diagnose with emphysema

[Jaxxson]

Hi I am a 36 year old female diagnosed with mild emphysema a few days ago.  I was quite shocked when I received this diagnosis and was not in the frame of mind to ask a lot of questions.  My reason for visiting my GP was because I had a hard time getting over a cold.  This has been happening for a few years that I can not get over a cold without taking antibiotics.  I also at night time have a problem with my sinuses and wake up often because they are pouring like a faucet (sorry for being so graphic :)   sooo yes I am a smoker and have had a quit date set for 2 weeks from now way before I received this diagnosis.  I have been smoking for approximately 20 years but have quit approx.  3 times for at least 6 months to a year.  My GP has recommended that I quit smoking immediately.  My question is if I quit smoking now will my life expectancy be affected.   I have two young children and this is really scaring me.  Also I do not have any symptoms except for the last few days since I received the diagnosis I have been really keeping close attention and I might have shortness of breath at times.  I think though it is anxiety over this diagnosis since I did not have any symptoms before.

Thank you in advance for any advice that you have for me.

Jaxxson

[ukgb]

Hi
what was your fvc and fev1
?

[dismayed707]

Hello Jaxxson ... the answer to your question is yes, if you quit smoking now it will make a huge difference to your life expectancy. You can have a normal life expectancy if you quit ... but if you continue your lung function will fall quickly.