I had my first PFT and Cat Scan of my lungs recently. I was diagnosed with mild COPD/ emphysema based on the PFT (FEV1- 93% and FEV1/FCV -78) and the Cat Scan showed mild to moderate emphysematous changes in the upper lobes. I'm 64 and smoked heavily for 40 years and vaped for the last 8 years so it wasn't a surprise. I've finally quit both smoking and vaping.
Actually the surprise to me was that the diagnosis wasn't a lot worse. The pulmonologist said that I can live a pretty normal life if I keep exercising and never smoke or vape again. The only treatment he suggested was to use my albuterol inhaler before I go walking, bike riding or playing pickle ball. Does this sound right to everyone? Can emphysema really stay at a mild/ moderate level for a long time? Is there anyone here who has had mild emphysema for a long time?