I becamse aware of COPD here on the site from Thomas - which, I think, made me notice the commercials for Spiriva on TV a bit more. Someone also directed me to do the breathing/straw exercise to see what it would feel like - and that was truly scary! It really DID feel like an elephant was sitting on my chest.
I had the test as part of a bettery of tests before a major vascular surgery in 2012. At that point I just wanted to pass for the surgery - and I did. They said it was "really good" for a person who smoked as long as I had. I understand that as I get older that may change, but I feel blessed to be where I am today. I am a very active person and inactivity makes me CRAZY - so I will continue to be hopeful that I may have dodged that bullet.
If you haven't quit - DO it. If you have, protect it with every fiber of your being.
If you have quit, remember to blog BEFORE you make a decision to smoke again. It IS a mattter of life and breath!
Nancy
