Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

question.. what made YOU get diagnosed

for me it really nothing to do with my breathing as such . I had a pain that kept on randomly occuring behind my ribs , so I got a chest xray .. and the doc said I had 'a little bit of emphysema'... my initial spirometer said 'moderate' c.o.p.d ..
13 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
This is difficult to answer as I am still on an emotional roller coaster - but I will try.  As a smoker of 33 years and loving it, a father who was on resp. disability at age 50 (died at 67), exposed to various fumes, had acute bronchitis every summer/winter childhood to age 23, I just didn't care about the copd aspect.  I even figure skated for 10 years into my late 50's.  But this January I felt a change, subtle shortness of breath with exertion.  This rapidly got worse and finally had to see PCP.  No cough, fever, never have raised mucus...... I had started taking the Advair almost every day during the week only - didn't seem to need it on the weekends.  Since I also have an mild autoimmune process, she put me on prednisone, changed Advair to Symbicort.  When I wasn't much better in a week, she changed it to Spiriva.  Chest x-ray showed severe copd changes (but we know those are very iffy.)  She insisted I see a pulmonologist and got me an appointment rather quickly.  I go Wednesday for PFT's..

I'm off the prednisone now, the sob continues especially with walking more quickly, trying to talk and do physical work.  I have had 2 episodes of cold air induced bronchospasm where I couldn't get air in or out and my lips turned blue.  Just stood still and waited it out.

Yes, I am still smoking.......just no longer at work as I can't walk the distance to get out to the street and back to my work station in time.  I'm getting used to that time not smoking.  I am rather a hermit and have no family or friends, I don't socialize, so there never has been any social pressure......and I launder my clothes regularly, wash walls & floors, etc.  

In the meantime, I have done my own research.  I have very mixed feelings about this escalation in my sob.  I worry about my job - I am single, self-supporting, have my own home still with a mortgage.  So this weekend, I started with one closet to start decluttering big time.  There really isn't much more I can do till I get the results of the PFTs to know where I am.  
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Keep yourself busy that is a good thing no time to think all negatives .. I wish you well
Avatar universal
If you haven't done so I would get a copy of your records on what the doctor stated before your procedure, the note and records during your procedure, and directly after procedure. I'm thinking you may find a clue. God bless you in your search for answers and your recovery.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hey , no worries , we all ramble at times , you cant shut me up sometimes ...I reckon your right about the endoschopy thing and that they might have damaged your lung tissue a little , but really to be frank , I dont think there's anything to worry about copd wise , I have mild/moderate copd , im only 42 and the nurse said that if it is 'stable' I should be ok and live into my 70's ....so if you only have the beginninings and your in yer mid 60's , AND never smoked ...then you should be fine
Helpful - 0
1218592 tn?1267139218
I just posted a long answer to your response & question, and want to say that I'm sorry it was such a downer.  I just got carried away and went on & on.  I realize that you are struggling with your own issue as well, and are looking for answers.  I see that lynnkay responded to you with some good information, and I hope that it has been a help to you.  I need to settle down, accept what is, and be more sensitive to what others need.  I do desire to function in a supportive manner to the people I encounter in life.  Please don't let my ramblings in my previous post cause you any discouragement for yourself.  I hope you are finding good resolutions to your present condition.
Helpful - 0
1218592 tn?1267139218
Thanks for responding.  I guess I forgot to mention that I am in my mid 60's.  No, I am not a smoker, except for a short period of trying it back in the days when it was "cool" (early 20's) but did not take it up as a lifetime habit.  Not sure about the pft (?) but the pulmonologist referred me to the pulmonary clinic at the local hospital for the lung function test which, as I understood, did not show critical results but did establish whatever the pulmonologist needed to maintain her initial diagnosis of early COPD.  I still do not believe that I could actually (and suddenly -- after that endoscopy in 2008) have any form of COPD.  I continue to believe that the status of my lung capacity is temporary, and is a result of the long term shallow breathing I had been doing  unconconsciously throughout the period of time since the onset of the symptoms I described in my above post.  ("Use it or lose it" theory)  As I mentioned in my post, regular maintainance of my normal athletic & aerobic type level of activity had been interrupted during 5 different periods of time over the past 8 years due to recovery times dictated following 5 surgeries. (Lower back laminectomy in 2002, rotator cuff repair in late 2003, rectal protoplasty surgery in 2007, rectal scar tissue repair surgery in 2008, and the hysterectomy & pelvic floor repair in late 2009)  Throughout these years of surgery related interruptions to my normal level of physical fitness, I  still managed to regain a reasonable level of activity each time during the times after recovery, and before the next need for surgery popped up (walking, swimming, biking, etc.).  Until now (hopefully no more surgeries) I haven't been able, or had the drive, to really dig in and get back into some serious hard core physical conditioning.  Therefore, as to the COPD verdict on my lung function ability, I strongly believe that my current efforts & determination will result in restoring my normal lung function.  

Again, and even in spite of the health issues & subsequent surgical procedures over the past 8 years, the symptoms of vocal hoarseness and the "drowning" like feelings in my chest/lungs, the ache behind my rib cage, the heaviness in my chest, and the constant need to clear my throat did not exist prior to that endoscopy in 2008.  These symptoms appeared immediately after that procedure, and have continued to this day with some of these symptoms at up or down levels during some periods of time, but the hoarseness has never subsided.  It is the hoarseness that distresses me the most because there has not yet been any success by any means to cure this devastating condition.  I love to sing -- participating in music is, and has always been, a huge part of my life (even when it's only a casual daily thing).  The protonic meds I mentioned in my above post have not provided any help for the hoarseness (or for any of the other symptoms as far as I can tell).  I had been on 40mg once a day for about 6 months until 4 weeks ago when the ENT prescribed that PPI twice a day.  Since the twice a day routine began, it seems that I am only getting worse.  I feel worse physically, and my voice is even more hoarse & my throat feels more irrated than it did before the med increase.

Sorry to go on so long, but this whole issue is so confusing.  It makes no sense to me that I could go from no experience of any of these symptoms to a sudden onset immediately after that endoscopy procedure in 2008.  This issue is a huge obstacle in the way of accomplishing my desire & determination to regain the healthy life style and the participation in the activities that have been the normal part of my daily living.  In fact, I am really struggling against my old battle of depression.  I had accepted (with reasonable graciousness) the past 8 years of other health issues & surgeries, and had even experiencied considerable spiritual & personal growth in the process.  But, this thing ... especially not being able to sing a note ... has really knocked me down.  I am desperate for a solution, and I am so hoping that the hoarseness is not going to be a cross that I have to bear for the rest of my life.  Never to sing again?  I have to admit that my level of spiritual maturity is seriously lacking in that regard.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello there ,
nice to meet you , could I ask how old you are and have you ever been a smoker .. I am no expert on either copd or ent , but I know a 'bit' about c.o.p.d , and if I were you I wouldnt be too worried .. have they done a pft on you?
Helpful - 0
1218592 tn?1267139218
I found this medhelp site recently while searching for answers to my ongoing voice hoarseness & lung/throat related symptoms (tight, drowning like feelings, fullness, heavy, feeling of lump in throat). These symptoms began immediately following a routine endoscopy procedure in mid 2008.  Previous endoscopes had been done to dialate a 'ring' in my esophagus with absolutely no problems afterward.  I posted a summary of symptoms and eventual diagnoses in two other forums, but still looking for answers and possible help especially to clear the hoarseness so I can sing again.  I hope this is ok, but I'm just going to re-post the same summary here. I should add that my height is 5'6" and weight is 120lbs. Sorry for the length, but I am frustrated and really desperate to find a solution.  I should also add that I have maintained for several years on low-dose meds for panic disorder ( .5mg Klonopin at bedtime, .25mg at morning, and .5mg xanax only if needed during a panic episode).  I also take prescribed dexedrine for adult ADHD (diagnosed in 1995).  Have had re-ocurring depression periods over much of my life. Was on Paxil from 1992 until mid 2007 when I weaned myself off that horrible SSRI (flat affect, detached) and regained my brain, and my usual high level of interest in life and related activities. Although I still struggle against depression off and on, I try to utilize other methods such as; my Christian faith, the discipline of managing 'thought process', nutrition, exercise (as much as possible in the midst of health issues), as well as just knowing that sometimes situational grief or sadness is normal, and taking a pill for that is not appropriate.  

Now, I realize I've already expanded considerably at this point, but the following is the summary (with some edits) which I mentioned above:
I have had a hoarse raspy voice for over a year and a half, and cannot sing a clear note.  I was examined by an ENT about 7 months ago (yes, he used the scope through the nostril to see my vocal chords).  He diagnosed Laryngopharyngeal reflux, and prescribed a proton-pump inhibitor med (Pantoprazole 40mg at am). I saw him again 4 weeks ago (scoped through the nostril again) and he mentioned "the nodule still there" (I didn't remember hearing that the first time) and increased the med to twice a day.  I could be wrong, but it feels like it's getting worse since the med increase.

The hoarseness is one of two issues that began suddenly, immediately following a routine endoscopy procedure. I had undergone this procedure in the past with absolutely no after effects, but in this instance, I even felt "sick" or "wiped out" for many days afterward.  My voice was hoarse immediately and continued to get worse.  I felt tired and out of breath.... winded... for weeks (almost as if I had been in an accident and had an injury or something). Eventually, my GP sent me to the ENT and to a pulmonalogist as well.  After a specialized testing procedure, the pulmonalogist gave me a diagnosis of early COPD.  This is very puzzling to me.  Until the day of the endoscoopy procedure, I had not ever experienced any of these above mentioned symptoms (other than, of course, the expected similar effects of a short illness, or surgical recovery period, or in my younger years, the occasional 1-day hoarsness after yelling at a sports event).  In fact, I was a runner, a long-distance biker, among other strenuous activities throughout my life.  Although I had quit running a few years ago (hard on the bones..) and had not made any long-distance bike trips during the preceding 8 or so years (4 different surgical repairs spaced far enough apart to interupt my usual drive to maintain the necessary physical condition for such), I had been consistantly physically & aerobically active on a regular basis after each surgery recovery period.  Right up to the point of the endoscopy, I had no problem swimming the lenght of the pool underwater as usual, nor did I experience any shortness of breath doing whatever ... running up the stairs, yard work, cleaning my house ...  Also, I had been doing my usual amount of singing (at church, or just around the house along with CD music or while playing my guitar or piano).

Here is my question:  Could something have happened during that endoscopy procedure to cause those immediate symptoms?  Or is it just a weird coincidence?  The "illness" or the "heavy" & significant painful feeling in my lung area, and feeling so "wiped out" after that procedure eventually subsided (to a point, not entirely), but the hoarseness of my voice has persisted all this time.  The other 'symptom' that appeared afterward, and kept increasing for weeks, was a feeling of 'drowning' in my chest/lung area enough so that I could not lie flat, but slept with 3 pillows to keep my upper body raised.  That has also subsided somewhat, but still remains with me to a degree -- sometimes more pronounced & annoying than others, and I still need to keep my upper body raised while lying or sleeping.

I cannot imagine (nor do I believe for one minute) that I actually do have COPD.  I am not a smoker.  I live alone and am not regularly engaged in a lot of talking day after day.  My voice is not used for any 'yelling'.  I rarely eat spicy foods.  I may have a glass of red wine with my meal a couple times a week, but otherwise no excessive regular use of alcohol.  My thinking about the COPD issue is that possibly during those months when it actually hurt to breathe in deeply, I unconsciously developed a habit of continuing the 'protective' shallow breathing, and was not aware of it.  Because of that blasted hoarseness and not being able to do the usual automatic singing around the house along with any music playing, I wouldn't have been doing the deliberate singing type deep breathing from the diaphram.  I'm thinking that the test results that indicated COPD were simply because I had not been using my full lung capacity, was just shallow breathing all the time without realizing it, and they were just out of shape.  I have been deliberately making myself breathe in deeply since (even when it hurt!).  I am convinced that once I am back in shape again physically -- longer bike rides, more aerobic & strenuous activity -- I can get my lungs built back up again.  It's only been 3 months since my last surgery (hysterectomy & 'other' old lady repairs), so I'm just now past the 'recovery type' daily walks & exercises, and into the real work-out stuff.

Again, my big concern here, and the real question is, I want to know if there could be some yet unknown reason for the hoarseness of my voice, and if it is possible that the very meds being used to treat this could instead be doing more harm??  (or even possibly related to a newly presenting parathyroid or hyper/hypo thyroid disorder??)  Of course there has to be a reason for this, and I am desperate to find an answer.  I found this site here in the process doing considerable ongoing research online looking for clues that could point to some other cause, or to reassure me that the prescribed meds are indeed the correct course of action.  I even decided to sign up and join this Med Help Community.  So.... here I am, and I eagerly await a response.  Thank you.....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
yeah, I have heard a few people say that all those inhalers were bad news ..it is good to hear that your illness has been stable over the past few years and that you 'feel' better is gret news , Like yourself I'm finding it hard to come to terms with being diagnosed.. at the moment I only takesymbicort and ventolin , and they were prescribed for my asthma, the symbicort is excellent and I rarely have to use the ventolin , I can do more or less any physical activity and I havnt been ill or out of breath for years , but they say I have moderate copd .. however, I have only had an xray and one initial spirometry test...I go for the full pft next week , I dunno whether Im just in denial or what , but I feel in good health , Im only 42 and I have been very anxious and depressed since being told I had a 'little emphysema' ..right now I have a heavy cold but it hasn't gone to my chest ,. when they first told me I was planning my own suicide and allsorts of nonsense ..Talking to people like yourself really helps me put it in perspective...thankyou
Helpful - 0
518117 tn?1429276273
I really see little changes in the 2 1/2 yrs. since diagnosis. I am able to do most of my household duties. I get short of breath doing things like running the vacuum of course. So, sometimes family helps me with that one chore. I am able to get out in places like Walmart and be able to keep up with my husband walking. I have not been sick whatsoever in over a year.

Honestly some may not agree with me. But, I proved this theory in my case. When I was diagnosed, I was prescribed 3 inhalers. Spiriva, Advair and ProAir. I was on these inhalers maybe 6 months. While on these inhalers, I spent the sickest winter of my life. Pneumonia, several bouts of bronchitis and the most painful pleurisy that lasted 3 months. Since going off the Spiriva and Advair, I am rarily sick. I had a mild case of bronchitis last winter. Went to the doctor for antibiotics and recovered quickly. This winter knock on wood, I have yet to be to the doctor for any lung infections.

Since coming off the inhalers, much of the awful constant mucus has greatly eased up. Sometimes, in the mornings I may have a slight cough upon waking. But, it never lasts long. I do use my rescue inhaler ProAir just every great once in awhile. The only thing that does bother me is fatigue at times due to the COPD.

But all in all, I am doing rather good. I thank God for that. I am also not on oxygen at all. Don't feel that I will be for some long time I hope.

If you have anymore questions, I will be most happy to answer them for you or try to anyway. Some people do really struggle with COPD. My heart goes out to them. So far though, I am holding my own with this disease. I might add that I am soon to be 53. It did take me a rather long time to come to terms with having COPD. That was more a battle for me than any of it. But, I just believe attitude plays a part in it or at least for me it does.  
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
feel that same way .. I got this is all I say and I have things I have to do .. stay positive and ask God to guide me .
Avatar universal
how bad are you now
Helpful - 0
518117 tn?1429276273
YES. Started at age of 17. Was smoking still at time of diagnosis for 33 yrs.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
did you smoke?
Helpful - 0
518117 tn?1429276273
I went to my family doctor in Oct. 07. I believe I went to the doctor for a minor complaint. I believe a bladder infection. I just happened to mention that I had been having a tightness in my chest and that I was some short of breath. Plus, I had been noticing some wheezing. Next thing I know, the doctor is giving me a chest xray and the spirometer. Diagnosis moderate COPD. In 2005 I went to the emergency room for something I cannot recall. The ER doc listened to my chest and asked me how long I had been asthmatic. I told the ER doctor, I did not have asthma. Doctor turned away and never did anything for whatever he was hearing in my chest. I assume he heard some wheezing. Now, looking back it was COPD. I had been some short of breath for several or more years before diagnosis of COPD in 07. Eventhough my family doctor ran the right tests for the diagnosis of COPD, I did ask for a second opinion. So, I then went to a pulmonary specialist. The pulmonary doctor confirmed moderate state COPD. I though never experienced any pain behind my ribs. But then, it is different with everyone. Hope this helps.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms.
Healing home remedies for common ailments
Tricks to help you quit for good.
Is your area one of the dirtiest-air cities in the nation?
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.