Hello, I hope I'm in the right place.
I'm a 34 year old man. Quit smoking cigarettes on June 1st 2019. Started at the age of 16. So, 17-18 years of smoking.
Picked up vaping instead in June. I quit vaping yesterday.
I went to the ER last night because of chest uncomfort and tenderness around my sternum area.
I also suffer from extreme Anxiety and panic disorder.
While at the hospital my red blood count was a little low so they wanted to do a CT scan to check for a potential blood clot in my lung. They took blood work for my heart and other things. It all came back good except the red blood results.
My oxygen was around 98-100 percent the whole time. BP was around 115-72. All my vitals seemed great.
The doctor finally came in after 4 hours of waiting and let me know there was no blood clot. Then started suggesting my pains and discomfort could very well be anxiety induced. Then started giving me pointers with it.
I then asked him if there was any inflammation or anything that could cause the raw dry feeling in my chest.
He then went back to his computer and then just randomly said I had severe emphysema.
I was obviously extremely surprised and taken back by this and asked if he was sure. He asked if my name was what it is, I said yes, and he just told me I need to get with my family doctor.
I'm struggling because this doctor didn't act like he knew what was really happening at all, was vague, and just printed off results.
I uneducated with all this and my head is spinning.
I don't have a cough. At all. I do feel congested. My anxiety has been higher since I quit smoking. I don't have any colored phlegm. My vitals are almost always great. I am not overweight at all.
Shortness of breath is tricky though. I relapsed on my anxiety in July and I've had new symptoms physically this time around. Shortness of breath is one. Only I only really notice it when I'm scared or stressed.
I don't feel like I'm extremely out of breath though. It's usually a chest tightness with a sensation of wanting to take a deep breath to obtain that relief feeling from it. Then I'm usually okay once I manage my anxiety and stress a little better.
I recently mowed the yard a couple weeks ago. Push mower. Never felt out of breath.
I really thought it was just my anxiety. Now I'm extremely confused and scared.
I can't get in to see my family doctor till Monday. I don't have answers.
I am terrified I won't live to see my 7 year old daughter grow up and become a wonderful woman one day.
I don't know if anyone can help me but I feel desperate.
Thank you to anyone who read all of that. You're amazing.
God Bless.