Lung Disease

[Kayakbik]

Hi. I'm 53 and just been diagnosed with lung disease after a CT scan for digestion issues.

I quit smoking 17 years ago because i had breathing issues at night but it seemed to pretty much clear up once i quit.

I did have an xray a few years ago and the doctor said i had well defined airways when he reviewed my rib fractures from mountain biking. But he did not seem to bothered when i said i had quit smoking some years previous and did not work in a smoky environment.

Doctor did not explain anything to me when i saw her regards the latesr CT scan as the focus was on other issues with my stomach and I did not ask for any info

Now i seem to be a bit breathless but thinking some of it is anxiety.

So is it likely I have emphesemia and copd Are these both the same thing. Its a bit confusing

I am otherwise active cycling and walking and other outside recreational sports and while I feel a bit breathless at times but still manage.

Should i look into this more or just stop worrying and just get on with my life for now

Thanks for advice

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi it does come under the umbrella of COPD, if you are concerned please go and see your GP he will be able to sort out any tests needed and give the correct advice for you. Please let us know how you are doing and please remember we are always here for you. Hope this helps, have a good evening and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx

[CDPO16]

I think you should see your GP for more information and possibly a spirometry test which tests lung function and can be done at the GP surgery. This will give you more information about the problem so you know what you are dealing with. Once you have more answers there is a lot of information available from the BLF as well as from members of the forum.

All that said, keep up your active lifestyle as this will greatly help. Best wishes.

[peege]

Hi, welcome to the forum. I'd call the surgery back, say you've been diagnosed with a lung disease and would like to see the respiratory team as soon as possible. If the respiratory nurse is no help (some are brilliant but I've had one totally useless one who knew less than me) go back to GP and ask for plan of action and check you're mild or moderate.

It often takes a while to get the right medications sorted for you - we're all different.

Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis come under COPD in UK.

If you put 'newly diagnosed with copd' in the search bar you'll find lots of older posts and their replies. Lean ad much as you can, knowledge is the key.

[BionicLady]

Hi,

For your own peace of mind, you should have this investigated further.

You seem to be doing all the right stuff by keeping fit which is brilliant and I would definitely keep this up and not be hard on yourself if you are struggling.

There are so many friends you can talk to on this forum, everyone is so helpful and lovely and they have good, sound advice to get you through difficult times.

Take good care and let us know how you get on.

BW

[Sirrum]

It’s not always smoking that causes emphysema, there is a genetic form. A blood test can confirm this.

[jmsutt73]

You must first learn what "lung disease" you have. They are many and varied, with treatment being subjective to the specific lung disease and the individual in which it presents. You have landed in a good spot here for excellent support. Best wishes. J.

[flicky1]

Kayabik, like you I had given up smoking (almost 30 years before) and had been living a very healthy lifestyle for many years. Because of this, when I first went to the doctors with a cough that didn't get better, I was quickly dimissed - I was told that everyone had a cough and I would get better in summer, which I didn't, and I experienced several severe lung infections. It wasn't until I told them that I had lost weight, that I was referred to the hospital and the 2 week rule. Cancer was quickly ruled out, but it took 9 months to eventually diagnosed Emphysema by scan, not by spirometry.

I was referred to the resp team for pulmonary rehab, but not accepted as I was not ill enough, didn't smoke, did a lot of physical exercise and had a good diet already.

You sound fit too, and my advise to you would be to carry on exercising and work through the breathlessness. When I was first diagnosed, I had been a while and was at not at full health, and I took the advise about taking rest breaks and my breathlessness increased while my ability to do things decreased. I now am back to full strength and can do everything I have always been able to do and I have not only become less breathless but have increased my lung capacity. I am determined to keep my lungs as healthy as possible.

A friend who has been hiv positive for many years once wrote in an article that she is not her condition. She is still well and healthy today. I am not my lung condition, and, unless I tell people, they don't notice that I have any problem with breathing, unless I have been walking fast or climbing hills.

I think that the activities that have helped me most are swimming, yoga, singing, cycling and walking.

Keep well, stay strong.

[Kayakbik]

Thanks everyone for all of your advice. I really appreciate it.

I am still in shock by the diagnosis even though when i stopped 17 years ago I had a feeling I wasnt right

I will go back to the doc if i feel the symptoms affecting me badly but dont want to do a test just to be told where I am on a scale at the moment.

I guess the important thing is I must take greater care of myself when at work doing diy and stuff around the house, and where filtration masks and the like when necessary.

Its also another reminder that i need to try my best to keep my fitness levels up as much as i can.

Thanks again.