Xrays are not good diagnostic tools for COPD; you can only get indications from an Xray. A definitive diagnostic tool is spirometry or a pulmonary function test. If you've had that test and your doc says COPD, then something's going on. You might ask to take the test again, because it really does matter how much effort you put in to it and how you're coached. If you haven't had the test, ask your doc what he based his diagnosis on.

COPD is a really deceitful disease. Most of us have no idea we have it, and we chalk our being short of breath, coughing, etc. up to being overweight, out of shape and getting older. Great excuses and easy to fall in that trap, but it is a trap. If you're really honest with yourself, you know that you get way more short of breath than other people your age and other people don't cough the way you do, or wheeze sometimes.

Even if you turn out not to have it, stop smoking, lose the weight and start a good exercise program. You'll be a whole lot better off!

Isn't that the truth. This disease really messes with your head. I talked myself into a sort of denial at first because I could do everything I'd ever done. But I'm glad it moves very slowly; gives us time to adjust to those subtle changes.

Be glad you don't have symptoms yet. But keep exercising. To keep symptoms away.

Easy breathing

Did you have a PFT?

Apparently it's an add-on maintenance treatment for patients with severe Asthma. My pulmonary doctor said that it might help me with my Asthma/COPD. I was just wondering if anyone with severe Asthma received the shot.