I had a quadruple bypass 3 years ago. To make a long story short my cardiologist told me that I had the early signs of emphysema and that my heart was also slightly enlarged. I continued to smoke, but found myself increasingly fatigued. Simple things like walking down the street were very difficult. I have finally stopped smoking with help from the patch. I have not had a smoke for 14 days now and immediately felt the benefits of not smoking. It's not easy but I am determined to succeed. I want to feel good, and alive and energetic besides, I have a 10 month old grandson and I want to watch him grow up. Published: September 11 ::

I've had emphysema for four years. I am taking Spiriva and Advair. I started with oxygen at night, now all day long. Nothing seems to help. The minute I start to walk around the breathing gets bad. Even the oxygen doesn’t seem to help. Published: September 11 ::

I have recently (two months ago) been diagnosed with emphysema. I have been a smoker for 20 years. I quit smoking two months ago; the next day I was diagnosed. I currently work every day, but I am finding it more difficult energy-wise. I am also dealing with personality change (mood swings), and I wonder if it is from my disease or from recently quitting smoking. Published: October 01 ::

I have severe COPD and take Spiriva, Seretide, salbutamol nebs (2x daily) and ventolhattin as needed during the day. I have found exercising to be of great benefit to me. It keeps up the strength in my legs and somehow enables me to breathe better. If I dont exercise I can feel myself getting weaker and breathless. When one gets like that it is easy to stop moving about and just give in to it. So if you want to feel a lot better start walking or cycling, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and above all throw away the cigarettes. Published: October 05 ::