Emphysema

[livingwith]

At the beginning of my path of being a chronically ill man, I had a this cannot happen to me attitude.I was 100% in denial.It took me over a year from my first x-ray to even go back to the doctors again.When I did go back,the Dr. told me he wanted to do a bunch of computer type tests on me and they did everything from take my blood to make me blow in this hose and keep on blowing keep on blowing keep on blowing till I was white in the face.I kept going back for about 6 months doing tons of testi...Read the full article

[fredy]

Rodney, Just recently found out I had emphysema. Not looking forward to the future as of now. Guess I am a little scared, smoked for about 40 years and worked in sand dust for quite a few years also. Back then you figured nothing could hurt you. DUH! My father also suffered from this. He was on oxygen till the end. He never said a word to me about what he was going through. I do know toward the end shaving was even hard for him.
Anyway I was getting tested for heart blockages and the xray showed my lung problems. Took a breathing test like you talked about blowing, they said I had 103 year old lungs. I haven't smoked in 4 or 5 weeks now. Used Chantix. It worked well for me. Haven't been back to the doctor yet either to discuss any of this. Still trying to figure it all out. Not sure what to do yet. I am still able to work doing stairs is tough other than that doing well. It is going to change I know this. I want to be ready for it then. Anything you can think of let me know.
As for your question. That is tough, everyone wants to live , but we are going to die no matter what, I think we are living to die.
Good luck.
Fredy

[barbi]

I don't know. I have the very same questions. If you find out let me know please. Barbi

[fredy]

Barbie, You might as well tell us your story.

[jnita]

I was admitted to the hospital in 2000. Was told I had COPD, had never heard of this before. Did research and learned all the warnings, but did not take heed. Kept on smoking, but became a closet smoker for a long time. Doubt if I really fooled anybody but myself. Then in 2004 I had spinal fusion, which took about one year to recover. I came home from the hospital on oxygen. I did O.K. at 2.5 liters and could go for hours without the extra oxygen. Continued to smoke, but not nearly as much. Then in June 2008, I started having strange symptoms like confusion, anger, dropping stuff, headache, hands shaking, weak legs, and denial that anything was wrong. During the night, I tried to get to the bathroom and fell, my legs wouldn't hold me. My husband got me back in bed, but not for long, because I tried again; same thing again. On my third attempt, I fell and broke my ankle. It was at this point my daughter call 911. I don't remember anything from the time the rescue squad people put me on the stretcher until two days latter when I woke up in intensive care. My oxygen level was at 60% when I was brought in. Needless to say, I was very close to dying. After three weeks in the hospital and physical rehab, I went home a non-smoker. Then on 3.5-4.5 liters of oxygen. I also had to use oxygen 24/7. I was put on a CPAP machine, but I didn't like it, so I refused to use it. Well, in May 2009, I ended up in intensive care again. This time was very unexpected because I thought I was doing good. The doctor informed me to get my affairs in order. I was told I would be back again and that next time I might not make it. I was diagnosed with "End Stage Emphysema". This time I was put on 4.5-5.0 liters, Prednisone (down to 10mg./day now), Advair, nebulizer every 4 hours and a put on a BiPap machine during sleep. I have to take a nap every day using the BiPap (which helps a lot), can't go anywhere without oxygen and I loose my breath very easily upon exertion. My entire way of life has changed and all of the things I used to enjoy are out of the question. I use a "rolater" to carry my oxygen tank and to give me support when walking and a place sit when needed. It has become a real hassle to do anything.
For the record, I have not smoked since June 19, 2008, after smoking form about 30 years. I am a female 58 years old. I have wanted to talk to other people that have the same problems I have with emphysema, but I can't seem to locate anyone. That is why I was excited to see this new website.
In answer to your question, in my case, I told my sister that at least when I die, I won't feel any pain, because I will be in a coma anyway. I don't remember anything from the last two times I was in a coma, so hopefully, it will be same when my time comes. Oh, by the way, I spoke with my family doctor of many years and he said not to get depressed over the news, because I could live for another 10 to 15 years, but I do have my affairs in order. I hope I have not rambled on too much and I have helped you. Keep your spirits up.

[fredy]

Hi Jnita, Freddy here. It actually made me feel better know there are other people out there feeling the same way we do. Numb I think the word is. Your right cant happen to us. Im still smoke free since the first week of sept. Probably the first thing i did right for a while. If you stop and think we should have been more aware about our bodies changing. Seemed like stairs got steeper to me still went up the same way but had to breath a little heavier after going up. Now you have to breath a lot to get to where you feel comfortable and you really didnt have to work hard to get out of oxygen.
I Started to notice things a few years ago but blew them off.Should have paid more attention. Im not on oxygen yet but feel it wont be long. Since I gave up smoking you would thing things would get better, Now Im able to to take deeper breaths but dont seem to be getting any more air. Its really weird. Also forgetful started a while ago. Now its forgot, cant remember important things. I work in maintenance as an electrician. Lots of days its all a person can do to solve problems that a year ago you didnt have to think. It has to be lack of ogxgen. My wife is trying to get me to exercise , we found out there were a couple heart blockages too. Anyway I really dont feel like walking the damage is already done cant reverse anything i guess. Like I said before can take deeper breaths doesnt make any difference. Well I talked your ear off enough for one night. Ill be looking for any new messages. Nice talking to you. If I dont hear from you , good luck. Freddy

[jnita]

Freddy,
Hi, it's Jnita. Do yourself a favor and get an oxygen concentrator at home. Use it at night when you sleep and during waking hours when you are short of breath. It will not only help your lungs, but your heart also. You will need a doctor's prescription to rent the machine or if you have enough money, you can buy one, but they are costly. Renting is the best way, they service and check up on them. But please, get a good pulmonary doctor and listen to what he says. You have taken the best first step and stopped smoking. Yeahhhh!
I only wish I had stopped years ago, but I can't change it, so I keep doing whatever I have to to stay on this earth a while longer. By the way, exercise is important. Those stairs....take them slow, but keep trying. Get oxygen supplements and keep going.
Best of Luck,
Jnita