Young and scared
Hi,
I'm not sure this is where I should be but here goes. I am a 31 year old female and I have been smoking for about 20 years. My doctor joked today and said I have actually been smoking all my life since my mother smoked while pregnant and both of my parents smoked indoors around me all the time. I read an article that led me to the doctors for some worrisome symptoms. A constant cough since January, a tight feeling in my chest and shortness of breath even during resting activities like reading bedtime stories to my children. Well he had me do the spiro test and my FEV1 was at 58 which is say indicates stage 2 copd and he referred me to the lung specialist. Does this mean I definitely have it? Can I change stages like go back to 1? I feel like I'm lost when I google things and I plan on discussing more with my doctor. I was in such a haze when he told me I kind of just smiled and thanked him. I'm sure all of this has been asked before and I apologize for this! Tomorrow is my start date for quiting smoking. so please wish me luck, and thank you a head of time for your input and advice.
-Glass
Hi Glass226, and thanks for sharing your story here.
First, I do want to wish you 'good luck!' as you begin to stop smoking, effective tomorrow! You can do this and, once you do, I'm sure you will feel like you've accomplished something significant!
Before you jump to conclusions, I would suggest you wait to hear what the lung specialist will have to say. No doubt, the pulmonologist will provide you with a complete workup - history and physical, diagnostic testing, evaluation, definitive diagnosis and then suitable and accurate treatment. What do you think?
There is so much we can do to lend support, but it will be best to wait and hear what the doctor has to say to you following your visit.
Please do check back and keep us posted as to your progress. We are all pulling for you and, know that you are always welcome here in our online community.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Hi Glass, in addition to the excellent reply my colleague Leon offered, I wanted to share with you a few resources we have about the early stages of COPD. While it is best to wait and hear definitely from your pulmonologist before you jump to conclusions about your own health, this might give you some general overview and information about stages 1 and 2 of COPD.
https://copd.net/clinical/early-stages-what-to-know/
https://copd.net/living/early-stage-treatment/
https://copd.net/living/tips-for-staying-healthy-early-stage/
How are you doing as you work to quit smoking? We are here to encourage you and cheer you on to success! Please keep us posted on how you are managing. Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (COPD.net team)
