Hello every other sufferer of emphysema.

I'm here to tell you that your diagnosis may or may be correct - or
not. Your prognosis may be correct - or not.

I was diagnosed with emphysema in 1994. My doctor's recommendation
was 'give up smoking' and nothing more. So I left it at that. I
constantly had lung infections and of course painful lungs and of
course I would be treated only for a lung infection with antibiotics
and ventolin (and flixotide while it was available).

After four years and moving to another state, I got very upset while
at my doctor (due more to relationship stress than anything else) and
complained about the lack of 'emphysema' attention. I got some
attention. She sent me to a specialist and had a battery of tests to
find that half my lungs had disintegrated, that I only calibrated 45%
of oxygen into my blood (which of course means I have a hard time
recovering from just about anything) but that I had stronger lungs
that a 45 yearold non-smoker. I put this down to a lot of exercise,
sport and a gift from he who gives these gifts.

I was 32 when first diagnosed. I first saw a specialist in regard to
this when I was 36 and last saw him when he told me that we were
wasting each others time and my money and come back and see him when
I needed him. I appreciated this and have not been back to see him
yet. I'm 46 now and still have not given up smoking, nor my smokers
cough. The specialist had said to me that giving up smoking will not
alter the outcome but it would make the rest of my life and demise
more comfortable.

I was a single mum for 23+ years and with this prognosis, I stopped
my studies and centred my life around raising my two boys. It has
been a hard and often thankless task and the cause of dark
depression. It was not the right road to take. I probably would
have been better off continuing my education and providing better for
my children financially, and I think I would have gained a lot more
for myself as well. Also, my children would probably have benefitted
from a more satisfied parent.

I don't have advise as to others diagnosed with this disease - just
that will not always be as you are let to expect.

Good luck to all of you who have received the Emphysema
diagnosis/prognosis.