Have appointment with a pulmonologist

[jixer]

I'm 52 woman and I have smoked for 35 years.  I quit 2 months ago with the help of Chantix but I've recently noticed that I run out of breath before I can finish a sentence.
My doctor sent me for a chest x-ray which came back normal.  He then scheduled me to see a pulmonologist for tests at the end of this month..
Meanwhile, I work in an MDs office so I did my own spirometry and peak flow.  I gave it my best effort 6 times and each was relatively the same 74% and peak flow was 450.  I have had chronic bronchitis for years coughing up completely black, thick, large amounts of phlegm ( I know, gross!!)  My doctor said that just because the xray is normal doesn't mean that I don't have emphysema just that I don't have any obvious mechanical abnormality.
Since quitting smoking the phlegm production has subsided...no more cough, just a lot of throat clearing. My chest hurts every day, all day.  It feels like I just smoked a pack of cigarettes.  
I am nervous about the PFT tests.  I also have Lupus so I do have a lot of inflammation everywhere especially my joints.
Could I just have sore lungs from Lupus? Does the black phlegm indicate emphysema?
Anyone?

[teko]

Nothing on chest film is good, and yes lupus could cause what you are feeling as well. Not only that but your lungs are trying to correct themselves after quitting smoking. Get a complete pft, not just a spirometry done and request a ct as well. These will tell you everything you need to know. And remember, for some reason only 25% of smokers get emphysema but chronic bronkitis is under the copd umbrella as well. No need to worrying until you know you have something to worry about. Congrats for quitting! I am still struggling with that.

[jixer]

Recap: 52 yo woman, 35 yr smoking history, quit smoking almost 4 months ago. Running out of air before finishing my sentences.( shortness of breath)

Had the PFTs, all normal except for DLCO=64% and DLCO/VA+51%.  Had CT of chest...results normal.
Pulmonologist put me on Alvesco inhaler and I am to return to him in 2 months.  I have no Dx.
What am I being treated for? What could it be?

[teko]

This is patient support forum which you advice and support comes from average folks. You might want to pose this question to the other copd forum, where a doctor answers your questions. I am curious to c what the answer is myself!

[allmymarbles]

You can ease the bronchitis by taking at least 500 mg. of vitamin B5. Absolutely no side effects.