New here, also, apparent mild emphysema
Posted , 18 users are following.
Hi,
I smoked for many years; quit a lot, but still leaves 25. I am 57 and was diagnosed with mild emphysema last month. It was not a shock, but I am still in part denial and going day to day. I have been doing some walking (however, I live in a hot climate most of the year). I find that the main thing that brings on discomfort and some shortness of breath is the heat! I do get it other times, but seems manageable, not bad.
Here is my question: moved and sent for medical records. Doctor never told me that Ct scan showed early emphysema changes and mild bronchitis. I smoked on and off these last two years. I can't believe I was not told. Anyway, I had spirometry done and my PFT values are very good, I think 93 percent for my age. Pulmonologist says very unusual, but CT does show the COPD. She feels I need minimum treatment. I read that a normal PFT offers a good prognosis long-term. I pray that this is true.
Does anyone know anything about this type of situation?
Thank you!
4 likes, 49 replies
maryterese
Posted
melissa95059 maryterese
Posted
Hey I am just learning to how about this I am also 57 years old female and a smokes and Silas 25 I've had sinus infection throughout the years not thinking much of it I now came down two weeks ago very sick hard to breathe with chronic bronchitis and the x-ray showed beginning emphysema and the left lobe I think it is very scary I was in denial also for a long time the minute I got the x-rays back two weeks ago and they told me that take the cigarettes and I put them in water and throughout anything to do with cigarettes made a promise to my kids which are ground I will never smoke again I do not want to die I just pray that there is hope . I know there is a lot of medical treatments out there right now the doctor just wants to get me healthy in this bacteria infection cleared up so I'm on anabiotic's albuterol and steroids for a month then they said they will put me on a maintenance program I see people of had this 10 and 20 years it's just a very scary thing to come to the realization this has happened to me !!!!
aleta52970 maryterese
Posted
My doctor ordered a ct scan of my lung's because of my history of smoking. The report came back today and when the doctors office called me all that I was told was that I don't have any masses but I have a little bit of emphysema. I asked what that meant and was told they don't know that I would have to talk to my doctor. Then they said that the doctor wanted me to have another ct scan in a year. I understand how you feel. I feel totally lost, my question wasn't answered and the doctor didn't call me she had her secretaries call me instead and they don't know anything. I still don't know what they mean by a little emphysema. Sometimes I think the doctors don't really care. My doctor didn't even do a spirometry test. I don't where I stand right now. Maybe I should find another doctor.
PatDumas maryterese
Posted
Aleta52970.. Same exact thing here.
Doctor (really the PA that sees me in the Drs. office, had the receptionist call me after CT scan. Real fast: You have a few non suspicious nodules.. blah blah, and you have mild emphysema.
What?? What? Receptionist: "I'll go ask the PA.." What?
If mild emphys.is such a big deal, why don't the medical person who treats you tell it to you? What a way to start out the day, and ruin a relationship at a doctor's office I've been going to for 20 years. My female doctor of 20 years left recently, and I feel alone. She never told me to get a ctscan.
So. what now? I'm 68.. feel great.. Just love my thinking moments with a smoke.
Trying to stop gradually. Stay away from my fav chair in my garden that I love to smoke in, and stop in the car.
Just don't understand "mild" emphysema. Scary, and about to go in a panic.
Thanks all for being here. I've been reading a lot of posts, and now felt comfortable enough to write.
Pat at the NJ Shore Red Bank area.
pat33658 PatDumas
Posted
The exact same thing for me. I had a ct scan for another reason, and the report showed mild emphysemic changes. Person from the drs office called and said "you have emphysema". Didn't say to make an appointment with my doctor or anything. I, too, have been cutting down on the cigs - down to about 6 a day now. I have no symptoms. Seems like everything I read is all doom and gloom. I'm beyond depressed and scared.
dawnkitty pat33658
Posted
PatDumas dawnkitty
Posted
thank you Dawn..
I've been trying to read reputable things online here, and I thought an CT Scan, NOT an xray, was the definitive test for Emphys.
I wasn't told to go to the Pulmonologist.. just they said if I wanted to. What's with DRs today? Pass us along down the line... have a pigeon messenger tell us we have a disease...and look the other way when you tell them your having extreme, unhealthy anxiety.
Thanks so much! Pat in NJ
PatDumas pat33658
Posted
Thanks Pat 33.. I know how you feel. Truly, I'm not just saying that. I am dreadfully scared. You are good to cut down to 6 a day. I am taking more time... taking away 2 this week... 3 next week, and so on.
I think I'll make an appt for a spirometry test. And BLOW it away!!! :-)
Email me anytime ps dumas @ comcast dot net and we can make each other feel better.
Pat (Patricia)
PatDumas dawnkitty
Posted
dawnkitty, did you have a CT scan before the spirometry? I just was sent straight out to get the cT scan which supposedly diagnosis emphys. definatively. But, I never had a spirometry.
Hope you're ok..and not worrying too much. The worry is worse than the disease! All the best,
Pat
aleta52970 maryterese
Posted
Well I'm not going to worry myself sick over this. I smoked for 40 years and was just told that I have a little bit of emphysema. Don't really know what a little bit of emphysema is but I'm 70 years and I switched to Cheyenne flavored little cigars. I don't inhale them and I am just going to enjoy my smoke.
PatDumas aleta52970
Posted
I hear ya Aleta. Good attitude. At least you're not inhaling anything. I've started thinking about stopping. Trying to get in the habit of thinking about why I want to smoke each time I reach for one. Little bit of empha here too. Once you get on Medicare, they send you for every friggin test there is. I put it off until last week. Should of put it off. Don't want to know everything.
pat33658 PatDumas
Posted
PatD - how was the test? Did you get your results? I'm afraid to go for one, and hope my doctor doesn't make me!
PatDumas pat33658
Posted
Pat, I was already conned into taking the CT scan...that's where the mild emphys. was discovered. I'm not taking any more. Not even a spirometry test. Frig it. I've had enough doctors and 6 month regular checkups. For really no reason. If they take a brain test, It would probably come back that I'm nuts. :-) Pat33658, I know the fear you are feeling. Truly, I do.
Pat D.
aleta52970 PatDumas
Posted
You're right Pat the less you know the better you are. I was forced into getting the c-scan even though I told the doctor that I couldn't afford to get one. She told me my breathing sounds fine. So why then spend money on unnecessary test when you don't need them. I don't worry to much about things like this. Hang in there Pat, I'm sure you'll be ok.
PatDumas aleta52970
Posted
Thanks aleta! I'm getting better at being philosophical. Thank you for your warm wishes!
What's your status now?
aleta52970 PatDumas
Posted
I'm feeling fine. Don't go for another c-scan until next year. Just had cateract surgery and my breathing was fine. I really don't know if they really saw anything on my lungs or not. Sometimes I think they tell you these things to make you stop smoking.
PatDumas aleta52970
Posted
Good to hear that Aleta... ahhh... you know us smokers use every excuse in the book...:-) But, I do believe once you're on medicare they give you every stupid test in the book cause they can. Who wants to know everything, as I say?? Next test...probably for hangnails of Senior citizens! haa haa! :-)