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.

[Mom2RPJI]

OMG Im Sooooo HAPPY for you!!!!!!!!!!  Who told you that you had it in the first place???

That is great news!

[nctrucker]

I just got back from the doc's office. He said my test was better than his. I then asked does that mean I have no emphysema? He said no, you do not. I felt like 200 pounds lifted off my shoulders. I am so happy. I was so worried for months. Quitting smoking improved my breathing. Thanks for the support everyone.

[ElfredaPat]

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[jillyb1603]

Crazy

[jillyb1603]

Crazy that is sooo wrong

[teko]

Good luck with the Dr. appointment, let us know the results? Make sure you get a print out of the spirometry if he does one?

[Mom2RPJI]

Good luck at your appt.  And let us know how it goes.

My Dr said I didnt need a specialist yet because I have no symptoms.  I've noticed many don't see a dr.  

[nctrucker]

I am going to the doctor today to take the breathing test again to see if the emphysema has changed any. I hope it will be good news. My wife thinks that my emphysema is not serious, therefore she is not concerned. But I explained to her that second hand smoke is like I am still smoking. I might as well talk to a brick wall. If I get worse, then I will blame her, but I already done it to myself for smoking in the first place. Wish me luck.

[Angie6182004]

I stopped smoking a month ago when I was told I had mild copd. My Dr called me and said it wasnt reversable but it would not get any worse, I was always told it does. My lung function is within range but i guess my lungs trap air. 38 yr smoker. She told me never smoke again and exercise and to se her in April. IM scared and so confused

[jillyb1603]

With age lungs lose function. So lungs get worse with time but if you smoke they get worse much faster. I have copd and am still smoking but cutting down with the intention to stop soon. Copd will reduce your life expectancy but stopping will slow it down. Good luck

[yani64]

nctrucker, How are you doing now in 2018?

[teko]

If you were diagnosed as mild and you since quit smoking, chances are the damage will reverse itself.  Yes it is a progressive disease but smoking accelerates it. Quitting smoking puts it down to normal progression, so you will probably never have a major problem with it. However, that includes inhaling second hand smoke.  I understand about smoking, I am one.  However, your wife also needs to understand that this disease is a killer and not to be toyed with. If she is smoking in the home have her do it near an open window or even get a smokeless ashtray. Every little bit helps.