I have recently been told I have emphysema and COPD due to smoking. In 2011 my general physician said there was something showing on my lungs but I had other problems to worry about such as a hip replacement. I haven't had anything explained to me about my recent diagnosis, I have no idea where to turn.

My doctor told me because of having asthma and at least 30 plus years of smoking and a history of chronic bronchitis, my breathing became short and wheezing became very bad, especially at bedtime which never occurred before. So this Thursday came the bad news, he informed me that I have emphysema! He sent me for blood work and x-rays immediately. I should have listened to him a few years ago when he warned me to quit smoking or eventually I would end up with emphysema. Well, I didn"t listen! Please don"t doubt your doctor when he warns you about something like this, like I did. That’s why they are called doctors!

I contracted this disease by smoking and by living across the street from an acid regeneration factory.