Shortness of breath after stopping smoking

Hi I stopped smoking 2.75 years ago went through hell had ex rays was told all clear but x rays don't pick up everything so doc said some people may opted for a scan ,he said most people are happy with an x ray ,I went for the scan they found the start but very mild emphysema, went through sob thought this is the end but after much research realized that even though you cant repair all of the damage if you stop smoking your lungs repair quite a bit and from not smoking anymore I will not cause anymore damage . My lungs will start decreasing at the normal rate as a non smoker . many people that catch it in time will never need medication and live a normal life . I know train 3-4 times a week and am doing fine. I read so much over the past 2 years so just because you have had an exray and think you are ok check further by doing a scan. I went to a lung doc and he said I have enough lungs to last till I was 150 years old and I was one of the lucky ones that got a hold of my lung problem earlier by doing this scan. and I should not have may problems as long as I don't go back to the smokes. So don't give up quitting it took me at least 15-20 goes but now im all good

Hi Ralph...I can! In fact...today they are doing construction which had me parking even further away from the building and at first I was in panic mode and then I just did it...I even had to walk up 2 inclines...whoot whoot! Yay for me....oh...and beside that...as soon as I got to the top I ran into someone I had not seen for a while and I spoke to her without being so out of breath....she said, wow...you look great..."I can see the coloring has come back in my face....!" I am telling you Ralph....each day a little bit better....!!!!!

The more effort you put into your body the better the results will be and the better you will feel. Most doctors say the recovery time for your lungs depends on how long you've smoked. However, you may also hear from doctors and read on the Internet a variety of ranges covering a 9 month to 7 years range. With healthy living you should be back in full swing in about 2-5 years. The reason some doctors say 7 years is because by the 7th year all of the cells in your lungs should have been replaced several times over by new healthy cells, returning you to a state as close as possible to where you've begun your journey or where your genetic code allows you to be based on the current DNA sequencing of your age. THANKS RALPH

Interesting Ralph....Well, I am super glad I am feeling so much better these days!

Today is september the 9th 2014 it is the 445th day of my quiting smoking, my summer this year was pretty bad, now that i" m back home my breathing is getting better, I have to have cataract sugery on both of my eyes that should be fun, now I can wear glasses its been a tough 2 years of my life , I would say its been the worst 2 years of my life, now i am 70 years old and another 55 to go I( hope everone is doing better i wish the best to all and have a great winter if you thought it was cold last year wait to you see what nature has inj store for you this year. as always the best to all. THANKS RALPH

Angel you didnt tell me your oxygen level and are you still on oxygen ?

Oh yes...I am still on oxygen because I am still only breathing at 60%...but I take it on an "as needed" basis...I get retested in 3 months....so...we will see. All I know is I feel so much better....thank g-d!

Do you have to take oxygen to work? I know for sure now that my SOB is due to anxiety flare ups. Yesterday I cut the lawn then did 20 laps in the pool and biked 7 miles yet not once did I feel SOB. 2 days ago though I woke up with SOB and did nothing the night before. It did not last the whole day :) Although lately I do nothing but think about my breathing for some reason. Just glad that I'm heading in the right direction. Keith

OH HECK NO KEITH...I REFUSE...IT'S BAD ENOUGH I HAVE THE OXYGEN MACHINE BUT I DO NOT GO OUT IN PUBLIC WITH IT....JUST A PERSONAL THING...I ONLY USE IT WHEN I GET HOME FROM WORK... I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE DOING BETTER KEITH!

Good thing. Every time I see someone with a portable tank I wonder where they or are they a smoker? I hope that I never get to that state because it is not fun not being able to breath.

Yeah...no it not fun...that's for sure.

I am so happy for you angel, you have really had a hard time with this junk, there were days you really had me worried,l and Keith you have had A really rough time with this garbage, I want to wish you both a very short time to the finnish line. God Bless Thanks Ralph.

Same for you as well Ralph. Keith

Ralph...thanks so much for your kind words...it has been a rough road for all of us...and I wish the same to you and to everyone that has contributed to lessen my worry on this forum by giving me hope (Keith) :-)...

My pleasure. I'm glad that you are back out enjoying life with your family. With out the support of my family and the kind people on this site I would have given in. I hope more people that quit and have a difficult time stumble upon this site as well. Keith