Diagnosed at Twenty????

[Mandy550]

My left lung collapsed and I needed surgery to repair it. The surgen told me on my last day in the hosp. that He had dx me with COPD with moderate emphysema. My question is this: Are there any other 20 yr- 30yr olds who have COPD??

[zodiacqueen]

Yes, this is definitely possible!  This happens when someone has the genetic form of emphysema called Alpha Antitrypsin Deficiency.  Usually that genetic form doesn't usually show up until someone is around 40 yrs old, but it'll show up earlier in someone who smokes.  If you smoke, you MUST stop.  Sorry for the lecture, but this can't be stressed enough!  

If you haven't already-get tested for the genetic form.  They can give you IV replacement therapy to prevent this from getting worse.  Do as much research as you can, and do everything in your power to live as healthy as you can.  Stay out of smoky places, too, cuz the second hand smoke can cause further damage to your lungs.

I know this must be emotionally tough for you.  Reach out to people as much as you can to stay on an even keel.

Wishing you the best!!!

ZQ

[GMAN_RADIO]

It is not as uncommon as you think, and  the chances of it being 1-Alpha Antitrypsin Deficiency are low, although it's possible...so get a test. I am 31 and I started having trouble in my early 20's...although I did not know what was going on at the time. I have worked in radio since I was 14, and up until just a few years ago, everybody smoked while they were on the air. I also had and have a big Love for pot, which hasn't helped. I also smoked cocaine for a 2 year period...and that was 10 years ago. Since my wild days were behind me, I figured I got out without a scratch...wrong. In December of 2007, I started having chest pains...I let it go on for about 2 months before I broke down and went to the doctor. I thought it was my heart, but my Doctor didn't. He sent me for a chest x-ray...that showed something funny, so I then had a ct and was sent to a pulm doctor...they found a giant and a few small bullae on my left lung. I was also diagnosed with COPD. The large bullae had grown into my chest cavity around my heart tissue...they did a thoracotomy and removed the giant bullae and a few of the small ones. My copd is mild to moderate according to my doctor. I still work and know one has any idea...I don't talk about it much. However, I am honest enough to say, I did it to myself. I think if I can make it out of my 30's I will be doing good, however, the progession seems to have slowed and the bullae surgery helped a lot. I don't know what happens next, but I think how we take care of our health,and our attitudes mean everything. I haven't met many folks on this board with bullae, but i sure hope this brings more out! would love to hear other ages and stories!

[Lilkim703]

There is a disease called LAM (or Lymphangioleiomyomatosis) the affects women of childbearing age.  It often goes misdiagnosed as emphysema or asthma.  It is rare but there are many women who find out about it between 20 - 30 years old after having a collapsed lung.  You may want to mention it to your pulmonologist - it can be diagnosed via CT scan.  People with this disease have blebs scattered througout their lungs.