Wondering how fast did anyone's copd symptoms hit them?

I have Copd and emohysema and asthma and have had the emphysema for about 5 or 6 years now and the copd and asthma since I was in my 20's. Sometimes at night when I lay down to go to bed I start feeling like I can't catch my breath and it scares me, so I'll sit up. Last week I asked the doctor to check my oxygen and it's in the 90% . I had a chest xray done and found out that my lower right lobe isn't blowing up when I breathe because of too much scar tissue in my stomach that's close to my diaphram. There's nothing that can be done about it: that's what I was told. So I deal with it.

I would say my copd came on gradually… I quit smoking last year. Prior to my quitting I was having pain in my back lt. side and went to the dr.; she listened to my chest and did not like what she was hearing, gave me the breathing test etc. and other tests. I was then dx'd with COPD… I smoked for 20+ years so I'm sure it was just a matter of time. Also it took several tries before I quit for good!! Are you still smoking?? Stay positive!

It took me about 2 years of complaining to my cardio. dr about being short of breath before he finally sent me to see a pulmonary dr. I kept complaining of shortness of breath and the dr kept telling me to get more exercise and said I was just out of shape. I will say that after I was diagnosed with COPD the cardio dr did appologize for not sending me sooner. The pulmonary dr has had me on meds. for 5 years now and I just found out recently the I have sleep apnea, I will start on a cpap on Friday. So I'm hopine that it will make some difference.

It made a huge difference in my life lenny!! HUGS

Hi Jeannie - I'v been using mine for a while now and can say that it has made some difference. I still have a lot of issues that I am working through, not making a lot of head way on some of it but I'm still trying. I is great to hear from you again. I know I've been away for a while with some health issues and a short vacation. But I think I'm back for now.

Denny

I'm so glad you are back! Hugs!

I agree with all run do not walk to a new doctor. I have sleep apena on top of COPD I only found out about it all after find a doctor that does not limit himself to his specialty. I could not walk a block without huffing and puffing and I have never smoked very much maybe a cigarette a day for about twenty yrs. My doctor at the time told me it was because of the smoking and the results of a past illness. Finally it put me in the hospital and I found my current doctor. He send me to the sleep lab and to a pulmonary doctor, and that is when I found out about the sleep apena andCOPD. Today I can walk 10 blocks and do some stairs without stopping and almost fainting. I use spriva and the albuteral for sudden use which is rare. and he has been my doctor for the past twenty yrs. I recommend him to all my family and friends. I have some come back and try to recommend him to me and I remind them I was the original recommentor. Please change you doctor or insist on a sleep test they help define exactly what is the problem.

Sounds like it's time to find a new doc. I also go to a pulmonary Doc for my COPD. I was diagnosed by him when I was sent to him to see if I had sleep apnea.

My mother just passed away from COPD a few days ago. It was a long hard battle for years. Spiriva did help her I believe, and possibly added years to her life. Be careful with inhalers such as Albuteral, they can cause anxiety and panic attacks. You will be in my prayers tonight. God Bless you.

Oh, by the way, RUN do not walk to find a new doctor. My mother had the same doc for over 20 years with no success. When I finally convinced her to try a new doctor, it was a blessing with much better results. I personally know that it is hard to find a good doctor that seems to care and take the time to discuss and take an interest in your conditions. So, please do not waist time with a doctor that you are less than happy with. Go to the next one. I suggest talking to friends and family about doctors they are happy with other than using a website or other resource.

sorry for your lost. I am surprised and grateful for the info on the albuteral I have never experience an attack, but now I will be careful. Thank God.

Sorry for your lose and very grateful for your advice.You will be in my prayers too along with your mother.

I'm so sorry for your lose. Losing a mother is the toughest thing. I still miss mine and she's been gone for 8 years.
You are so right about a new doctor. There are good ones out there, you just have to find them!!

I too feel it's time for a new doctor it's not easy though to find one that cares.Anyway thanks for everyones input.

It sounds to me like you need to find a new family doctor, one that is willing to discuss your health with you. Also, when you find the new doctor, ask him or her for a sample of Spiriva to see if that helps you. I tried it and find that I don't need my inhalers as much when I take my Spiriva. My COPD is a combination of bronchitis and asthma so I know how it feels not being able to breath. I hope you find a good doctor and get some help with your COPD. Good luck and God bless.

Hi Humble.
you say that the doc gave you ever drug known to man. did they give you any inhalers?
find a new doc.

sounds like how I have been felling and I have not gone to a doctor now that I have sen this I think I need to set up an appointment thanks and I hope you feel better and get help too.

Sounds like you may need a new doctor. My COPD had been developing most of my life. I helped it along by smoking for 35+ years.

U shouldn't have been playin with matches at 3

HA!

I told everyone that I got hooked on "weed" in Nam & never smoked a cig in my life. I doubt that the fell for it, because I was tested weekly.

I was told when i was 17 and in the army that i had bronchotis and should quit smoking. well i could walk all day long but the runnning killed me, but when i went to germany for three years i rode a bike to work and home which was about 5 miles each way and had no problem with the runs we did at this unit i was in . but when i came home i quit riding the bike and started having troubles withthe running again. but after i got out of the army and aged some i had a stroke when i was 47 and that is when i was diagnoised with sleep apnea and copd at the same time. i was off work for a neck surgery when i had the stroke. so it was a long process but slapped me silly all at once…