Asymptomatic Emphysema

I am 54 years old and female.  I have very recently been diagnosed with emphysema as a result of findings on a CT scan I had after an operation on my shoulder. The scan of my lungs looks pretty bad with a great many large holes.  Described by the radiographer and specialist as consistant with end stage emphysema.
I produce a completelyl normal spirometry results.  I was tested in hospital on a machine that measures my gas exchange and that is 64.2% out of a possilbe 75 to 100%.  I do not wheeze, run out of breath, get infections and or  suffer from lots of colds and flus, bronchitis and or asthma.  The only symptom that I suffer from is fatigue  which has increased in the past 18 months (and could have been related to many other problems).  Using a formula provided by the NHS to calculate my level of smoking the result is 20 per day for 25 years.
I am finding dealing with the finding difficult to take in because of the lack of symptoms.  Is this situation common?  I would dearly like to hear from others and for your comments

[lynnkay]

With end stage emphysema, I would think you would certainly be having symptoms. Each person though can be different though I assume. I was diagnosis in the moderate stage of COPD in Oct. 07. And I certainly did have symptoms. Tightness in the chest, wheezing, shortness of breath etc. I also was fatigued a lot more as well.

I really don't know what to suggest. The CT scan showed the emphysema and the gas exchange. But yet, the spirometry breathing test came back normal. Hmmmm. Possibly if you can get a second opinion. My family doctor diagnosed me with COPD by a lung xray and the spirometry. But, I still sought a second opinion from a pulmonary specialist. If you are left with any doubts in your mind, which you obviously are, then seek a second opinion.

I am praying for the best outcome on this for you. And please keep us posted here on the COPD forum. God bless