Emphysema and Confusion

By brucifer

2 min read

Went to a small rural hospital with some minor chest pains in February. Due to previous heart issues several test were performed and I spent the night. Home the next day with suggestion to see my Cardiologist also warned that on the chest x-rays there appeared to be some strange nodules. Saw my primary physician a few days later and set appointment to have a CT. CT radiologist and physician report both then confirmed no cancer but severe emphysematous changes- knew what that meant so off I went to the pulmo doctor Friday. Diagnosis severe emphysema. Basically stage three but further pulmonary testing to follow in next two weeks due to current sinus infection.

These test I also understand and know that they will determine a more exact prognosis/diagnosis but looking at the CT with doctor Friday it looks like "crap". Here is the problem with me and pulmonologist says it is because I have refused to allow myself to stop the normal activity I engage in have refused to just sit down and be on a steady road to death.

So- here is the confusion for me personally. Friday I also took a three hour series of heart test which included a treadmill stress test which I passed with flying covers- much winded when finished but recovered fairly quickly. Since February I have walked a mile every day and most days a mile and a half. Can do my own 6minute walk test and walked 1868 feet which I thought was not bad. Exercised a little at doctor office and oxygen level from rest to exercise finish never below 91. Folks I saw the CT and it does look bad so why am I able to do the walking and other things without the shortness of breath- and I do mean no real shortness of breath- tired at the end and do rest for a few minutes to recover but otherwise doing fine. Mucus production and removal with sinus infection is a major disaster but will not go into that here-Meds for that started Friday for that.

So here it is 68 year old male, smoked for 52 years, previous heart issues but meds keep that part good. Have not smoked since February 26 and never will again- just simply said stop!! Walk every day- BMI-26.0. Opinion wanted about what you folks think my life span may be- the one thing I am really concerned with!!!!!

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Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
Brucifer - while I certainly can't predict life-span, I will say it sounds like for someone who has been told your lungs look terrible, you continue to prove them wrong! Remember that everyone is different and how one persons body deals with something is not necessarily the "norm". Your system may be able to tolerate something someone else's can't. It sounds like you've kept up an excellent routine of exercise. The fact that you quit smoking is a tremendous plus!! Congratulations on that! Try to keep a positive attitude and don't think of this in terms of "how long do I have?" Rather, try to live each day and accomplish what you feel like you can do. As you pointed out, you're only 68 years young - you have a lot of living to do still. Regards, Lyn (site moderator) 
1. brucifer Member
 The "how long" do I have has really gnawed at me since Friday. The very fact that I do not have a paternal relative who has lived beyond 55 (all heart including brother) so as you can see I should be blessed but mentally I am struggling. I think I will eventually get thru this part but if it gets too hard I will talk to therapist. Thanks for advice.
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Brucifer - I agree 100% with Lyn's reply. From what you've shared with us candidly, you sound like you have a good road in front of you. As we get older, it's natural to wonder 'how long do I have?' It's best not to dwell on that but just to live our lives to the fullest. I hope you will find you'll be struggling with your question less and less and moving forward with a good attitude and positive outlook more and more! Wishing you the best, Leon (site moderator)
wandat Member
Hi, Brucifer. I went through the fear, and how long stages when I was first diagnosed. I found a great deal of encouragement reading several posts on here, written by Derek Cummings. He was diagnosed in the late 1980's and is still with us. It sounds like you have things well in hand with your exercise routine. Keep the faith.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Wanda and thanks for your post. I'm sure Brucifer will appreciate hearing from another community member as well. Warmly, Leon (site moderator)