A "Touch of Emphysema" ????

[CatieC]

My mother was diagnosed with a "touch of Emphyzema" (whatever that means) 3 years ago. Since her diagnosis she has been having a CAT scan every 6 months. This last CAT scan came back with a very slight change. Her doctors have not put her on any meds at this point. She has not been sick with any chronic respiratory sickness. she does cough every now and than but it's not chronic. She does try and exercise by walking everyday.

My question is should my mother be on meds at this point? And also does anyone have any comments on taking Glucosamine. I've read an article that stated this supplement will repair lung fiber damage. Should my mother be an any other supplements or vitamins.

I'm concerned and I would like to do what's best for her at this point while the disease is still in the early stages. I am so worried about her.

[lynnkay]

Dave is most correct in his post to you. It is understandable that any child would be highly upset and concerned for a parent that has been diagnosed with emphysema. And I admire both of you for that concern and love for your Mothers.

Both your parents are in the very mild stages of emphysema or COPD. If a person takes care of themselvs such as quitting smoking, then that person will live a normal life span. I promise!!!!!

I am in the moderate stage of COPD. More advanced than your parents. I was diagnosed 3 yrs. ago. My doctor told me that if I quit smoking, I even could expect to live to be an old woman.

Taking supplements could not hurt at all. I believe in the natural approach when necessary. I have a friend on here that has COPD as well. She highly recommends Vitamin B5 as well. Some may not agree with what I am about to say. But, this is from my own personal experience and struggles with COPD. After diagnosis, I was put on 3 inhalers. ProAir was my rescue inhaler. Spiriva is an inhaler that specifically treats COPD. And I was also put on Advair. I spent the sickest winter of my life while taking those inhalers. Bronchitis, pneumonia and pleurisy. About 6 months after being placed on these inhalers, I took myself off of the inhalers. And honestly, I have been doing just fine without them. No more bronchitis, pneumonia or pleurisy. I still keep my rescue inhaler though just in case. But, I never use it that often.

So, if I am in the moderate stage of COPD and doing this well, your Mothers will do even better. I do understand the being frightened of losing a parent. I lost my beloved precious Momma not quite 3 yrs. ago. She passed at age 69. She had the lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Much deadlier even than COPD. It is terminal and to date, there is no known med to treat it. My Momma passed away 4 mths. after a single lung transplant. It was our only hope, but the lung rejected. But, spend time with your Mothers and enjoy them. I miss my Momma dearly every single day. You both sound like excellent caring children though. I do not think you need my advice, to spend time with your Mommas. God Bless you both and especially your beloved Mothers.

[dave8888]

Just saw this post and want to tell you that my mother was diagnosed exactly the same " a touch of emphysema" about 5 years ago. Doc said at that stage it should not progress as long as she stops smoking. I of course tend to freak out whenever something goes wrong with mom so did days upon days of research and most of the medical field says as long as you immediately stop smoking and stay healthy (diet, excercise) it should stop the progression. My mother by the way was tested last month with the results being that it has not progressed. Just get momma to stay healthy and you should have her in your life for many many more years :). Take care and god bless