Lung enlargement shock

I was diagnosed with copd about 15 yrs ago, I have since had several chest infections, wheezing attacks and breathlessness, but nothing that hospitalized me. I thought that I was doing well, despite continuing to smoke. I love singing and often go to a karaoke, unless my headaches stop me, I have many morning headaches but did not put them down to copd, even though I had to sleep with the window open come rain or shine.

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For the last few yrs I have not felt very fit, I have been breathless, tire easily and just lack of energy, I put this down to aging and the fact that most of my days begin with an awful headache. I have had a lot of rib pain and discomfort in my chest. Again, I put it down to aging. I would often get very dizzy when rushing about or having the dreaded cigarette, but I still did not recognize the signs, however on the 3rd of January this yr, I had the flu. I was left with a chest infection and I felt too weak to brush my hair.

After 2 lots of Amoxicillin and a course of steroids I was sent for a chest x ray, the result came back and I had a shock to learn that both my lungs had enlarged. I am now on long-lasting onbrez inhaler and ventolin when needed, I don't feel the ventolin gives me much relief, but it does help my peak flo go up a little. I am waiting to be a month clear of infection and then I will have my spirometry, lung function test to determine more about my stage of copd. I do feel very anxious and I have tried so hard to stop smoking, cutting it down quite a lot, but will be seeking support in being successful. I find this site helpful and supportive, so thank you for sharing your stories.

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