I had a test done to determine if I have emphysema.

[Unknown Beatle]

I was a smoker for thirty eight years, the last five were two packs a day. I quit on my birthday last year, 03.20.14. I have been going to the doctor every three months as a result of elbow and knee pain in which he prescribes hydrocodone, plus other maladies in which I need medication.

On one of my visits, I was having difficulty breathing, sort of like mild asthma, the Dr gave me prescriptions for an albuterol inhaler plus prednisone (corticosteroid) pills. I got better for a couple of months then my breathing difficulties returned.

To the Dr again, and again, albuterol, prednisone, plus an antibiotic. And again, I improved ninety percent, and again a couple of months later breathing difficulties returned.

This time, the Dr set up an appointment to have my lungs tested for emphysema. The test was last week and it lasted approximately two hours. It was a series of breathing tests, some were hard and some were easy. I even had to be inside a pressurized chamber for a test.

My next appointment with my Dr won't be until the 27th of this month and I'm very nervous and anxious to find out the results of the test.

Everything has consequences.

[snappyturtle]

1. Thanks for sharing.

[femmocrat]

2. Sending best DU vibes to you.

Congratulations on quitting. I hope you get a good result and treatment that helps your lungs to recover.

[Kalidurga]

3. I am sorry to hear that

smoking is a terrible thing to try to quit I have seen so many people try it's really hard to watch. It's good that you quit no matter what the results of the test are, you did a very hard thing and it will help you in the long run. I do hope that you don't have this horrible disease though. Keep us updated.

[malaise]

4. Both walking and swimming

can help improve your breathing.

Good luck with the test results but start walking and swimming while you wait.

[Dont call me Shirley]

5. Congratulations on quitting. Best of luck to you!

[Terra Alta]

6. sending good thoughts and vibes your way.

[Lochloosa]

7. Hydrocodone can suppress your breathing.

[Unknown Beatle]

9. Yes, the Dr knows that,

but he said it wasn't because of the hydrocodone, which I have been taking for at least eight years and I had no problems then.

[REP]

13. It won't decrease your O2 sat rate

If one's breathing is bad enough to get those meds and those tests, it isn't because of hydrocodone.

[rhett o rick]

8. My best to you. nm

[Skittles]

10. hey

think of it this way....what is done is done, you can only move forward......you've quit smoking and that is a huge step......what I want to know is, do you exercise regularly....if not, now is a good time to start, regardless of the results

[a kennedy]

11. Congratulations on quitting.....

My quitting on May 2nd 2005 was the hardest thing I've ever done. I smoked for 37 years.....still miss it, but can never have a drag ever again, or I know I'd start again. Good vibes for news regarding your tests. And again congratulations on quitting.

[Adrahil]

12. Good Wishes!

But even if you do have it, quitting smoking was the best thing you could do for yourself! Well done!

[brer cat]

14. I hope you get good news, Unknown Beatle.

I urge you to exercise your lungs if you are not doing that already. I have asthma, and when I get lazy I can really tell a difference in my breathing difficulties. Start out slowly, and wait until your next appointment for guidelines from your doctor before trying anything strenuous.

Best of luck!

[Logical]

15. I will send good thoughts your way! nt

[Hekate]

16. Best wishes, UB. Congrats on quitting tobacco -- I know from observation how hard it is. nt

[greatlaurel]

17. Good luck and best wishes. Quitting smoking is very difficult.

Hang in there. Please let us know when you get your results back. Do you live in or visited an area where histoplasmosis is endemic? This fungal disease can be misdiagnosed as other even more serious lung diseases. Just a thought in case you live in the the Ohio or Mississippi River Valleys.

Take care.

[applegrove]

18. Vibes to you.

[pnwmom]

19. You've given yourself the very best chance you could by quitting smoking almost two years ago.

Good for you!



I know what a challenge that must have been, based on loved ones who have been smokers. So try not to beat yourself up about "consequences."

Of course you're nervous, but please know a lot of people will be rooting for you. Good luck!

[Blue_In_AK]

20. Best of luck to you.

The waiting is the hardest part.