I had a test done to determine if I have emphysema. [View all]

[Unknown Beatle]

I was a smoker for thirty eight years, the last five were two packs a day. I quit on my birthday last year, 03.20.14. I have been going to the doctor every three months as a result of elbow and knee pain in which he prescribes hydrocodone, plus other maladies in which I need medication.

On one of my visits, I was having difficulty breathing, sort of like mild asthma, the Dr gave me prescriptions for an albuterol inhaler plus prednisone (corticosteroid) pills. I got better for a couple of months then my breathing difficulties returned.

To the Dr again, and again, albuterol, prednisone, plus an antibiotic. And again, I improved ninety percent, and again a couple of months later breathing difficulties returned.

This time, the Dr set up an appointment to have my lungs tested for emphysema. The test was last week and it lasted approximately two hours. It was a series of breathing tests, some were hard and some were easy. I even had to be inside a pressurized chamber for a test.

My next appointment with my Dr won't be until the 27th of this month and I'm very nervous and anxious to find out the results of the test.

Everything has consequences.