Hi all, newly diagnosed here. On February 24, I officially quit smoking as I was losing my breath just getting dressed. I’ve been smoking since I was 14 so about 23 years.I watched my dad die from this and lung cancer in 2011, I should of quit then. I feel pretty dumb. I have been seeing doctors for months due to fatigue and little pains here and there. Went to Pulmonologist on May 4th and I was diagnosed with stage 3 emphysema.
Anyways, the dr called me about 45 mins after my appointment to tell me this, but I was eating lunch with my mom, and I was trying not to freak out in front of her. He asked if I could talk or had any questions and I stupidly said no. I wish I would have asked questions cause now I really know nothing. I have an appointment with my primary tomorrow.
Anyways, the report says I have obstructed and restrictive defect on pfts. The blowing tests were hard, I felt like I was going to pass out. My fev1 was 0.9, 52% predicted. Fvc was 1.3L 50%. The fev1/FVC ratio was 73%.
I have no idea what any of that means. Trying to look things up but it gets overwhelming.
Now that I’ve quit smoking i feel much worse, and I keep getting pains at bottom of rib cage and feel completely swollen inside.
I think I’m scared mostly cause 2 years ago I had an xray that showed nothing, now all the sudden this?! The worst part was telling my mom and brothers considering what happened to our dad.
Since diagnosis day I have been so busy I’ve had no time to myself, or to really process, and trying to act strong for my mom. I think, if things work out this weekend I may take a trip and “process”.
Sorry so long and thank you for the welcome. It’s nice to finally get this off my chest.