I have had moderate to severe emphysema for 26 years, from 2000 through today. I was told to get my affairs in order in 2000 & that I’d likely need an imminent lung transplant. I’m still being considered for one but we all agree I’m too healthy at this time.

Staging isn’t that helpful. I function quite well and always have. I have never been hospitalized, which I’m sure has been helpful. We catch & treat exacerbations very early so I’ve always been able to handle them at home with antibiotics and sometimes so prednisone.

For me, the lucky thing is I “only” have bad emphysema, chronic asthma, allergies and silent gastric reflux. Some folks have a lot of comorbidities, which complicates treatment & their lives. I’m very glad the biologics seem to be helping reduce frequency & severity of my exacerbations.