Does emphysema progress on its own?

[nctrucker]

Am I to understand that emphysema is a disease that will progress on its own, no matter what you do? I have quit smoking, but it worries me that the emphysema will get worse and there is nothing that will cure it. I do not want to live a life in which you have to struggle to breathe at the end stage. 8 months ago, I was diagnosed with what the doc said was a touch of emphysema, and he also said that it may get better over time if I stop smoking. I am not sure exactly what he meant, but I know emphysema is not reversable. I just wonder like everyone else first diagnosed with emphysema, and that is "How long do I have to live?" I have a wife that seems to think that it is not serious and she smokes. After a few months of being persistant, I managed to get her to only smoke in 2 rooms of the house. Don't anyone even try to tell me to play king kong to her about it, cause it is not easy to convince a smoker to not smoke in their own home. I used to be a smoker, so I know. I just hope that I will have a good many years left. I am 51 now, hope to make it at least 20 more or better.

[teko]

If you were diagnosed as mild and you since quit smoking, chances are the damage will reverse itself.  Yes it is a progressive disease but smoking accelerates it. Quitting smoking puts it down to normal progression, so you will probably never have a major problem with it. However, that includes inhaling second hand smoke.  I understand about smoking, I am one.  However, your wife also needs to understand that this disease is a killer and not to be toyed with. If she is smoking in the home have her do it near an open window or even get a smokeless ashtray. Every little bit helps.

[nctrucker]

I am going to the doctor today to take the breathing test again to see if the emphysema has changed any. I hope it will be good news. My wife thinks that my emphysema is not serious, therefore she is not concerned. But I explained to her that second hand smoke is like I am still smoking. I might as well talk to a brick wall. If I get worse, then I will blame her, but I already done it to myself for smoking in the first place. Wish me luck.

[Mom2RPJI]

Good luck at your appt.  And let us know how it goes.

My Dr said I didnt need a specialist yet because I have no symptoms.  I've noticed many don't see a dr.  

[teko]

Good luck with the Dr. appointment, let us know the results? Make sure you get a print out of the spirometry if he does one?

[nctrucker]

I just got back from the doc's office. He said my test was better than his. I then asked does that mean I have no emphysema? He said no, you do not. I felt like 200 pounds lifted off my shoulders. I am so happy. I was so worried for months. Quitting smoking improved my breathing. Thanks for the support everyone.

[Mom2RPJI]

OMG Im Sooooo HAPPY for you!!!!!!!!!!  Who told you that you had it in the first place???

That is great news!

[teko]

I am soooo happy for you! I know the kinda weight you speak of! You got a second chance, do not start smoking again! Congrats!

[nctrucker]

breathing test I did 8 months ago, doc said i had a touch of emphysema. he said if i stay away from smoking, it may get better. Only thing is, i live in southeastern north carolina, and the humidity is terrible. I smoked for 35 years, so it will take a few years for my lungs to clear. But, that is better than living with emphysema. Kinda hard to work outdoors in the heat and humidity. I wish all of you the best.

[Mom2RPJI]

Im confused how can you have emphasyma 8months ago and not have it now?  

[teko]

If it was just a touch and/or mild, and he quit smoking. It sometimes reverses if in the mild form only. At the very least by quitting smoking, progression drops to normal. However, if you are in mod or more this does not happen, but will still slow in progression if you quit smoking. I think that is how the doc explained it to me. lol

[nctrucker]

You got it right Teko. It will still take years for my lungs to repair. I wish I had never began smoking. I was healthy for many years, but now, I see where the smokes sneak up on you. I was lucky.