Posted , 7 users are following.
I had a chest xray 2weeks ago due to getting more and more breathless and coughing all day and night. Phoned for the results today and was told the xray was normal. How can it be normal if I have Copd. I'm confused any help would be appreciated
0 likes, 23 replies
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larry49033 Twenty_one
Posted
21, I've felt that way and my x-ray showed Pneumonia. Is your Dr. a Pulmonary Specialist ? What meds are you currently taking ? Do you have any other medical problems that could be contributing to this problem ? What stage is your COPD right now ?
Twenty_one larry49033
Posted
My Dr isn't a specialist. I have diviculittis also but it has nothing to do with the cough. The med I'm on are spiro inhaler and ventolin. Dr said I have moderate Copd but I haven't had a full nights sleep for over 6 months due to waking up coughing out of breath and bringing up phlegm. But I have to admit I can't give up smoking a d the more I worry the more I smoke
Twenty_one
Posted
larry49033 Twenty_one
Posted
21,
Cigarettes also were my best/worst friend. They ruled my life so much that it was not uncommon for me to out at 3 AM, in ice and snow to purchase my brand. Quitting "cold turkey" was very difficult and after 45 years of smoking the withdrawal was an ordeal, but I had to break the habit or die. I just celebrated my 2 year anniversary
Today I have Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. I've lost 70% of my lung function and have constant mucus problems.
Please, you must be strong and quit as soon as possible. The longer that you wait the more non-reversible damage you do.
Twenty_one larry49033
Posted
aitarg35939 Twenty_one
Posted
Usually COPD isn't diagnosed from xrays but from pulmonary/lung function tests which are also called spirometry. They need to be treating your cough and there are plenty of meds for that.
If you smoke, stop now.
Twenty_one aitarg35939
Posted
I had a spirometry done again last year and Dr said it was moderate Copd and yes I'm afraid I'm still smoking and I know it's going to make everything worse but I'm finding it so hard to do. But thank you for the reply.
aitarg35939 Twenty_one
Posted
Contact your country's lung foundation. There's tons of help for quitting smoking and it all starts with a plan.
suzley Twenty_one
Posted
tom47385 Twenty_one
Posted
You need a spirometry , Lung function test a CT scan which is much more detailed and give the doctors a three-d image compared to an x-ray ehich is one dimensional.
You also need to see a specialist pulmologist whith at the least yearly appointments to check progress.
Can I just point out to you, I am moderate Bronchiectasis/Asthma/Emphysema and for years told at clinic lungs are good now they are not.
I believe and my consultant agrees, that, since I retired I am not as heavily active although my diet has improved.
What I am sayig to you is, you can make things better for yourself with Exercise, healthy diet, and fighting for your rights.
I would also strongly advise you to ask your GP or Pulmologist / consultant to arrange for PR Pulmonary rehabilitation who will learn you about Lung clearance pacing yourself etc.
You can stop it in it`s track for many years just by doing the right thing and in some cases gain back some lung function.
I hope this and all the other advice from other members inspires you to get fit and stick two fingers up at COPD.
Wishing you better health.
Tom.
Twenty_one tom47385
Posted
Thank you I will go see my GP demand to see a specialist and have the test you've mentioned. My GP seems to just give me antibiotics and steroids almost every 6 weeks and as you can imagine my weight had ballooned.
Elorac74026 Twenty_one
Posted
Hi 21. I also have had an all clear on my x-rays. Spirometry excellent, not even mild asthma. However, I have emphysemic changes showing in my lungs on a scan. To be honest I don't have a pulmonary specialist but have this week begged my GP to refer me as I am confused about if I have it now or not. I have managed to give up smoking by going cold turkey believe me it's not easy but it is worth it. I have borrowed a bike and now I can manage 20 minutes cycling. I still get breathless going upstairs and simple things like hanging out washing, not sure why I can manage a bike ride but struggle with simple things. However, my reason for writing this is to try to encourage you to give up smoking it is THE best thing you can do to help yourself. Only you can make that decision. It is not easy, I am on week 21 and still struggle, so I know with the right encouragement you can do it, one day at a time. Good luck.
Twenty_one Elorac74026
Posted
Thank you I've found being on this forum is giving me encouragement. I've started with an e cigarette to see how I get on. But everyone says you must go cold turkey.
aitarg35939 Twenty_one
Posted
You do not have to go cold turkey. Some do, some don't. But e cigs & vapes may be even worse for you. We simply don't know how they'll play out over time.
Calling your country's lung association can get you tons of free help with quitting. A plan is crucial. Patches, pills, gum & lozenges help tremendously for those of us who couldn't do cold turkey. The evil plastic straws are helpful if you need something to play with.
Good luck. Many of us have been through this & we're all pulling for you.
larry49033 aitarg35939
Posted
aitarg,
While we all agree that quitting smoking is the most important goal, in my opinion, patches and pills and gum only act as crutches that just prolong the withdrawal process. Having used them all at one time or another they do not force the smoker to fully commit to changing their behavior.
To quit the smoker has to come to the point that they are not willing to be under the control of the cigarettes any longer. Until/unless a smoker is ready to admit that the cigarettes have controlled their lives and that they are not willing to allow it to continue, quitting is very difficult. One has to win the mental battle (being psychologically addicted) before they can battle the physical addiction.
I and others are willing to stand by and give support to any that need a friend as they quit their dependence upon this unhealthy lifestyle. I'm willing to try to help anyone that needs a support-friend at a difficult time.
aitarg35939 larry49033
Posted
Gosh, Larry, i am so happy for you in your superior being! All those other things exist fir us mere mortals, for whom commitment to a plan is the 1st step. All those other things are supposed to be used for finite periods. But when it comes to keeping the smoke out of damaged lungs, that is the goal: keep smoke/vape/fumes out of the lungs. If someone gets stuck on the gum for longer than you think is appropriate, console yourself with your superiority.
Personally, i needed the permanent crutch of faith in the Lord to finally get me off cigs 11+ years ago, and to keep me off. Not giving up that crutch no matter how much it irks you.
Of course we're here to encourage & support! My support, however, lacks your sanctimony.
larry49033 aitarg35939
Posted
Unwaredted personal attacks are not only uncalled for, but could get you in trouble with this forum site. In addition, bringing religion into the mix, makes me wonder just what religion you are associated with.
After 45 years as a smoker, it's not superiority but personal experience from where I speak. One can lean upon any of the popular smoking cessation aids or whatever helps with the physical addiction (food, hard candy, plastic straws, etc.), but one must first commit to not letting cigarettes control your life any more. Not admitting that one was being controlled by cigarettes is the most common reason that so many fail to quit so many times.
If using phrases like "faith in the lord" or words like "irks" or "sanctimony" need to be a part of your platform, perhaps your the one that is being superior. My point: Relate your personal experience, but refrain from judging the post of others as if it were your place or right.
suzley larry49033
Posted
I know exactly where you are coming from. I was a pack-a-day smoker for 30-odd years. My ex and I decided that it would be good to give up because we were getting older and more vulnerable to illnesses, etc. We did a course to give up smoking - four nights in a row. It worked for both of us but only because we wanted to give up psychologically as well as physically.
From my personal experience, the psychological side is far harder than the physical. Think about it. The phone rings, I would grab my fags and lighter on my way to answer it. Tea/coffee was unacceptable without a fag to accompany it. A fag after a meal.
It worked for me - 23 years a non-smoker now. However, the people I feel sorry for are the ones who manage to give up but hanker for a fag forever after. Other people smoking set off the desire; but the psychological factor was by far the strongest.
I don't think Larry is being sanctimonious at all.
larry49033 suzley
Posted
Thank you, quitting is the end goal afterall. The battle of the mind is in my opinion the larger challenge, yet it gets so little attention. The gums, pills, patches and such get more attention I think because they get advertised by the Drug Companies. In fact if you fail to quit, they may be able to sell you another stop smoking product in the future.
My aid was Wintergreen Lifesaver hard candy. After a meal or when a craving would hit, I'd pop in one and soon the craving would ease. Even after 2 years, I can catch the smell of cigarette smoke outside a restaurant or store and I still can get a mini-craving as I continue on about my business. Sometimes I look back and can still see myself standing with the other smokers in a defiant stance.
500 years from now smoking will be looked upon as we today look back at how wrong bleeding was as a medical cure.
Elorac74026 Twenty_one
Posted
Hi 21, it's how you feel you can manage giving up smoking, personally I tried the vape but didn't like it, so I went cold turkey after really struggling to breath and just got to the crossroads and said it's now or never. I am still struggling and I have put on a lot of weight, I am back to work and doing well. There is light and the end of the tunnel. It's your decision, you go with what you are comfortable with, good luck. x