Early Stage of Emphysema

By jeanz61

1 min read

I'm 58 years old and was diagnosed with emphysema two years ago after a CT scan. I was a smoker for for 35 years. I quit for five years and started back up.

It's been roughly 2 years since I quit for the final time. I'm not sure what stage I'm in because I have no symptoms... yet. I'm on an inhaler twice a day.

When I was first diagnosed I did a lot of reading to understand what it was and how to treat it. Sadly there is no cure, only things you can do to slow the progression of the disease. I'm hoping to be able to find information here and be able to share with others who are going through the same thing. Wishing everyone well.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Jeanz61, and thanks for sharing your story here with the community. You have certainly come to the right place. Here on our site, we are all about all things COPD and COPD related. Let me congratulate you on quitting smoking (for good!), and now being smoke free for the past two years. That is a genuine accomplishment. We have a wealth of information here and should you need assistance with anything, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. I do hope you find it to be helpful. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
jcupdike Member
I think a pulmonary rehab program is your best bet to determine what your numbers are and what you can expect to achieve. Learning how to breathe is the best friend you have. Staying clear of pollution is always a good idea. You can live very well with what you have so long as you try to be physically stronger. The rehab program is how to learn about that.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi JCUpdike, and thanks for lending you own support and encouragement here. We appreciate your feedback to the community. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. Barbara Moore Moderator
 Hi JCUpdike, You are correct in saying that rehab is the best bang for your buck! It is very hard for those that are initially diagnosed to find a common ground and Rehab is the ticket. It sets you up for success in your future and helps your overall quality of life. Thank you for commenting about your positive results of rehab. We appreciate your feedback Barbara Moore (site moderator)
duchess15 Member
This is probably one of the hardest illnesses to diagnose because even doctors aren't sure. I have a similar story to yours, after a bout in the hospital with pneumonia I was told I had COPD, however, my primary said no you don't have any of the symptoms. That was probably 20 years ago, 4 years ago I got very sick (shingles in my mouth and on my face) as I was recovering from that congestive heart failure reared it's ugly head, my primary sent me to cardiologist who said I was fine but should see pulmonologist. I am now 4 years later already very severe but during the last 3 years having been holding steady. Thankful for even that, still no symptoms except breathing. Go figure.
bhernandez Member
Yes im 58 copd stage 4 emphysema not sure what stage just last week had scan haven't seen results last scan last scan 3 yrs ago im nervous because i know i have gotten worse im not on oxygen my levels are good in middle 90's iv had breathing problem for about 20 yrs but at first and for many yes just had inhaler now i have rescue inhaler powder form inhaler and breathing treatment every 4 hrs as needed it is very scary not being able to catch your breath and any physical movement gasping for air that really just got real bad in last 5 yrs yes im still a smoker of 45 yrs Hopefully 2021 will be the year i lay them down for good but will have copd and emphysema true there is no cure but can be managed somewhat with help from meds and dr prayers we all get better☺️