Kind of funny in a way

I just wanted to quit smoking . I signed up for a smoking cessation program from my health care coordinator. They sent me patches and lozenges but I had to see a doctor to go on the medication that I picked . It works mind you . 3 years ago I was worried about my swollen ankles and developed cellulitis the same doctor said here is some antibiotics try to elevate your feet as much as possible and that there was nothing she could do about the swelling. Then came the visit for the medication for smoking cessation last month. She took some blood and listened to my lungs the usual and said do you have any problems or concerns , I said my ankles are still swelling up ! All of a sudden she gave me a E.K.G. and sent me to the hospital for a chest x ray and breathing test . I left the hospital and the doctor called right away and said my results were normal. I went to the follow up last week and she said everything came back normal but the breathing test. Seems I have Severe COPD ! She said it was causing the problem with my ankles because my heart is working harder to get oxygen to my organs and they aren't getting enough to work effectively . She gave me a referral to a specialist I have to see on the 7th.I just wanted to quit smoking ! I thought the shortness of breath was my age creeping up on me ,I'm 58. I would have never known I had COPD If I didn't decide to quit and that is what is funny ! Please don't smoke and if you read this and have any shortness of breath go to the doctor don't attribute it to age. There are a lot of older people that can run circles around me !