I recently had a lung health check for cancer ( negative ) but there was no mention of emphysema on my letter --- I asked my doctor this morning & he said it probably didn't show up because your lung damage is mild . Does anyone know if this is correct ? I read that you don't get symptoms until you've got quite a bit of damage & I do get a bit short of breath climbing uphill etc. - nothing too bad at the moment.
Also my doctor seems to think because I've given up smoking the disease will only progress very, very slowly ( unless I get chest infections ) & my life expectancy is pretty much normal ? Again does anyone know if this is correct --- I had myself down as having 5 - 10 yrs left ( I'm 63 ) ---- is my doctor being too optimistic ?
Should I get a 2nd opinion ? Any advice welcome. I think my doctor is being over optimistic.
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GeoffSpark
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Or you could be being pessimistic? 🤔I'm sure you're going to get lots of encouraging replies from people with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) to tell you you're doing incredibly well after smoking for 40 years and having mild emphysema. Did you have a spirometry test for those numbers?
You're only 63 so with a healthy lifestyle for mild emphysema you should be able to remain mild for a long time - especially if a bit of breathlessness walking uphill is your only complaint so far. And that you can improve with Pursed Lip Breathing on the way up.
Healthy weight, healthy diet, healthy exercise as well, as the hygiene precautions we all take ie avoiding bugs that could lead to chest infection (one thing the pandemic taught us).....hand washing, careful what you touch in public places not hugging anyone with snuffles....getting your flu vaccinations, avoiding pollutants
A few members with copd will tell you you'll arrive at the Pearly Gates from something else rather than copd.
PS I see you're in the UK, stick to UK websites, the NHS website is great. They're not out to make money from putting the fear of god in people. Other countries most of whom's medical systems are run privately have more alarmist websites. Keep to UK ones is my advice.
If they were looking for lung cancer, I see no reason your emphysema was not marked on your letter,
I was tested for lung cancer last year, but there was no message of my emphysema or lung scarring on the report. I find lists of conditions on a letter is often lacking much, so I would not be concerned about that.
You GP will know if you have restriced air flow by listening to your luungs. Looking at your Spyro results your COPD would be mild.
The fact you have given up smoking is a huge plus - keep weight reasonable and walking will all help.
With your stats I am not sure why you have given yourself a 5-10 year life expectancy .
I have more advanced COPD but I have conditions more likely to get me before the cOPD does.
peege gave good advice,Covid and Flue vaccinations all help.
So long as you don't start smoking again and have a reasoable healthy lifestile - You should do well.
Please stop giving yourself life expectancy targets that will get you down - With as your Dr said your lung damage is mild - just live your life as normal, and never smoke again and enjoy life. You are NOT on a death sentance
I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in my 70ies. I am now 83 and my lungs have not deteriorated significantly. Like Ern I expect something else to finish me off long before my lungs give out. (Heart probably.) Follow Peege's advice and there is no reason why you should still be active for years to come. Warn your relatives you'll be expecting a grand do for your 90ieth.
PS our diseases don't always show on X-rays and what your doctor told you is the general opinion among lung doctors, so trust him/her.
Hi mine was marked as copd including mild emphysema but only on an independent breakdown on a private investigation by occupational health doctor for work but nhs has copd umbrella Inc asthma and bronchietasis as additional diagnosis but only after a ct scan confirmed that. I have had it 10yrs keep active and its not really having an issue with me yet more the bronchietasis with infections that do .my mum had emphysema and lived 20+ yrs with it
an emphysema diagnosis usually requires a CT scan and broncoscopy which you should have had as part of the cancer investigation. X-ray and spirometry tests don’t show emphysema, but a lot of Drs will diagnose COPD based on low spirometry readings. It’s a general assumption as COPD is not curable and a quick easy diagnosis. 10 years ago I had a cancer investigation as I had a mass showing in a chest X-ray, the subsequent CT scan, broncoscopy and biopsy showed it was an aspergillioma, at the same time the consultant said I had a bit of emphysema as well. My lung function is now down to 30% and a recent aspergillosis flare has put me on ambulatory oxygen. If you are only getting at bit breathless walking uphill you would seem to be doing ok, I have to use a mobility scooter as I get very breathless after a few paces. Not once with my dodgy lungs and heart has any consultant given me an estimate life span and I don’t think about it I’m 73 and take each day as it comes and just adjust to life as necessary. I regularly meet a group of hospice patients and between us have a mixed selection of diseases and those who were given a prognosis by their GPs have far exceeded expectations. Don’t dwell on the negatives just enjoy life as best you can
Can I just say a BIG THANKYOU to all the very kind people who replied to my post. You have helped ease my anxiety ( I was past myself with worry ) so you have all given me hope & good advice.
We are roughly the same age, like you I gave up smoking after forty odd years but was diagnosed with moderate emphysema. The progression of the disease can be slowed and you have made the best start by stopping smoking. You should also look at other aspects of your lifestyle. If you are overweight then shedding those extra pounds will help. Also exercise will help. I am not talking about joining a gym and becoming Mr muscle but simple walking. A good balanced diet also helps. If you have been put on medications then take them religiously. Lastly try and avoid chest infections and do not think leave them thinking I will see what I am like after the weekend. Infections can damage you lungs so best get treatment early. I think your GP is right as what he told you is basically repeating what my respiratory consultant told me except he added exercise, diet, weight etc. with mild emphysema you can have a normal life span but you need to change your lifestyle.
Thank you Bessie - that's re-assuring & good advice. I will ask my doctor about a "rescue pack" of anti-biotics incase I feel an infection coming on ---- it was actua;;ly an infection that seemed to kick everything off -- people have also suggested hand gel & I must remind myself to go to the supermarket when it's less busy
I hope you're well - you sound great - thanks again
I was already moderate before I was diagnosed with COPD and had not long quit smoking. After a P.E. and 5 week period of hospitalization , I was advised I probably had 5-10 years if I lost some weight. I was 51 at the time, and some 23 years later I am now 74, albeit at the severe stage and housebound and on 8lts/min of O2. I have lost a lot of weight, did pulmonary rehab courses and got an exercise bike and changed my diet. Your numbers are very good compared to mine, and if you look after yourself and educate yourself about your disease there's no reason why you shouldn't live a long and normal life. You are almost half way there by giving up smoking, well done you.
Maybe emphysema didn't show as only a low dose scan is used initially. I do think you are being a little pessimistic too. I was under Harefield transplant unit but have managed to stay stable and even improve my lung function a little. I was told eight years ago that IF NOTHING CHANGED my lungs would last only five years. (Severe copd and bronchiectasis) Well, I changed. Attended pulmonary rehab and continued exercising. And having fun. Sometimes our minds are our own worst enemies but there is help available. I've had Talking Therapy and found it very useful.
Steer clear pf people with viruses like colds,flu,etc as can trigger exacerbations; keep as active as Yr able.sounds like Yr doing great.ask Donald - he's got more advanced disease but is well into his 90s & looks after Smudge, his cat,lives alone + still keeps us amused with his poetry
hi As others have said don’t dwell on the negatives I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis/asthma around 15 years ago and nothing much has changed. I try to eat healthily and I exercise daily I’m thinking I’ve had my conditions since I got the measles and whooping cough together at the age of 5. I always found running was hard work leaving me breathless. Take care x. You’ve been given sound advice by others.
I was diagnosed with moderate COPD in 2015 at the age of about 60 after accidentally finding out I had lung problems when taking a cable car to the top of Mount Teide in Tenerife. By following all the suggestions by members of this site to improve my general health, and by running a weekly singing for lung health group, my stage has improved to mild. Most people don't know I've got a lung condition until I do something a bit strenuous without taking Ventolin.
That's nine years surviving so far, and I'm still planning ahead for another ten years DV. With the right attitude and making the right choices, mild COPD is a condition you can live with rather than a life sentence.
I'm glad to hear your cancer check came back negative. Regarding your concerns about emphysema, it's possible that mild lung damage might not show up clearly on initial tests. Have you considered trying mullein drops amazon.com/USDA-Organic-Mul...? They're known for their soothing properties that can help with respiratory issues. It's encouraging that you've quit smoking, as this can significantly slow disease progression. While your doctor's optimism is reassuring, seeking a second opinion could provide further clarity. Take care of yourself.
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Low lung capacity/FVC 61%
Anyone with "normal" FEV1 staged at moderate emphysema?
Spirometryresults
i'm just 27 with emphysema , how long can i live? need help please 
