Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi a few weeks ago i had a ct scan because i am loseing 2kgs a month, i got results a few days ago no cancer found but some bowl problem and was told i have mild emphysema and he just said i take it you smoke ? never said stop or see chest specialist so really confused what to do.
I don't have any shortness of breath just yet.
I read online it says you could only live 1 or 2 years so that's scary.
1 like, 67 replies
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john80670
Posted
Little update just been and done a 2 mile walk first time for many many years going to do this 5 times a week if it's not raining.
marc58326 john80670
Edited
Hi John,
How are you getting on?
john80670
Edited
Fine and you
marc58326 john80670
Edited
Hi John,
Glad you are good. I was asking as i read your story on here. I have recently had a CT Scan that has shown very mild emphysema. i have been told by two doctors that this will not affect me as i stopped smoking 5 yrs ago and exercise daily. I am 45 perfect weight for height and a father to a young son, who i want to help grow into a fine young man.
i am scared and wondered how you were getting on since your diagnosis. Has your COPD progressed or are you still good?
i want and would love to know.
Thanks
Marc
john80670
Posted
I was told about 5 years ago also that i had emphysema. i did stop smoking and they do say it helps but mine is getting worse but i am almost 61 some people progress faster than others, but i still do everything that i use to which is good and it sounds like your doing all the right things to.
Since i got told i have now got a big list of other problems list below.
Emphysema
Diabetes type 2
Gallstones
Acid reflux
Cataracts both eyes
High blood pressure
Enlarged prostate
ingrowing toe nails
Mild to moderate bilateral osteoarthritis
Common bile duct from gallbladder 11m instead of 3m
marc58326 john80670
Posted
Hi John,
i am glad that you are well or as well as you can be and well done for stopping smoking. I have heard that stopping smoking is the best thing you can do . Also our lungs will naturally decline , so maybe it's just normal decline that you are experiencing? You were diagnosed as Mild 5 yrs ago are you still mild?
I spoke with a lung specialist last night and he advised me that this CT Scan likely found scarring that is old as i quit 5 yrs ago. He doesnt think this is likely to progress .... i am hoping that is the case ajd will continue to exercise out of necessity now rather than enjoyment lol. Do you exercise and has this helped?
Thank you for your reply. Its good to talk.
john80670
Posted
Yes they told me mine was scaring on my lungs. and when i stopped my lung function went up to 70% 3 years later 40% and i think now it's about 30% I don't do exercise never have only do jobs on vehicles and around the house.
marc58326 john80670
Edited
Hi John,
Thanks for replying to me.... 30% lung function. What is that like and what caused such a dramatic fall in lung function, do you know?
I spoke with my GP again who stated in 26 years of caring and managing people with emphysema, everyone who stopped smoking slowed the progression of their condition and lung function decline normalised quite quickly... if they stopped early enough.
I have a young son and dont fancy trying to be a great dad with 30% lung function. Any advice on how i should move forward, what would you do different for example?
I am trying to stay positive and am getting some health psychology and have decided rather than worry make the most of everyday. I feel so well at present and healthy. i hope that this will stand me in very good stead.
Take Care and thank you agaun for replying despite everything you have going on.
All the best and speak soon.
Marc
john80670 marc58326
Posted
im not really sure why it dropped so much could my age i am 60 almost 61. but i stopped straight away when i got told i had emphysema and like i said my lung function went up at first and then 2 or 3 years it went down.
I do work 16 hours a day everyday even xmas day and get lots of stress which is bad for anyone.
So if you can avoid stress keep active don't smoke hopefully you should be fine. are you in UK or the states
marc58326 john80670
Posted
Hi John,
You still work 16 hours a day!!! what is it you do for work? I am in the UK up in Scotland, what about you?
Yeah im hoping the healthy lifestyle will help but im also gonna try and focus on what all those in better paid positions than me have told me. That is put this behind you and get on with life.
Still going to the psychologist because you just don't know what can happen and maybe i will learn coping strategies or something. How do you cope? It does sound like if you can work 16 hours a day you are still functioning well, is that right?
I have been told that finding emphysema in a ct scan with people who smoke is quite common and alot of people would never have known.
I think you stopping smoking was the best thing that you did. i am hoping that as i stopped 5 yrs ago the worst of my damage is all done and the lung decline normalises. My Fev1 the now on a home hand held device is 85-96% of normal and i will test that next year to see what is happening. What symptoms, if any are you experiencing now and do the inhalers make yoh feel better?
Thanks for taking the time to reply when your so busy. Hope this message finds you well and speak soon.
Marc