Hello Yolanda and all,

I'm 40 with chronic bronchitis turning into emphysema. It sucks. My
lungs hurt all the time and haven't smoked in almost 3 years.
Hopefuly, within I month or so I will have an official diagnosis and
get some publically funded treatment to help the pain and slow down
the progress.

When my lungs hurt the most, my breathing is labored. Of course I
realize this is just the beginning of the misery.

Pretty sure my condition was triggered by chemically poisoned
marijuana. Anybody else? A doctor, a pathologist, said ther is no
evidence that paraquat, a herbicide, causes emphysema. I'm not so
sure. Not sure that the chemical was paraquat either...

Shannon


--- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Yolanda Perea <yoly_perea@y...>"
<yoly_perea@y...> wrote:
> My name is Yoly. I am 48 y/o and have been a smoker since I was
16.
> In 1989 I quit smoking. Started again in 2000 after a crisis with
> life. Last Friday I had a chest x-ray and the impression is:
> Hyperaerated Lungs. They did look clear.
>
> I'm an internet search and had studied nursing and I found that
this
> is related to early stage of Emphysema.
>
> I have a consultation with a pneumologist on Tuesday.
>
> I have felt funny. Tired, my lungs hurt, I have had about 5
> brochitis with asthma during the last year, have lost 20 pounds in
> two months. When I swallow it feels strange.
>
> Please share with me how it all started with you if you can. I'm
so
> eager for information. I visited the site of the American Lung
> Association and they have a lot of information, even a personal
> profile for individuals with this condition.
>
> Hope to hear from everyone.
>
> God Bless you all.
>
> Big Hug!
>
> Yoly