Does emphysema progress on its own?

[nctrucker]

Am I to understand that emphysema is a disease that will progress on its own, no matter what you do? I have quit smoking, but it worries me that the emphysema will get worse and there is nothing that will cure it. I do not want to live a life in which you have to struggle to breathe at the end stage. 8 months ago, I was diagnosed with what the doc said was a touch of emphysema, and he also said that it may get better over time if I stop smoking. I am not sure exactly what he meant, but I know emphysema is not reversable. I just wonder like everyone else first diagnosed with emphysema, and that is "How long do I have to live?" I have a wife that seems to think that it is not serious and she smokes. After a few months of being persistant, I managed to get her to only smoke in 2 rooms of the house. Don't anyone even try to tell me to play king kong to her about it, cause it is not easy to convince a smoker to not smoke in their own home. I used to be a smoker, so I know. I just hope that I will have a good many years left. I am 51 now, hope to make it at least 20 more or better.

[Bluberri2020]

I just got diagnosed with COPD a few months ago and it's not ok for anyone to be smoking around you. I had the same argument with my significant other. They have to show you the respect you deserve. It's damn scary enough as is.

[Bluberri2020]

Also emphysema does progress but it slows and your lungs clean themselves out and get back some better function so you will probably feel worse before you feel better.

[Satindoll7054]

I have emphysema, but my husband doesn't care if he blows smoke in my face. He has always put himself first

[rab1]

Hi Lisa I'm told that for some people it would be easier to quit from heroin addiction than nicotine. I've quit regular cigarettes but am still using e-cigs which is my next struggle. So I know both sides. You will always get negative comments on sites of this nature take no notice. rab

[Lisa_1961]

Read it properly before you post negative comments..........                                                                                      I don't know your wife but if she loved you she would not smoke (((in the house or around you.)))

[FordPSD]

Stop smoking doesn't necessarily mean your emphysema will slow down. I quit smoking 4 years ago after 40 years. My lung volume was 76% 2 years ago. It's now down to 56%. That doesn't lead me to believe it's slowing down at all. I am going to try some supplements and see what happens with it. I don't have anything to lose. I'm also going to Temple Hospital in Philadelphia
to see what they recommend.

[dddine]

Do you mind letting us know what kind of test your doctor took?