Will I ever be fitter?

[seawitchuk]

My doctor after treating me for just asthma for years has finally said after spirometery test that he thinks I have started with emphysema.
I am only 44 and was quite fit prior to moving to this seaside town 4 years ago.
I am constantly short of breath. I get fatigued really easily and suffer from headaches. I was shooting in an archery contest and after 4 rounds I had to stop. 6 months ago I was able to sword fight.
Is it possible for a condition to deteriorate so quickly?
I have other problem, muscle spasms around the back of my ribcage. Lower back pains. Waking up breathless as I fall asleep. I have a friend who has has 2 heart attacks who is overwieght and smokes who can shoot at least a whole archery tournament. Why am I so breathless?
I take Serovent inhaler twice a day and steroid inhaler the same. in total 4 puffs a day. I am not wheezy. My chest is said to be clear.
I do take Seroxat and valium for depression. Can they do this?

I am seriously in need of answers.

kindest regards

[seawitchuk]

Oh Dear

Here is a poser

Three days ago I lapsed back and had a few puffs on a ciggy. Now I know how foolish it was because it is the slippery slope back into 'proper' smoking which over a very stressful weekend has started to happen.
The strange thing is - even though I hate myself fot giving in, and my sun is stressing out over my smoking (me too actually, I am a failure), the breathlessness has got 75% better since I did. Why would this be? Does anybody know?
I feel terrible about smoking but the relief of looser lungs is and more energy is a marvellous feeling. What is one to do?
thankyou for all your helpful comments so far

luv
Seawitch ukx

[National Jewish]

You need to first confirm what your doctor means by "started with emphysema".  For emphysema to cause the breathlessness that you have described, it would be expected that the emphysema would be beyond the point of

[starion]

Have you been evaluated for alpa-1 antitrypsin deficiency?  It's a form of genetic emphysema that can progress rapidly and should be screened for & treated with Prolastin or similar antitrypsin replacement.
Good luck!  Also, ask your doc about pulmonary rehabilitation & checking your oxygenm saturation while sitting, 6-minute walk and while sleeping.
Aloha,
Starion

[Sunnydaffy]

Starion raises some good points and suggestions. It might be wise to also ask for a sleep study as you are waking up breathless. Good luck to you!!!-Sunny Daffy

[seawitchuk]

Thanks so much for that, I will do. Also forgot to mention I am on 175mcg thyroxine which is tested for regularly. Any reasons in there?
luv Seawitchuk x