emphysema 7 yrs

[pats411]

Was Dx w/EMPHYSEMA 7 yrs ago. I'm a chain smoker. Dr stated I would die if i Didn't quit. How long do you think I have to live. I am not interested in quitting smoking

[teko]

The way I ended that sounded a little harsh and I did not mean it to sound that way. What I am trying to say is you need to quit. NOW! If I can do it, anyone can!

[teko]

You will die a lot sooner than if you did not smoke, and it will be a horrible death. I love to smoke and had smoked for 35 years, 2-3 packs a day. Then I was given the choice. Smoke or breathe.  Seemed I could not smoke if I could not breathe anyway so the obvious choice was to quit.  I did, alittle over 6 weeks ago cold turkey. Now I do not miss them at all and the worry of needing to quit is gone. I guess life means more to me than some.

[lynnkay]

I am pretty much in the same situation as you. We lost our health insurance about 6 months after my diagnosis of COPD. So, I am not on any meds. But, honestly I am doing better without the meds, then when I was on all the inhalers. I do still have a rescue inhaler. But, seldom use it. I was dianosed exactly 2 years ago in Oct. 07 with moderate COPD. My family doctor did a lung xray and a breathing test to confirm the diagnosis. I though wanted a second opinion and did see a pulmonologist. The diagnosis once again was COPD. My husband then lost his long time job and with it our health insurance. There are programs that do help with some meds. Pharmacy companies are doing these programs to assist those that cannot afford their meds. One program is called Needy Meds. You may want to look into those type programs on the net. I applied but was turned down for Spiriva. Said we made too much money. Which is a joke within itself. My husband is the only one working and he does not make big money at all. Plus, I have been fighting social security for 2 years on disability.

I will honest on here. I too am still a smoker. Not proud of the fact, but just the way it is. I will not lie on here. We are further damaging our lungs of course. But, I am sure you realize that as I realize it. Hon, I cannot say how long you have to live. Just as I cannot say how long I have to live. But, I honestly do feel better since I got off all the inhalers. I am not telling others to do the same. NOT AT ALL!!!!  When we had insurance and I was on all the inhalers, I spent the sickest winter of my life. Pneumonia, pleurisy that lasted 3 long painful months, and several bouts of bronchitis. Without my inhalers last winter, I did just fine. Think I had a slight case of bronchitis and that was it. Right now I have this virus that seems to be everywhere. Sure I feel bad as far as having a virus goes. But, it has yet to go to my chest. And I don't feel that it will.

I know that I am not really giving you valuable information that you may need. But, just wanted to let you know I do understand your situation. Both my family doctor and the pulmonary doctor told me I was killing myself, too. I have a lot of stress in my life most times. Plus, I have an anxiety disorder. I cling to my cigarettes. I will admit the truth. Eventhough, I know what I am doing to myself is crazy and totally foolish. Do I worry about what I am doing to myself with this lung disease? Sure I do. But, I continue to smoke. But, in other ways I do take care of myself. I eat pretty healthy and try to be active. I avoid being around sick people as much as possible. I am a healthy weight for someone that is 52. I have since developed high blood pressure, since the diagnosis of COPD. I swear I believe the inhalers helped cause that. My blood pressure always ran low like. But, anyway just my experience with COPD. May God bless you and ease your mind somehow.