I stopped smoking 10 months ago and since then have lost a further 10% lung function. (now at 63%)--will I continue to lose this amount each year? I.ve just been prescribed Spireva but too early to tell if any benefit yet
would like to know how long I can livewith this?
any help much apprieceated--ta
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I expect it won't be long before you get lots of usefull information from lots of people in the meantime why not give BLF a ring on 0300 030 555.
*polly
p.s. I have had "diagnosed" emphysema for 20+ years so probably much longer and I'm
still here 
thank you Polly!
I.ve been looking at emphysema on the internet and keep reading that life expectancy is only 4 years--(scary)--feel better now xx
Hi scaredycat, never believe everything you read on the internet and that is absolute rubbish, should never have been written.
Who ever gave you the diagnosis should have explained all about emphysema and also told you where and from whom you can get help to teach you how to manage it.
It is basically looking after yourself, healthy food, excercise and taking your meds properly.
Stay on this site, always plenty to learn and some amazing people on here.
*polly
Not all the internet is rubbish it is really good here with lots of people that know what it means living with a lung condition, if you use the search box (top right of the screen ) you can read positive experiences of managing your health.
ps welcome
Hiya Scaredycat...
I'm new to this website too, I've only been here a day or two...)
I've been diagnosed for six years and have also battled with smoking to quit, but managed to do so in Jan '10. I've got quite severe COPD and am looking at getting on the Waiting list for a lung transplant in the future.
when i stopped smoking it did continue to get worse for a while but did soon stabilize, it is a progressive disease though but nothing with get you to the grave quicker than smoking, so you're already a Winner there. I'm not sure but my Lung rate is about 18% i think and my Peak Flow reading is below 90 at normal, which is usually hospitalization for normal Patients but for me it's normal living...)
I get out everyday, I now have a Scooter that gets me about from A to B during the day. I open my mouth everyday and talk about how I'm feeling and how my disease affects me and this keeps me on top of my game, i get honest about whats going on for me today and don't do the strong silent 'I'm OK' attitude no more!! lol
My breathing has really just stabilized really since I've stopped smoking and have worked on new ways to cope with COPD symptoms and day to day problems.
i live alone in my own flat which is ground floor and i have a garden too. Life is so much better than it was when i first got diagnosed.
i hope that you keep positive and don't worry too much is we are prone to do this a lot too) lol X
Hello scaredycat and welcome to the group
There are lots of people here who defy the 4yr you've seen on the internet I'm at the 13year stage (with severe COPD) and life is still good for me in spite of the inhalers, oxygen, tablets etc. You will find your own routine eventually and adapt to the situation. A positive attitude towards your health is vital though as is taking note, and putting into practice, the recommendations from the health professionals.
If you need a morale booster at any time, then we're all here to provide it
Keep on keeping on .......
Exercise, exercise, exercise !
I believe the 4 year 'deadline' ('scuse the pun) is for those that continue smoking but nothing is written in stone especially where humans are concerned. Your condition will continue to decline fairly quickly until you 'plateau' and then you will decline only at a rate similar to a healthy person of the same kind of age, but of course, at lesser ability. In the 5 years since my diagnosis (and the cessation of smoking) I have declined from 31% FEV1 to around 25% now and it is holding steady, so your figures are quite good. I actually feel better in myself now than I did 3 years ago, but a lot less capable of course. I too thought I was never going to last 5 years, but here I am, still annoying all and sundry! One of the main reasons for this is I am now more confident & positive with my condition having learned as much as there is to know.
I would be wary of comparing yourself with others, as no two people are alike, but if you can gain confidence from them, that is a major plus.
You have a degenerative disease and nothing can change that but you can learn to manage it. It takes time and you will need to be very positive when all seems doom and gloom. The people on this forum are very supportive and your respiratory nurses are always there for advice and help.
The good thing is, there is much more awareness and support than there was even 5 years ago, so things can only get better, as the song goes...
Best,
Baron
many thanks to all who answered---feel much more confident now xx
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Emphysema
emphysema 
Emphysema 
Emphysema
Emphysema
