Hello everyone! I've recently been diagnosed with moderate emphysema via CT scan I had done of the neck for another concern. I do not suffer from any symptoms, therefore this was a shock to me. I am a former smoker of 25 years, quit 7 years ago but used vaping to quit. I Vaped up until my diagnosis a couple weeks ago which resulted with my vape pen being chucked out of the window on my drive home from work.
I had my PFT done today and to my delight, my numbers looked pretty good! FEV1 106 and FEV1/FVC 91. The tech pointed out my 25-75% was a little low at 77 but just reflects some damage. The results will be read by a pulmonologist and his it her recommendation will be forwarded to my PCP who will contact me.
I'm 46 years young and plan to do whatever it takes to stick around on this rock as long as I can. My question to you fine folks is, what would you suggest I do going forward? Would it be wise to consult with my PCP at this point or should I request a referral to a pulmonologist? What would you advise as far as my best course of action to take charge of my health?
Any advice you can give will be truly appreciated. After I was first diagnosed, I was terrified. I watched a family member die from copd and that was all I had to relate to, until I found this site. Reading the informative and inspirational comments here gave me hope to get through the wait to get to where I am now.
Thank you!