahead. Xx
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