I have Stage 4 Emphysema

[martin1945]

Is it typical to have a constant heavy feeling in my chest and also an ache in my upper back? I have attributed both to strained breathing muscles as my TLC is 204%. As a consequence my diaphragm is compressed and there is not much space left in my upper chest! I am just getting over an exacerbation at home on Prednisolone and Azithromycin.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I'm also at stage 4. No aches or pains or heaviness. Then again we are all different. My TLC is 256.6% predicted.

[hufferpuffer]

Sorry but what is TLC ? I always thought it stood for tender loving care...my chest has expanded so much I'm going bra-less!

[Hidden]

i get a dull ache too between the shoulder blades, and also a burning feeling if i lie on my back. Have been diagnosed with copd 6 years ago, but not enphasema . is this normal?

[Hidden]

TLC is total lung capacity.

[hufferpuffer in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, I can't seem to find it on my spirometry printout,how is it determined if you dont mind me askin' ?

[Hidden]

its another test they do thats called plethysmography similar to spirometry, but obvious a bit more involved. if you look up plethysmography on google it will explain. it wont be on your spirometry printout, because it isnt performed at same time as spirometry, its a bit different.Hope you go on alright.

[hufferpuffer in reply to Hidden]

Thanks again sheepdog, you learn something new every day.

[copdliving]

huffer - I have given up on the bras too.

[hufferpuffer in reply to copdliving]

Thank goodness I'm not the only one

[oxytic]

thank you sheepdog for answer to hufferpuffer .... you get 4 point

[Roysieboy]

Hello Martin. I have emphysema and COPD. I have developed a dull ache on the left side of my upper back. It is not there all the time, it comes and goes. I went to Drs. and he sent me for an x-ray on my chest, When the snow stops I am going to visit him to see what he has to say.