[psych16m]

i just got bad news about my dad. i had a horrible feeling about him last night so this morning i made him skip work and go to the doc. unfortunally, he was diagnosed with emphysema. now, i dont know much about this lung disease but i know its bad and i dont like it. i've been depressed today and wanted to know more about emphysema. can anyone help me?
i really love my dad bc he's been the only person in my life that really cared for me and beleived in me no matter what so i dont want to lose him. im only 16 and it just sux. but he should be okay for now.
well.... i wannna cut this short... so... any comments?

[DOWNINNATICK]

Your dad could live a long time with emphysema, but he will need oxygen and inhalers to help him breath. I have a neighbor who has it, and it's been 10 yrs now and he is still living. So just enjoy being with him and love him, but also take time for yourself.

Here is a site on emphysema;

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/emphysema.html

[psych16m]

thanx alot for the info and the link. my dad already uses inhalers but not oxygen. thanx for the info. makes me feel alot better.

[DOWNINNATICK]

You're welcome for that link, I saw many more you could check out. I will say a pray for you and him. I hope you can open the attached card to brighten your day.

http://www.castlemountains.com/index...=428&type_id=2

[MyBestKids2]

So sorry to hear your Dads not feeling well and of the diagnosis. As everyone said, inhalers and oxygen will be an eventuality. My Mom had emphysema as well as several others lung diseases. She survived quite a number of years.

Keeping you close in my thoughts!!

Take care,
Dee

[advar100]

I have emphysema and at first it was disturbing .But take the treatment and he will do pretty well.

[psych16m]

thanx advar. everyone here has been really helpful. thanx alot.

[nightbird]

Hope your Dad recovers as best he can.

They have wonderful advances in lung diseases, like medicines that are tolerated with less side effects than even 10 years ago.

If he doesn't have oxygen yet, he is in a fair to good place with his lung disease.

He can take the medications, meet with his Dr. when told, and stay clear of certain foods, and cigarettes, first and second hand.

He'll be around a longtime Dear Person, so you have lots to look forward to yet with your Dad.

Your a wonderful son ... Bless your heart!

peace and love,
nightbird

[Doh2007]

Does your dad smoke? My mother has the same thing. When we moved her to a retirement center and out of her dusty, moldy house, she got much better.

[psych16m]

good news.
my dad stopped somoking the day he found out and he took a 7 day pill thing and when he went back to the doctor today they said he was cured, he had no signs of emphysema.
that kinda amazed me but im so happy.
best of luck everyone!

[thunderbear]

My friends mom has emphysema and they are trying her on an experimental drug. They've had it out for a couple of years and are satisfied with it. Her mom started out with only 40% lung capacity and she is now so much better. If I talk to her I will ask her for you. Prayers for your family

[Doh2007]

That's such good news that your dad stopped smoking. I hope he can keep it up.