Emphysema sucks

[ScottP]

Before this attack, I had still smoked about 6 cigarettes a day - lost all interest in cigarettes now and I haven't touched one since.

I've been vaping since 2011. I had always used vaping as a way to cut down on my cigarette usage.
Smoked for 40+ years - pack or more a day.
Diagnosed with Emphysema about six months ago, but I'm sure the damage was there well before.
I had still felt fine, but all it took was a cold to allow the Emphysema to really take off.

My doctor continues to be very supportive of vaping.

I'll keep you all updated, really hoping now that I'm completely off cigarettes it will improve.

Ahh so you were still smoking some. Definitely keep us in the loop now that you have fully quit smoking. It is my hypothesis that as long as the disease isn't too far progressed, over time it will get significantly better, if not go dormant completely.

 

[jjcordone]

Yup, like a dope - even after vaping for a couple of years, I was still smoking.
No more cigarettes for me. This was a dramatic wake up call.
Amazing how being too short of breath to function will get your attention.....

 

[patkin]

.

 

[aikanae1]

Ahh so you were still smoking some. Definitely keep us in the loop now that you have fully quit smoking. It is my hypothesis that as long as the disease isn't too far progressed, over time it will get significantly better, if not go dormant completely.

But Emphysema is actually a dead portion of your lung. I've had it since I was 15 (diagnosed then) due to another illness. The ultimate dumb is smoking knowing that. Still, it is possible to maximize your lung capacity and I'm sure that vaping rather than smoking will help.

 

[bruiser]

Speaking of allergies, I live in what has just been named the number one place in the USA for allergies. And I have them. Allergic to practically everything except food. The allergies, being untreated, led to asthma. Yep, untreated allergies can cause asthma. This spring has been on the bad side. Coughing, itchy watery eyes, nasal congestion, etc. I should probably move somewhere else.

 

[jjcordone]

I want to thank everyone for their kind support. To update you all - I'm doing much better - back to work and breathing well.
I had a week long scare over an abnormal x-ray, but the follow up of a CT Scan showed it to be nothing.
I'll be on COPD meds forever, but they're working.

Completely off cigarettes now - none since my trouble started.
My doctor and the wellness nurse are both very supportive of my vaping - anything to stay away from cigarettes.

 

[Ann48]

I'm so glad to hear you are doing much better! I am currently trying to get onto vaping totally because I have mild copd and really don't want to get worse - this is bad enough! Bruiser, my untreated allergies have led to asthma (which my doctor calls copd - she said copd is either asthma, emphasema, or brochitis - they are all copd?? not sure but that's what she believes). Then she tells me my allergies have led to asthma. So i'm confused about that part of what she says but she is also VERY supportive of vaping. She said 'there are enough studies on the delivery system and they are still looking at it, but I believe its got to be much better for you than smoking cigs."

Anyway, that's great that you are better jjcordone!! I hope to get completely off cigs like you in the very near future!! Question - does/did vaping make your lung issues worse or better? It seems like better...but I want to hear what you have to say. Was/is it hard for you to inhale the vape? Or do you inhale it?

 

[jjcordone]

Hi Ann: I read and was told the same thing, asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis are all lumped together under the generic label of COPD.
I also read that unfortunately, allergies are a trigger for them all to act up, as are colds and flu.
Vaping does seem to help. When you think about it it makes sense, it is after all a vaporizer and vaporizers have been one of the methods people use to open obstructed airways.
I tend to go with very light flavors and high VG - PG, strong flavors or too high a NIC tend to give me a sore throat.
Best of luck and god bless!

 

[jimbill]

Well aikanae1 i don't think copd is classified as dead portions of the lung it's scar tissue i believe.I am luck my copd was caught early and i have a chance with vaping.

 

[jjcordone]

Jimbill - I hope I didn't confuse you with my follow up post.
I do believe Emphysema is dead portions of the lung and it will not get better from vaping.
The best I can hope for is it not getting worse as it would if I continued to smoke.
You can also increase the lung capacity with the medications and exercise.

The scar tissue I was referring to in my post was an additional problem.
They has seen a possible tumor that turned out to be scar tissue.

COPD (asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis) can be controlled, but not cured.

If I'm not understanding this all correctly - please anyone more knowledgeable feel free to post...

Thanks!

 

[sweetgypsea]

Thank you all for the support!

On the questions on the meds....
I started with Qvar then to Prednisone - a week like this with no progress.
Then last week he added Spiriva and the effect was dramatic.
I went from gasping for breath to almost a normal breathing pattern by the second day on Spiriva.
I meet with the doctor on Monday and I should get an OK to finally return to work.
I'm not sure what meds will be daily now, but I'll bet at least one will be.

I was (mis)diagnosed with mild COPD at age 25 after smoking for 13 years (odd, I know.... strange doctor). Anyway, at the time, I was prescribed Spiriva and it also helped me dramatically with the wheezing and shortness of breath. (Turns out I have mild ASTHMA.... not COPD.... ::shakes head: