I Get Diagnosed with COPD

I was first dx’d (diagnosed) with emphysema in 1985 when I took myself to the local ER because I was just getting short of breath for some reason. I KNEW the air was going in and out but it just didn't feel like it was "doing" anything in there. The doctor on duty that night was very astute in that he ordered some nuclear tests plus a few others...that same night! He even called in a specialist to perform the one test. I guess it was a slow night in the ER.

After reading all the results, he came back to my little curtained off cubicle and told me “You have emphysema. If you don’t stop smoking now, you probably won’t live for 10 years.” “Well”, thought I, “what does this doctor know. I’m only 44 and only ‘old’ people get emphysema.” So I thanked him very much and went on home and continued to live my life as before...giving riding lessons, traveling, taking care of 15 horses, hiking, fishing.....and smoking. 1994 came and went. I was still alive!! See, I didn’t have emphysema after all. Sure, I got a little sob doing certain heavy work but what the heck, I was getting older (54, now) and it was to be expected, right?

I started working for the township as zoning officer and was still able to go out and do property inspections and the other physical stuff that was part of my duties. And each time I had my yearly doctor’s visit, he would ask me ”Have you quit smoking yet?” “Nope, not quite.” I had quit a couple of times....once for a couple of months; another time for a whole year...but then something would happen and I’d reach for those cigarettes. Or my boyfriend would nag and nag me to quit and I’d just keep on smoking...just to spite him!! Little did I know, huh? My Mom would have told me I was “cutting off my nose to spite my face”....whatever the heck THAT means.

Lesson Forwarded ... If you find yourself getting short of breath on exertion ... walking, carrying groceries, playing with the kids or grandkids ... get your doctor to order a Pulmonary Function Test!!!