New COPD diagnosis
Hello everyone, I have just been diagnosed as having between stage 3/4 severe emphysema which I now know is the worst stages of COPD..I'm still in shock but not totally surprised as I have been a smoker for over 40 years...I'm 56 years old.
My main worry right now is trying to fully understand this new diagnosis as on a recent chest x-ray It showed i have a shadow on the upper part of my right
lung, upon a further CT scan it's now been confirmed as severe emphysema and my lung capacity is around 35 to 40%.
Obviously my doctor has recommended me to stop smoking and gave me some information on how to give up but my addiction is over 40 years old and not as simple as he thinks, I've also failed in the past giving up smoking so my main question is has anyone with my same experience as myself managed to stop smoking and how did you achieve it?
Sorry if I'm not explaining myself properly as I'm still trying to get my head around this new diagnosis and disease...
Thanks. Joe
Hi Joe (
). Welcome to the community. I'm glad you found us. Smoking is a powerful addiction. Many here will understand what you are going through. You'll find some in this community who were unable to quit and are still trying, but you will also find many, many people who thought they couldn't stop, but eventually found a way. Patience is key. As you noted, it's been 40 years. You might have to start over a few times, but it's definitely doable. Here is a general article about quitting that includes information about treatments: https://copd.net/pulmonary-rehab/lifestyle/quitting-smoking. This is a great place to start. Hopefully, others will chime in with their own experiences and offers of support. You will also find many people here who were diagnosed with late stage COPD and are still with us, living life as fully as possible, decades later. It's a scary diagnosis, but it doesn't have to control you. We're here for you whenever you need us. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) I'm 63, was diagnosed with a mild case/stage 1 around 5-6 yrs ago. I still work. I did quit smoking when I found out, using chantix. Chantix may not be for everyone. Example: one night I had 2-3 bad dreams. The next day, I said " thats it, I'm done. I also did a little research. Smoking is Not the only culprit. Being around chemicals can also contribute to it, ie:refineries, gas chamber. Yeah, I'm a veteran, been through the gas chamber made to take our masks off. I worked around 2 refineries over 18 years. Now my company put me in a different division. Sorry for the long story.
You are fine -- can write as much as you want. Your story is very interesting. And you are correct: smoking is not the only cause of COPD -- as there are many other things that you can inhale to cause it as well. I heard stories about people in the military going into gas chambers and having to take their masks off. Although I have not met anyone who has come this before your post here. I never thought about it causing COPD until your post here. But I bet you are right. I bet you have lots of interesting stories to tell? John. community moderator.
Thank you so much. There maybe more 😀
