Emphysema

[Titchel]

Hi. My partner was told last week he has emphysema and 52% lung function. He was prescribed a "puffer" like u get for asthma. He has to go back to hospital I'm guessing for more tests next month. I'm so worried but wondering what will happen now?

[stone-UK]

Hi

At 52% lung function he is classed as moderate. Although the condition is incurable and progressive. It can be managed. First consideration is to stop smoking and avoid others who smoke and any toxic fumes.

Exercise and a good diet are essential.

Beware of certain household products, if it makes you gasp, or takes your breath away it’s likely to be or become a trigger.

It’s about avoidance and knowing your limitations.

[Titchel in reply to stone-UK]

Thanks stone-uk he is trying to stop smoking now. He knows that's really important but struggling a bit. He does go to the gym 4 times a week. Thank u for the advice

[stone-UK in reply to Titchel]

Hi

If he’s struggling, may be e-cigs will help, at least it will remove the harmful effects of tobacco

[Titchel]

I was going to get him one tomorrow but wasn't sure if he should or not

[2greys]

"what will happen now?"

I should imagine that the hospital consultant will want a CT Scan, if he's already had one then it is the results of that scan that will be discussed.

He is going to have to make small, but essential, changes to his lifestyle. As Stone has said, he must stop smoking cigarettes, if he doesn't then his emphysema will progress a lot, lot faster. He already exercises that is a plus, no change needed there. He must eat a healthy diet, with lots of fruit and veg and also achieve a healthy BMI. He should also drink plenty of water. He should also get vaccinated with the flu jab also the pneumonia vaccination. He must also take his inhaler with him wherever he goes, he will never know just when he will need it in an emergency.

Ask if he can be referred to Pulmonary Rehabilitation where he will do a 50/50 course of tailored exercises and education about how to manage the symptoms of his condition.

If he is still working then he should remain working to stay as active as possible. Also if he leaves his job (assuming he is working) then it will be extremely difficult for him to get another one.

That is just to start with, there are many, many other tips to help him on this forum so keep coming back reading the posts. Do not be afraid to ask questions, there is hundreds of collective years worth of experience of living with this condition, someone will have an answer.

This is not a death sentence for him. There is no reason that he cannot lead a relatively normal life. I lead a relatively normal life including working full-time (to stay active) and I have severe emphysema. My running days are over but then I am 68 this year and have little desire to run again, live up three flights of stairs and carry a 20 kilo shopping trolley up them as well.

[Titchel in reply to 2greys]

Thank you for all the advice 2greys. I feel a bit better now. He WILL stop smoking he knows he has too. I'm going to go to his next appointment with him and will ask about Pulmonary rehabilitation as I have read about that quite a bit.

[Badbessie]

He above all must stop smoking. I was diagnosed 14 months ago. I was a thirty a day man and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. There is lots of help and various products out there to help him. I tried them all, gum patches, sweets in the end I vaped which worked for me. After giving up smoking and starting my exercise programme my lung function improved.

Above all do not Google it....as 2 Grey's as stated we are here to help.

[Titchel in reply to Badbessie]

Thank u badbessie I'm going to get him a vape tomorrow and whatever else he needs to stop smoking

[Stumpy55]

Hello Titchel, after all the good advice you have been given by 2greys and Badbessie there is very little I can say except you have to be in control of the illness not the other way round. Try not to worry too much about what happens next, as long as you follow the guidelines, and move on. Wishing you both all the very best and can you stay with us and let us know how you are getting on . ✋️😊

[Titchel in reply to Stumpy55]

Thank u stumpy55. I'm just glad I found this site as was worrying myself to death

[Stumpy55 in reply to Titchel]

There is always someone to talk to on this site Titchel, people including myself that knows from experience what you are going through, so you are not alone. ✋️😊

[Titchel in reply to Stumpy55]

It's good to know I'm not alone feel a bit better

[Stumpy55 in reply to Titchel]

That's good, you are definitely not alone, you have all of us here 🌹

[hypercat54]

Hi I have had mild copd around 10 years now and managed to give up smoking last year. Although I am not out of the woods yet I am getting there.

There is a very good quit smoking site on here called Quit. Your husband will get lots of help and support on there as I did. x

[Titchel in reply to hypercat54]

I will have a look once I find the search button. Thank u hypercat54

[hypercat54]

Hi go into My hub at the top, then click on view communities, then into browse other communities. Type in Quit and the site will come up. x

[Titchel in reply to hypercat54]

Thank u ill will do now

[hypercat54]

I had to check myself as they have recently changed the system yet again! It all gets very confusing sometimes. x

[Titchel in reply to hypercat54]

Haha .. I've found it. Thank u

[Pantani]

The only thing I can add is to make a list of all the questions you can think of so you can ask the consultant when you go to the appointment.

[Titchel in reply to Pantani]

I will do I just don't really know what sort of things I should be asking 😐

[southcats]

sorry to hear about your husband's emphysema, i think the pulmonary rehab is superb as not only does it get us exercising but lets us come to terms with the limitations in a really positive way, helps regain self-confidence. also, agree best write the questions beforehand

[Titchel in reply to southcats]

I've read about this and am going to ask. Thank u