Hello- Just wanted to stop by and say hey.  My name is Brian.  I have two young children, a wonderful wife and emphysema.  I have been going to the Cleveland Clinic for about 3 months and just started some of the evaluation (pft's, 30 vials of blood, X-ray, CT Scan,  LSW, Pre-translant Coordinator, Transplant nurse, and Transplant Doctor). My FEV 1 is 15% and my 6 min walk I did a total of 1400 feet with 4LPM huffin and puffin.  MY CT scans look horrible, I have some voids the size of grapefruits. Never the less, they think I am stable and just want to watch me for a while.  I have already done Pulmonary Rehab but am going into the Phase III program at Akron general just to make sure I stick with it.  
 
This all started about 4 years ago when I had a lung collapse.  That is the first time I heard the term emphysema applied to me.  2 1/2 years after that I'm on O2 24/7 and doing very little with the family.  That's what bugs me the most about this.   I have done what I've done, so I deserve what I get...........but my wife and kids don't deserve what has been thrust upon them.  It's the only thing in my life I regret; smoking and robbing them of a dad and a husband.  
 
So that is basically me, hope to get to know some of you here.  I'm pretty easy to get along with and very  hopeful that my life can continue for some time longer................but I'm scared.

Hey dan,  So you are actually listed at this point?  They don't even want to really list me yet, just observe.  I was told that emphysema LAS are pretty low.  Is that why you have been on the list so long?

Yeh, I am pretty thankful right now for how things are.  A friend of mine has IPF and things are moving a little quicker for him.  My real problem right now is getting used to wearing the O2 in public.   Still got that pride thing...............no wonder they call it one of the 7 deadly sins!!!!!!  Anyway, gotta get passed that.  I also want to get all the use out of these puffers I can!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thanks for the replies  my friend.

Nana, Hi, glad you have started the process of losing weight. It is very hard to do. I lost mine originally on the Weight Watcher Program and am now a life member and swear by them. If you follow their routine and stick to it..you will lose the weight. I only needed to lose 34  pounds and I did. My best friend went with me and she lost 65 pounds.
 
Some tips.....put your fork down between every bite. Eat on a smaller plate, thus you eat smaller portions. Eat slowly and drink a lot tea or water...any liquid to give you a full feeling. A glass of ice water 30 minutes before a meal works wonders for reducing your appetite. And last but not least ...chew your food till there is nothing left to chew.
Good luck...you can do it!
 
Sharon Barlow
University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio
Left lung - February 3, 1999
Right lung - COPD

I started using O2 in 2003.   Have been ever since.  My sats are pretty good on R.A. at rest,  drop fast with exertion.  pretty typical emphysema patient.  You will go thru stages, of feeling pretty good and breathing easier, to not being able to get dressed without feeling like you just ran a marathon.   I do better in summer,  others do better in the winter.....take care.
Dan
 

Nana, best of luck to you!   I'm sure you will be listed soon.