Today really IS the first day of …
Today really IS the first day of the rest of my life. The rest of my life on a course different than I …
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I'm so glad I've found this site. I just received the word that I have severe emphysema and that I need to go on oxygen. I think I am still in shock from that news. I did smoke for about 20 yrs. but quit smoking 19 years ago. My regular doctor has been treating me for the last 4-5 years for asthma. After all the changes in medicine - inhalers, etc., a month ago I visited her office and for the first time ever measured my blood oxygen level. It was 83. I told her how fatigued I was and told her I needed to find a specialist. By the way, I had mentioned getting a specialist nearly every time I was in her office for the last year. This time she gave me a pneumonia vaccine. She also sent me to have a complete spirometry (sp) test at the local hospital. A week later I received the news that I had emphysema from her clerk and that the doctor wanted to see me right away. I was stunned to hear the news after all this time of asthma talk. She couldn't really answer any of my questions and finally said she'd refer me to a pulmonologist. Thank heavens! Yesterday I had my first meeting with the pulmon. dr. and I'm scared witless. He has several other tests lined up for me in the next couple of weeks and I'm hopeful that he will help stabilize me and help me cope with this grim news.
Thanks for listening
Thanks for listening
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What did your spirometry test show for a fev1 that tells a lot. But a lot of it comes down to your attitude. It is hard I know it has only been 6 months since I was diagnosed very severe. My doctor like yours, treated me for everything and missed the boat. Had she caught it 3 years earlier, when became quite sick, I would be in much better shape. BUT life goes on and I thank God for every day! You will get along just fine and may only need oxygen at night. A lot of people get off of oxygen by working out walking treadmill using light weights. Ask about pulminary rehab that is a very good place to start, it's great. Well here's praying your tests come out favorable. Blessings
sassyme
Thank you for your words of encouragement. The new doctor did mention pulmin. rehab and I'm hopeful that with oxygen I will have the energy to do more walking and weight work. I think it can only help exponentially.
Blessings to you, too.
Sandi
Inkywell
I just looked up the fev1 number and is 1.15 (under pre meas) - what does that mean? I'm not up on much of the terminology at all.
sandi
Inkywell