Thanks Janet
  I did find the website EFFORTS adn joined the mail list. The site has
a Great wealth of Information and I am already behind in all the mail.
but it has so many people there that I am sure anything I wish to
eventually seek I shall receive.~~~~~~~~Tom

--- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Janet" <jsiverts@...> wrote:
>
> I never found anyone on this group either....a suggestion....find
EFFORTS on
> the web and join that forum, they are VERY good on that site.....you
can get
> advice on every part of the COPD problem....
>

Thanks Janet
  I will give that an EFFORT.lol~~~~~~~~Tom

--- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Janet" <jsiverts@...> wrote:
>
> I never found anyone on this group either....a suggestion....find
EFFORTS on
> the web and join that forum, they are VERY good on that site.....you
can get
> advice on every part of the COPD problem....
>

I never found anyone on this group either....a suggestion....find EFFORTS on
the web and join that forum, they are VERY good on that site.....you can get
advice on every part of the COPD problem....

I have been diagnosed with Emphysema and was wondering if anyone knew
about the chances of one getting ssd or ssi? I also have
COPD.~~~~~~~~~Thanks Tom

im jessie from illinois and i have a friend that has emphysema hes 64
i think. hes in the hospital with pneumonia too. im praying for his
recovery im sure that he'll get better i hope.

Note: forwarded message attached.




____________________________________________________
Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

My husband has emphysema, copd, and was told last winter he has end
lung disease.  I would like to visit with someone else who knows of
this condition....We live in North Dakota

Janet aka tssunai

Note: forwarded message attached.




____________________________________________________
Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Note: forwarded message attached.


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Hi, my name is Melissa.
My mother has had emphysema for 10 years.
She is now what the doctors have termed "end stage".
I am her sole caretaker and was wondering if there was any support
groups in my area to connect with to have someone to talk about this
situation and the stress?
I am in Florida
Melissa

Hello.  My name is Emily.  I am 22 and my dad is 69.  He was just
diagnosed with emphysema and COPD.  He is the most important person in
my life and the doctor gave him only 5 years to live (at the most).  I
am really afraid and I feel really alone.  I need some help and
somewhere to turn.  Are there any treatment centers or speciality
places where maybe he can get well??  Does anyone have any good
information to share with me??  Please help.......I don't want my
daddy to die...........

Hello!

Get a quick glance of Healthcare News and Resources here http://www.allinonedirectory.info/HealthUpdate/
Take care,
Kate

"Love is just like life, it's not always easy and does not always bring happiness but when we do not stop living why should we stop loving"

Take advantage of the lowest interest rates. Save money each month. Refinance
you Home Loan now. . http://qiwuz.com/i/LzUvaW5kZXgvd2F6ZWUvYTQ5Z2Jz take 30
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Hello!

I found a updated directory on Healthcare resources in Targeted News.
URL : http://targetednews.info/new
Cheers!

Kate

Take advantage of better interest rates, refinance now just like I did, it will
save you lots of money each month. Check this service out. 
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fill out this free form to save money

Hello,

I hope this group message of mine finds the reader in good health and
mood. I'm Anitha and this being my first post, I'll keep it short. You
can find the complete healthcare directory here
http://www.hi-fiweb.com/directories/health-care/ .

Take care,

Geetha

Hello. My name is Debbie. I am 50 years old: diagnosed with emphysema,
lung nodules, fibrosis. I was doing pretty good till my last Pulmonary
appointment. From how my doctor talked, it appaears my emphysema has
progressed. I have it all lot in my upper right lung (the emphysema)
but scattered throughout my lungs also. As for the fibrosis, I'm not
sure how bad it is. My doctor said it could comprimise my life if it
gets worse. I am scheduled to go in for a full PFT test; a DLCO test;
and a full lung volume test. I hae a chest cold now...I've been
coughing and sneezing...so I sure hope I'm feeling better when I take
those tests; so my numbers aren't too low! But I'm preparing myyself
in case they are low. I quit smoking before my diagnosis...and I have
exercised on a fairly regular basis. But my lungs seem to just be
getting worse. Anyway, I'm glad I found this place. Debbie

Hello. My name is Debbie. I am 50 years old: diagnosed with emphysema,
lung nodules, fibrosis. I was doing pretty good till my last Pulmonary
appointment. From how my doctor talked, it appaears my emphysema has
progressed. I have it all lot in my upper right lung (the emphysema)
but scattered throughout my lungs also. As for the fibrosis, I'm not
sure how bad it is. My doctor said it could comprimise my life if it
gets worse. I am scheduled to go in for a full PFT test; a DLCO test;
and a full lung volume test. I hae a chest cold now...I've been
coughing and sneezing...so I sure hope I'm feeling better when I take
those tests; so my numbers aren't too low! But I'm preparing myyself
in case they are low. I quit smoking before my diagnosis...and I have
exercised on a fairly regular basis. But my lungs seem to just be
getting worse. Anyway, I'm glad I found this place. Debbie

Hi I am 55 and my mom died from emphysema many years ago and now my
sister has been told she has it.My mom smoked for about 65 years.My
sister smoked until about 1 year ago.Probably quit because she saw my
mom die and know her lungs were at risk.She always has colds and the
like.I smoked for a few years and then quit.I just want to lurk for a
while if that is ok. Thanks Kathy

Jim,

Just wanted to ask; are you currently smoking?  Or did you get it from
something else?  If you do smoke, you know it'll only get worse until
you quit.

As for living with it...  Well, for one thing, I don't know how far
progressed your emphysema is right now, but I can only suggest that
you ask your doctors about Advair, Pulmicort, Serevent, Flovent, or
some other "slow acting" inhalers...  Using the albuterol (which is a
"fast-acting" inhaler) exclusively can lead to tolerance to its
effects (that is, when you have an attack you'll need much more
albuterol than is normal or safe to relieve it).  Aside from that, you
just need to listen to what your body is telling you -- rest when you
need to, and do not over-exert yourself.

Regards,
Chris

--- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, thetrainman00@a... wrote:
> Hi Group:
>
> I just joined the group and thought I should introduce myself.  My
name is
> Jim and I am 56 years old.  I was just diagnosed with Emphysema
three weeks ago.
>  At first I was in shock and thought it is the end of everything.  I
have
> come to grips with this disease now and realize it doesn't have to
be the end of
> everything.  I will need to adjust my life style and learn what I
can and
> cannot do.  I am currently taking Albuterol and Singulair.  The
Albuterol is two
> puffs three time daily and the Singular is one pill once daily.  I
am currently
> on a Leave of Absence from work until December 29.  My doctor says
we will go
> from there.
>
> Any advice on how I can best deal with this disease would be helpful.
>
> Living with Emphysema,
> Jim from Kentucky

Donna,

I am now also on Spiriva (for the next 12 days anyway - when the
samples run out)...  Got my new doctor to refill my Advair script and
am still on albuterol.  I can well understand your reluctance to go on
cortisone or O2.  I wonder though if an albuterol nebulizer would be
on their formulary (this would be a better next step than cortisone or
O2)...

Also, have you checked out:

http://www.needymeds.com/

There might be a program that you would qualify for even with your
insurance (depends on what kind of insurance it is and your income)...

As for giving up smoking, this is something that I am going to have to
do soon, while some of my major smoking triggers are being treated...

Regards,
Chris

--- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Donna" <dcayton@b...> wrote:
>
> Hi Chris...
>
> Yes I have already checked on everything and there is no comparable
> meds that they can give me.  They told me that if I don't get relief
> from these inhalers, then I will have to go on cortizone.  I don't
> want to do that at all.  Too many side effects.  And they don't want
> to give me any oxy yet cause they don't want me to get dependent on
> it so early.  I know one thing, stopping smoking is the hardest
> thing I have EVER tried to do.  I do real good then I fall off the
> wagon!  I get so mad at myself but I just keep at it.  I have been
> going to the lung specialist every two months for the breathing
> tests and they say my breathing is a little better.  But I get very
> winded at times when I try to do much of anything.  I'm almost 58
> and have always been very active and boy, it sure is hard to find
> out I am not physically able to do things I have done all my life.
> Hope you are feeling well and happy new year to you too!
>  Donna
>
>
>
> --- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Chris Walters" <cjw2004d@y...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Donna,
> >
> > Sorry it took so long to reply...  Anyhow, have you looked into the
> > patient assistance programs that the manufacturers of those
> > medications have available (if you'd like, I could try to find some
> > links for you)?  $150/month is far too high for anyone to bear.
> > Another suggestion would be to check to see what is on the
> formulary
> > and if that would be a viable alternative -- I'm currently on
> Advair
> > and albuterol (it is on many formularies now since it has two
> agents
> > in it, and is probably far cheaper than each one would be
> > seperately)...  BTW, I was on pulmicort and combivent for a while
> in
> > 2003 (when I had pneumonia) since my doctor had samples of them.
> >
> > Anyhow, happy new year!
> > Chris
> >
> > --- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Donna" <dcayton@b...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hey Chris...
> > >
> > > I have already discussed the Singulair with the doctor and he
> says
> > > nope.  They have me on 3 different inhalers: Foradil @ 1 puff
> twice
> > > a day, Spiriva @ 1 puff a day and now Pulmicort @ 4 puffs twice
> a
> > > day.  Yes the humidity really gets me down.  But my prescription
> > > costs are even worse.  $150 per month for this stuff and I have
> good
> > > insurance.  They just aren't on the "formulary list".  Ticks me
> off
> > > that I pay so much for medical insurance and then still have to
> pay
> > > what I do.  Being divorced and on limited income, it makes it
> kinda
> > > hard.  Guess we just have to hang in there and do our best.
> Take
> > > care,
> > > Donna
> > >
> > > --- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, Christopher Walters
> > > <cjw2004d@y...> wrote:
> > > > Hi Donna,
> > > >
> > > > Currently I am on the Advair Diskus (250/50) twice per day,
> and
> > > albuterol inhaler as needed...  One thing I suggest that you ask
> > > your doctor about is Singulair - everyone I know that has had it
> > > says it helps alot.  I can imagine that being outside in the
> humid
> > > air (Florida is almost always more humid that Michigan - where
> I'm
> > > from) - I've found that I can't function very well without the
> air
> > > conditioner, myself.  If it gets really bad, I may consider
> moving
> > > somewhere with less humidity...
> > > >
> > > > Chris
> > > >
> > > > Donna <dcayton@b...> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi Chris...
> > > >
> > > > I was diagnosed with emphysema myself this past May.  I'm 58
> and
> > > > smoked for a long time, but not really a heavy smoker.  They
> have
> > > me
> > > > on inhalers: Spiriva and Foradil.  I have real problems with
> my
> > > > breathing though, especially when I try to do anything.  I
> live in
> > > > Florida and the hot weather really bothers me when I am
> outside.
> > > > What meds are you on?
> > > >
> > > > Donna
> > > >
> > > > --- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Chris Walters"
> <cjw2004d@y...>
> > > > wrote:
> > > > > Hello,
> > > > >
> > > > > I just got diagnosed with emphysema. I had pneumonia last
> year
> > > (May
> > > > > 2003), and this year, around Sep 10, I went to the ER with
> chest
> > > > > pains, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and nausea - I
> > > > thought it
> > > > > was a heart attack. The ER doctor diagnosed me as having
> > > pneumonia
> > > > > (again) and gave me antibiotics and albuterol. Yesterday I
> was
> > > > finally
> > > > > able to get a follow-up on this (I still felt that I had
> > > > pneumonia).
> > > > > They gave me a pulmonary function test, and got the x-rays
> from
> > > the
> > > > > hospital - then the doctor told me that I have emphysema.
> This
> > > > > floored me, as I am only 33, and all of my research into this
> > > > > condition led me to believe that this is very young to be
> > > diagnosed
> > > > > with emphysema (my mother has it).  I have been a smoker
> since
> > > > about
> > > > > age 15, but I've not been a heavy smoker for most of my
> life...
> > > > Most
> > > > > of the people I know who have been diagnosed with it were in
> > > their
> > > > > 50's when diagnosed and had smoked more for many more years
> than
> > > > I.  I
> > > > > feel that I must look into the possibility that there is
> > > something
> > > > > else going on here.
> > > > >
> > > > > Chris
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ---------------------------------
> > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >
> > > >    To visit your group on the web, go to:
> > > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/emphysema/
> > > >
> > > >    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > > emphysema-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > > >
> > > >    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> > > Service.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Message From: Chris Walters
> > > > Email: cjw2004d@y...
> > > > ----------------------------------
> > > > The views and opinions expressed
> > > > in this message are entirely my own.
> > > > Unless, of course, they're yours...
> > > > ----------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > ---------------------------------
> > > > Do you Yahoo!?
> > > > vote.yahoo.com - Register online to vote today!

Just came across your message and wondered if you still have any of
the Pulmicort.  This is what I take along with 2 others that weren't
listed.  I am a single lady of 57 and my meds are costing me almost
$190 per month WITH insurance.  Its really hard.  I sure would be
interested in the meds if you still have them.
Thanks,
Donna   dcayton@...



--- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "rainwo1" <rainwo1@y...> wrote:
> My mother-in-law passed away last week from emphysema, she was
only
> 60.  Perhaps our loss can help someone out.  She has tons of meds
> and breathing treatments that are still sealed and never opened.
We
> just don't have the heart to throw them away they cost so much
$$$.
> Here is a list of what we have:
>
> XOPENEX
> PULMICORT
> ADAVAIR
> ALBUTEROLOR SULFATE
> HABITROL
> ACCOLOATE
> NASONEX
> NICATROL INHAILER
> COMBIVENT

Hi Chris...

Yes I have already checked on everything and there is no comparable
meds that they can give me.  They told me that if I don't get relief
from these inhalers, then I will have to go on cortizone.  I don't
want to do that at all.  Too many side effects.  And they don't want
to give me any oxy yet cause they don't want me to get dependent on
it so early.  I know one thing, stopping smoking is the hardest
thing I have EVER tried to do.  I do real good then I fall off the
wagon!  I get so mad at myself but I just keep at it.  I have been
going to the lung specialist every two months for the breathing
tests and they say my breathing is a little better.  But I get very
winded at times when I try to do much of anything.  I'm almost 58
and have always been very active and boy, it sure is hard to find
out I am not physically able to do things I have done all my life.
Hope you are feeling well and happy new year to you too!
  Donna



--- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Chris Walters" <cjw2004d@y...>
wrote:
>
> Donna,
>
> Sorry it took so long to reply...  Anyhow, have you looked into the
> patient assistance programs that the manufacturers of those
> medications have available (if you'd like, I could try to find some
> links for you)?  $150/month is far too high for anyone to bear.
> Another suggestion would be to check to see what is on the
formulary
> and if that would be a viable alternative -- I'm currently on
Advair
> and albuterol (it is on many formularies now since it has two
agents
> in it, and is probably far cheaper than each one would be
> seperately)...  BTW, I was on pulmicort and combivent for a while
in
> 2003 (when I had pneumonia) since my doctor had samples of them.
>
> Anyhow, happy new year!
> Chris
>
> --- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Donna" <dcayton@b...> wrote:
> >
> > Hey Chris...
> >
> > I have already discussed the Singulair with the doctor and he
says
> > nope.  They have me on 3 different inhalers: Foradil @ 1 puff
twice
> > a day, Spiriva @ 1 puff a day and now Pulmicort @ 4 puffs twice
a
> > day.  Yes the humidity really gets me down.  But my prescription
> > costs are even worse.  $150 per month for this stuff and I have
good
> > insurance.  They just aren't on the "formulary list".  Ticks me
off
> > that I pay so much for medical insurance and then still have to
pay
> > what I do.  Being divorced and on limited income, it makes it
kinda
> > hard.  Guess we just have to hang in there and do our best.
Take
> > care,
> > Donna
> >
> > --- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, Christopher Walters
> > <cjw2004d@y...> wrote:
> > > Hi Donna,
> > >
> > > Currently I am on the Advair Diskus (250/50) twice per day,
and
> > albuterol inhaler as needed...  One thing I suggest that you ask
> > your doctor about is Singulair - everyone I know that has had it
> > says it helps alot.  I can imagine that being outside in the
humid
> > air (Florida is almost always more humid that Michigan - where
I'm
> > from) - I've found that I can't function very well without the
air
> > conditioner, myself.  If it gets really bad, I may consider
moving
> > somewhere with less humidity...
> > >
> > > Chris
> > >
> > > Donna <dcayton@b...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Chris...
> > >
> > > I was diagnosed with emphysema myself this past May.  I'm 58
and
> > > smoked for a long time, but not really a heavy smoker.  They
have
> > me
> > > on inhalers: Spiriva and Foradil.  I have real problems with
my
> > > breathing though, especially when I try to do anything.  I
live in
> > > Florida and the hot weather really bothers me when I am
outside.
> > > What meds are you on?
> > >
> > > Donna
> > >
> > > --- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Chris Walters"
<cjw2004d@y...>
> > > wrote:
> > > > Hello,
> > > >
> > > > I just got diagnosed with emphysema. I had pneumonia last
year
> > (May
> > > > 2003), and this year, around Sep 10, I went to the ER with
chest
> > > > pains, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and nausea - I
> > > thought it
> > > > was a heart attack. The ER doctor diagnosed me as having
> > pneumonia
> > > > (again) and gave me antibiotics and albuterol. Yesterday I
was
> > > finally
> > > > able to get a follow-up on this (I still felt that I had
> > > pneumonia).
> > > > They gave me a pulmonary function test, and got the x-rays
from
> > the
> > > > hospital - then the doctor told me that I have emphysema.
This
> > > > floored me, as I am only 33, and all of my research into this
> > > > condition led me to believe that this is very young to be
> > diagnosed
> > > > with emphysema (my mother has it).  I have been a smoker
since
> > > about
> > > > age 15, but I've not been a heavy smoker for most of my
life...
> > > Most
> > > > of the people I know who have been diagnosed with it were in
> > their
> > > > 50's when diagnosed and had smoked more for many more years
than
> > > I.  I
> > > > feel that I must look into the possibility that there is
> > something
> > > > else going on here.
> > > >
> > > > Chris
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
> > >
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >    To visit your group on the web, go to:
> > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/emphysema/
> > >
> > >    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > emphysema-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > >    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> > Service.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Message From: Chris Walters
> > > Email: cjw2004d@y...
> > > ----------------------------------
> > > The views and opinions expressed
> > > in this message are entirely my own.
> > > Unless, of course, they're yours...
> > > ----------------------------------
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------
> > > Do you Yahoo!?
> > > vote.yahoo.com - Register online to vote today!

Donna,

Sorry it took so long to reply...  Anyhow, have you looked into the
patient assistance programs that the manufacturers of those
medications have available (if you'd like, I could try to find some
links for you)?  $150/month is far too high for anyone to bear.
Another suggestion would be to check to see what is on the formulary
and if that would be a viable alternative -- I'm currently on Advair
and albuterol (it is on many formularies now since it has two agents
in it, and is probably far cheaper than each one would be
seperately)...  BTW, I was on pulmicort and combivent for a while in
2003 (when I had pneumonia) since my doctor had samples of them.

Anyhow, happy new year!
Chris

--- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Donna" <dcayton@b...> wrote:
>
> Hey Chris...
>
> I have already discussed the Singulair with the doctor and he says
> nope.  They have me on 3 different inhalers: Foradil @ 1 puff twice
> a day, Spiriva @ 1 puff a day and now Pulmicort @ 4 puffs twice a
> day.  Yes the humidity really gets me down.  But my prescription
> costs are even worse.  $150 per month for this stuff and I have good
> insurance.  They just aren't on the "formulary list".  Ticks me off
> that I pay so much for medical insurance and then still have to pay
> what I do.  Being divorced and on limited income, it makes it kinda
> hard.  Guess we just have to hang in there and do our best.  Take
> care,
> Donna
>
> --- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, Christopher Walters
> <cjw2004d@y...> wrote:
> > Hi Donna,
> >
> > Currently I am on the Advair Diskus (250/50) twice per day, and
> albuterol inhaler as needed...  One thing I suggest that you ask
> your doctor about is Singulair - everyone I know that has had it
> says it helps alot.  I can imagine that being outside in the humid
> air (Florida is almost always more humid that Michigan - where I'm
> from) - I've found that I can't function very well without the air
> conditioner, myself.  If it gets really bad, I may consider moving
> somewhere with less humidity...
> >
> > Chris
> >
> > Donna <dcayton@b...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Chris...
> >
> > I was diagnosed with emphysema myself this past May.  I'm 58 and
> > smoked for a long time, but not really a heavy smoker.  They have
> me
> > on inhalers: Spiriva and Foradil.  I have real problems with my
> > breathing though, especially when I try to do anything.  I live in
> > Florida and the hot weather really bothers me when I am outside.
> > What meds are you on?
> >
> > Donna
> >
> > --- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Chris Walters" <cjw2004d@y...>
> > wrote:
> > > Hello,
> > >
> > > I just got diagnosed with emphysema. I had pneumonia last year
> (May
> > > 2003), and this year, around Sep 10, I went to the ER with chest
> > > pains, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and nausea - I
> > thought it
> > > was a heart attack. The ER doctor diagnosed me as having
> pneumonia
> > > (again) and gave me antibiotics and albuterol. Yesterday I was
> > finally
> > > able to get a follow-up on this (I still felt that I had
> > pneumonia).
> > > They gave me a pulmonary function test, and got the x-rays from
> the
> > > hospital - then the doctor told me that I have emphysema.  This
> > > floored me, as I am only 33, and all of my research into this
> > > condition led me to believe that this is very young to be
> diagnosed
> > > with emphysema (my mother has it).  I have been a smoker since
> > about
> > > age 15, but I've not been a heavy smoker for most of my life...
> > Most
> > > of the people I know who have been diagnosed with it were in
> their
> > > 50's when diagnosed and had smoked more for many more years than
> > I.  I
> > > feel that I must look into the possibility that there is
> something
> > > else going on here.
> > >
> > > Chris
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
> >
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> >
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> Service.
> >
> >
> >
> > Message From: Chris Walters
> > Email: cjw2004d@y...
> > ----------------------------------
> > The views and opinions expressed
> > in this message are entirely my own.
> > Unless, of course, they're yours...
> > ----------------------------------
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Stacey,

I wish you and your dad luck and strength in giving up smoking...  I,
too am 33, a smoker, and was diagnosed with emphysema a couple of
months ago.  My mother (also a smoker), also has emphysema.  While
I've been exposed to industrial chemicals, I believe that the primary
culprit is cigar(ette) smoke (everyone in my family smoked for as long
as I can remember - and I started at 15)...

I can well understand your concerns related to emphysema, especially
relating to your father's condition - I've probably had many of the
same ones concerning my mother's condition...

Regards,
Chris

--- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, TruckDriver1972@a... wrote:
>
> Just joined yesterday and thought I would introduce myself. My name
is Stacey
> , I am 33 , live in central Indiana. And recently my dad was
diagnosed with
> Emphysema. My dad is 56 and has smoked for quite some years now. As
well as he
> has been exposed to other "agents" as we will call them. From
Vietnam to the
> steel mill that he once was employed in.
>
> The diagnosis is still fresh , as he was just diagnosed this last
week. I am
> familiar with this disease , as my grandpa passed away in 1986 with
> complications from emphysema.  Because it has been so long ago , 18
years to be exact. I
> felt the need to join a few groups pertaining to smoking , the
effects as
> well as emphysema etc.
>
> I , myself , am too a smoker. Definitely in the quitting stages as
we speak.
> I have yet to get the patch , etc. though. As I would rather do all
of this on
> my own slowly but surely. As well as my dad is weaning himself off
of tobacco
> too.
>
> I am the oldest of three girls , my parents have been married for 36
years
> now. I myself am married and have been for 7 years. I cannot have
children due
> to infertility issues. I do however have three cats. Though that
does not take
> away the heartache of not having a child . But after 10 years of no
success in
> trying , it was time to *hang* up the proverbial shoes. And get on
with life
> the best that I can anyhow. It is really sad most times , as I see
others with
> babies and children. Other parents with grandchildren etc. And know
that if
> something dire were to happen to both of my parents right this
minute. They
> will never know the joys of a grandchild etc. As both my sisters are
also
> experiencing infertility issues.
>
> I do not work outside the home. My husband is a truck driver , hence
the
> email address. I love to chat on here , play games on POGO , and
eBay like crazy !
>
> I hope to *meet* others here that will know of my fears , my
concerns , my
> questions , etc.
>
> Well take care , have a great day and a Merry Christmas too..
>
> Stacey

Hey Chris...

I have already discussed the Singulair with the doctor and he says
nope.  They have me on 3 different inhalers: Foradil @ 1 puff twice
a day, Spiriva @ 1 puff a day and now Pulmicort @ 4 puffs twice a
day.  Yes the humidity really gets me down.  But my prescription
costs are even worse.  $150 per month for this stuff and I have good
insurance.  They just aren't on the "formulary list".  Ticks me off
that I pay so much for medical insurance and then still have to pay
what I do.  Being divorced and on limited income, it makes it kinda
hard.  Guess we just have to hang in there and do our best.  Take
care,
Donna

--- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, Christopher Walters
<cjw2004d@y...> wrote:
> Hi Donna,
>
> Currently I am on the Advair Diskus (250/50) twice per day, and
albuterol inhaler as needed...  One thing I suggest that you ask
your doctor about is Singulair - everyone I know that has had it
says it helps alot.  I can imagine that being outside in the humid
air (Florida is almost always more humid that Michigan - where I'm
from) - I've found that I can't function very well without the air
conditioner, myself.  If it gets really bad, I may consider moving
somewhere with less humidity...
>
> Chris
>
> Donna <dcayton@b...> wrote:
>
> Hi Chris...
>
> I was diagnosed with emphysema myself this past May.  I'm 58 and
> smoked for a long time, but not really a heavy smoker.  They have
me
> on inhalers: Spiriva and Foradil.  I have real problems with my
> breathing though, especially when I try to do anything.  I live in
> Florida and the hot weather really bothers me when I am outside.
> What meds are you on?
>
> Donna
>
> --- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Chris Walters" <cjw2004d@y...>
> wrote:
> > Hello,
> >
> > I just got diagnosed with emphysema. I had pneumonia last year
(May
> > 2003), and this year, around Sep 10, I went to the ER with chest
> > pains, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and nausea - I
> thought it
> > was a heart attack. The ER doctor diagnosed me as having
pneumonia
> > (again) and gave me antibiotics and albuterol. Yesterday I was
> finally
> > able to get a follow-up on this (I still felt that I had
> pneumonia).
> > They gave me a pulmonary function test, and got the x-rays from
the
> > hospital - then the doctor told me that I have emphysema.  This
> > floored me, as I am only 33, and all of my research into this
> > condition led me to believe that this is very young to be
diagnosed
> > with emphysema (my mother has it).  I have been a smoker since
> about
> > age 15, but I've not been a heavy smoker for most of my life...
> Most
> > of the people I know who have been diagnosed with it were in
their
> > 50's when diagnosed and had smoked more for many more years than
> I.  I
> > feel that I must look into the possibility that there is
something
> > else going on here.
> >
> > Chris
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>    To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/emphysema/
>
>    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> emphysema-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
> Message From: Chris Walters
> Email: cjw2004d@y...
> ----------------------------------
> The views and opinions expressed
> in this message are entirely my own.
> Unless, of course, they're yours...
> ----------------------------------
>
> ---------------------------------
> Do you Yahoo!?
> vote.yahoo.com - Register online to vote today!

Hi Chris...

I was diagnosed with emphysema myself this past May.  I'm 58 and
smoked for a long time, but not really a heavy smoker.  They have me
on inhalers: Spiriva and Foradil.  I have real problems with my
breathing though, especially when I try to do anything.  I live in
Florida and the hot weather really bothers me when I am outside. 
What meds are you on?

Donna

--- In emphysema@yahoogroups.com, "Chris Walters" <cjw2004d@y...>
wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I just got diagnosed with emphysema. I had pneumonia last year (May
> 2003), and this year, around Sep 10, I went to the ER with chest
> pains, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and nausea - I
thought it
> was a heart attack. The ER doctor diagnosed me as having pneumonia
> (again) and gave me antibiotics and albuterol. Yesterday I was
finally
> able to get a follow-up on this (I still felt that I had
pneumonia).
> They gave me a pulmonary function test, and got the x-rays from the
> hospital - then the doctor told me that I have emphysema.  This
> floored me, as I am only 33, and all of my research into this
> condition led me to believe that this is very young to be diagnosed
> with emphysema (my mother has it).  I have been a smoker since
about
> age 15, but I've not been a heavy smoker for most of my life... 
Most
> of the people I know who have been diagnosed with it were in their
> 50's when diagnosed and had smoked more for many more years than
I.  I
> feel that I must look into the possibility that there is something
> else going on here.
>
> Chris