COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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/ COPD & Emphysema Support Group

Newly diagnosed

angelab
angelab

hi...been diagnosed at A&E department 2 days ago with emphysema, I went to GP with what I thought was a pulled muscle from a cough only to be sent to A&E 1 x-ray and ct-scan, 6 hours later was told I have a lung disease was given antibiotics and a letter to take to GP and sent home, obv I opened letter which says I have emphysema, attended GP who have arranged sprometry test and referral to respiratory clinic also been given an inhaler to use if I need it, I do become short of breath at times, just walked up and down stairs to see how many times i can do it before start getting breathless, (6 times up and down 13 steps) I recovered from breathlessness within 1 min without inhaler, I was a smoker until 2 days ago when was told this news, I will never put another cigarette in my mouth again, I have a fairly active job where I am on my feet mobile for 4 hours a day, which I have done without any problems, I am looking for any info or help with what I can do to give myself the best quality of life and who to turn to for help. I am based in U.K., 

zelli
zelli
Hi Angel,

It sounds to me that you have a very mild start to COPD. Just make sure you stay away from cigarettes, that will keep it from getting worse.

It was caught early enough keep exercising and you should be fine.
angelab
angelab
Thank you that’s my plan for now, only worry is letter to GP said severe emphysema but I personally show no physical signs so staying positive, any advice on diet or excersize be welcome, as for cigarettes I am certain I will never have another again,
sophie777
sophie777
Hello, never joined anything before but I’m so distraught with diagnosis today. I’m 47 and have been smoking since 16, so in the back of my mind I knew something would happen. Apparently I’ve got mild emphasima. What should I do now? Quit smoking of course but what specific daily life changes? Thanks
mchughirene
mchughirene
Just stopping smoking will slow progression of this disease.......That is the best thing you can do for yourself
regwin
regwin
Also Try not to be around second hand smoke.
Marjorie
Marjorie
Don't smoke and stay away from second hand smoke. Get into a good pulmonologist and have lung testing done. From there do what your doctor prescribes. Keep physically active. It is really important to keep your body tuned up, your muscles use less O2 when they are used regularly. Pay close attention to people who are sick and stay away from them. Wash your hands a lot, expecially at work. The more you can do now the better off you wil be down the road. If you do get a cold get your doctor on line with you on how best to treat it. Be very proactive in how you treat yourself and be careful when around young children. Good luck, live long and prosper!
mszach
mszach
You got some great advice here from some smart people. Just wanted to add a congrats for quitting smoking, definitely a good not an easy thing to do. Hang in there!