have just been Diagnoised with Emphysema. Doc says I am only running on 1 1/2 - 2 cylanders out of eight.?

Question

Can anyone Please explain what I can expect? Am I in advanced stage? He has me on 3 different inhalers and oygen at night. What comes next???

I am 47 and I have no idea what to expect next. Am I in advanced stages? I am on 3 inhalers and oxygen at night. Last time I went to Doc he asked if I was coughing up BLOOD YET!! I'm not coughing up anything Just wheezing and always out of breath.
Someone PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

That statement means that you are in an advanced state. If you smoke, stop immediately (this was mentioned in an earlier reply). Use your medications even if you are feeling great. Stay inside when the air quality is borderline. Please refer to the Mayo Clinic link below for more information on emphysema.
Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that results in shortness of breath and reduces your capacity for physical activity.

The cause of emphysema is damage to the small air sacs and small airways in your lungs. This damage obstructs airflow when you exhale.

When emphysema is advanced, you must work so hard to expel air from your lungs that just the simple act of breathing can consume a great deal of energy. Unfortunately, because emphysema develops gradually over many years, you may not experience symptoms such as shortness of breath until irreversible damage has already occurred.

Treatments for emphysema focus on relieving symptoms and avoiding complications.

Answer 2

First off relax. If you only need O2 at night you are not in the advanced stages. Many people live rather "normal" lives with this. When you say cylinders are you referring to tanks or the liters of O2 being delivered? Usually you are told to use 2 liters. You need to watch you weight - as extra weight exasperates it. Know your limitations but don't become a prisoner in your home. Try your best to avoid colds and if you have allergies keep them in check. Be sure to always have your flu shot and your pneumonia shot. Prevention is your best form of treatment. Of course stay away from smokers ! When you do get a cold always see your doctor - your have to treat it early. With all that said - your life will still be yours. My daughter who is now 28 was diagnosed two years ago. And she is able to only use her 02 when needed. No longer every night. So take care of your self and all should be fine - it is a life change not a death sentence.

Answer 3

Quite possibly oxygen 24/7. My father had emphysema from smoking for so many years. So if you still smoke, please cut down, if not quit. I will warn you, however, that you need to NOT smoke while on the oxygen. Why? Because, hypothetically, if you light up a cigarette while the canula is on your face, (your nose), if a spark where to happen, it could go up your nose, down inside your esophogus, and have a fire going on inside that part of your body. I young man who delivered oxygen to my father told him that.
My father passed away six years after his diagnosis (that does not mean the same for you). He died of a heart attack early one morning. Several years ago. I miss him very much. a good man. If you truly want to know what is next-please ask your dr. He/she knows your medical case far better than any of us out in "computer world" unless there is a dr., or a respiratory therapist to answer this question. I truly wish you the best. Take care.

Answer 4

If your running on 2 cylinders thats 25% about where I am

Take the daily med plus a steroid, get into a cardio/pulmanory execise program

You can get back some of you energy and life..

I can now do a 1/4A lawn with a push mower

I started with 02 every night all night now it's a little to fall asleep with, a portable to go with me

Answer 5

Maybe more medications. A pulmonary rehab program would be in order. They teach you the proper way of breathing so you can get the most out of each breath. They will teach you how and when to use your medications so you are getting the most out of them. They will start you on a light exercise program to build your endurance and they will teach you how to avoid respiratory infections that could put you down for a long while. Ask your doctor about a PR program in your area.

Answer 6

Start taking some Omega 3 Fish Oils ASAP and good luck.

Answer 7

hope you have quit the smoking=you do as he says =some people are known to get somewhat better as long as they follow Dr's orders