37 male, stage 3 emphysema, scared
Hi all, newly diagnosed here. On February 24, I officially quit smoking as I was losing my breath just getting dressed. I've been smoking since I was 14 so about 23 years.I watched my dad die from this and lung cancer in 2011, I should of quit then. I feel pretty dumb. I have been seeing doctors for months due to fatigue and little pains here and there. Went to Pulmonologist on May 4th and I was diagnosed with stage 3 emphysema.
Anyways, the dr called me about 45 mins after my appointment to tell me this, but I was eating lunch with my mom, and I was trying not to freak out in front of her. He asked if I could talk or had any questions and I stupidly said no. I wish I would have asked questions cause now I really know nothing. I have an appointment with my primary tomorrow.
Anyways, the report says I have obstructed and restrictive defect on pfts. The blowing tests were hard, I felt like I was going to pass out. My fev1 was 0.9, 52% predicted. Fvc was 1.3L 50%. The fev1/FVC ratio was 73%.
I have no idea what any of that means. Trying to look things up but it gets overwhelming.
Now that I've quit smoking i feel much worse, and I keep getting pains at bottom of rib cage and feel completely swollen inside.
I think I'm scared mostly cause 2 years ago I had an xray that showed nothing, now all the sudden this?! The worst part was telling my mom and brothers considering what happened to our dad.
Since diagnosis day I have been so busy I've had no time to myself, or to really process, and trying to act strong for my mom. I think, if things work out this weekend I may take a trip and "process".
Sorry so long and thank you for the welcome. It's nice to finally get this off my chest.
Oh I'm taking Spiriva Respimat 2x in morning then ventolin 2 puffs every 4 hours. I also take omeprezole for reflux, and losartan for blood pressure.
Hi TKemp81 and thanks so much for following up here with your medical history. It can certainly be a lot to process being newly diagnosed with COPD at your age and stage. We have an entire community here that understands what you're going through, so you've come to the right place.
As we move forward, if and when you're interested, we can provide you with links to articles about COPD that may be of interest to you since you've stated you want to learn more about this disease.
Ease yourself in gradually and you'll begin to learn about this condition. The more you know, the better able you will be to manage it in concert with your physician(s).
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator)
I am also stage 3 for past 7 years was stage 1 and then 2 since 1994. If you are an x smoker you can expect to lose about 9 years off your life span (on average). However, my father lived to be 96 with severe emphysema from about 80 and 4th stage for about 7 years before his death. my fev is 1.2 ..essentially I have 47% lung capacity. I am 64. I kayak, I can bike about 40 minutes, swim 3 times a week and workout in the pool 30 minutes, walk 40 minutes a day. I continued to smoke for 15 years after my diagnosis in 95..it was not explained to me as back then it didn't seem to be a big deal. To reduce fear you must take control of what you can. Excercise is crucial to living longer and well, as is a healthy diet, inhalers, flu shots and avoiding sick people. Although i am limited at times and also scared part of the time, if you do the things that give you the best chance to maintain quality of life you will feel better and less afraid. I work and was wearing an n95 mask to fly when I travelled before covid came along. You can still have a good life. stop smoking, avoid triggers, deal with chest infections by seeing a doctor and using antibiotics when you need to. Stay active! Also check out Buteko breathing and other breathing exercises on utube etc. Take vitamine d and an omega.
Hi, I am 75 and was diagnosed with stage 3 3.5 years ago. Last test was 2 months ago and still no change. I get short of breath in a hurry but not from lack of oxygen. Testing coming up fro my heart. As has been stated many times this disease is different for about everybody. Take care.
Thanks for sharing that! Wishing you a peaceful evening and a successful heart test. Please do let us know how it goes if you're able. - John M. (COPD.net Team)
