First, you need a pulmonologist, not your PCP for diagnosis. Second, a CT scan is not a diagnostic tool for COPD, a spirometry test is. Find a pulmonologist and ask for a complete diagnostic workup. If you have COPD you can go from there; if not, you know where to look next because the pulmonologist will know.

Hello.
You will get the drum-line here that COPD is "an umbrella disease" covering things like Asthma and Emphysema. But few talk about other lung and Respiratory conditions that don't fit these categories. Even with medicines, many Docs go to the well advertised brands on Tv without digging in for a root cause. It sounds like your Docs fit that category too.

You are doing good by advocating for yourself. Your descriptions here give a lot of clues that need a better-than-rote answer. Here is an article talking about recent changes to the diagnosis and treatment of the overall condition we call COPD:
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985970
Also, Read into the link there about the GOLD Standard and you will see how much of your symptoms are counter to the "traditional" lung damaged ( aka "smoking") patient. Don't hesitate to find replacement doctors before things get out of control and you are hospitalized for intense treatment.
Be well.

I struggle also trying to find someone to accompany me whenever I have to have surgeries, and when I do I pay them $ I hate driving anywhere I often get panic attacks. Memorial Lung Care in Chattanooga is a good place for me dealing with my COPD. Are you on supplemental oxygen? It might help. I am and it’s not a cure but it can help. I take my tank when I’m driving with me when I’m traveling. Do you have a good lung Dr.?
If so can I ask who it is?
Have a good day. I wish we could all get together and meet at a place like Golden Coral.
Please ask your COPD friends that live nearby. It would be nice to be around people that understand how we feel.
Have a great day!

There are some days that we just like to forget and believe me breathing is important. Sometimes we just have to wait it out and the worm goes away.

Hi Robert!

Sorry it took so long to reply. I understand the ride thing completely. I went to ENT yesterday and have to have my deviated septum fixed in Knoxville. Surgery. Ugg. Have to find someone to go with me. I don't drive anymore because of back and shoulder issues. I have a manual 6 speed. My roomate has an automatic I drive short distances but never to Knoxville or Chattanooga.
I have a lung Dr in Loudon that says my lungs are fine. When I do spirometry test it was like 98%. If my lungs are so good, why can't I walk from one side of the house to the other? I'de like to move closer to CHI in Chattanooga because of their lung center but I don't know the neighborhoods well. I need a very safe area due to PTSD. My cardiologist is there at CHI. I like him. Dr. Warren. I take my blood pressure everyday at home on 2 different bp machines and it's always between 160/100 or 180/110. I go to the Dr and they take it and its 125/90. So, they think it's fine.
That would be nice to get some COPD people together. I have no life. I have never been to that popular steakhouse. I forget the name but there is one in Cleveland off I-75. I haven't had a steak in 23 years. Since I lived in Florida. I don't think I have ever been to Golden Corral. I have no friends here really. I had one, but she died of Covid. My brother lived here but he died of Covid in March. It's hard to make friends here in Athens. Because of my PTSD, I don't even try anymore. I used to be so outgoing and game for anything. Now, I just hang with my pooches and watch TV. My roomate and I have been friends since we both lived in Michigan in the mid 90's. We met when we both worked at a popular restaurant in Royal Oak, MI.
Well, I should go. You have a great day and take it easy. The weather sucks. Getting cold outside. Stay inside if you can.
Take care Robert!!