How can it be COPD

[actress53now]

I've had shortness of breath for 6 months, but I also have RA which causes fatigue.  I've had 'grossly normal' chest X-Rays on 2/16/15, 3/21/15, 6/18/15.  On 9/30/15, I was told I have COPD.  I am a former smoker, but all lung function tests are normal.  How can I be diagnosed with COPD after having 'grossly normal' Chest X-Rays in Feb., Mar., and June?

[actress53now]

Just wanted to let you know, that I DON"T have COPD!  The radiologist read the X-Ray incorrectly.  It's a good thing I questioned the diagnosis!  ScalpMassager, thanks again for your info.  Have a great day!

[actress53now]

Thank you, ScalpMassager, for that information!

When I had the X-Ray on the 30th, I DID have something going on---sore throat, post nasal drip, and my ears hurt.  But when my doc listened to my lungs, there was no wheezing, rattling or any sign that I had ANYTHING going on in my chest.  Over the past two days, it has traveled into my lungs; but even now I can fill my lungs with air and slowly blow it out in 93 seconds.  Pretty darn good!

My mom died of COPD, so I'm familiar with the symptoms.  I'm really thinking that whoever read the X-Ray, may have read it incorrectly.

Anyway, thank you again for taking the time to answer me.  I truly appreciate it!
Have a great day!

[ScalpMassager]

If you've lived with a smoker or worked with a smoker or were a smoker, COPD is one typical outcome.  I don't think COPD is likely to show up in x-rays earlier than its other easily determined symptoms.

X-Rays are great for showing bones and similarly dense tissues, not nearly so great for subtle soft tissue concerns, except something like a lung globe filled up due to pneumonia is obvious enough via an x-ray, and calcified deposits show up pretty well (due to the bone-like calcium content).