Lung function results

[1974lovejoy]

Morning ....

had a follow up this morning with consultant. Has finally confirmed I have asthma ... but also VCD (which I knew ) and some elements of dysfunctional breathing . Lung function showed a change in baseline from 2.7-1.8 (or could be the other way round ) and reversibility of 27??? She wouldn’t elaborate or give me any other figures and if I want my results in hard copy I have to write to medical services .... I’m confused with the numbers .... is it 27%???? Improvement or the amount of expiratory prior to ventolin ?? She really wouldn’t elaborate !!! I also have a diagnosis of mild TBM on CT - not confirmed on bronchoscopy but she says this maybe because If the collapse is in smaller bronchi it wouldn’t show on bronchoscopy!!! Apart from the confirmed asthma diagnosis I feel no further forward ... oh and I’m complex she said 😂... if I’m admitted I’m to insist they talk to respiratory which is easier said than done when I’m SOB !!!

Any advice on lung function numbers would be appreciated ... thanking you xx

[AutumnHedgerow]

a reversibility factor (how much your blowing capacity improves after ventolin) of 27% is really good, and confirms the asthma diagnosis as that has a benchmark of over 10-15% reversibility for diagnosis. With that kind of reversibility you should find your breathing can be managed well with medication. I don't know anything about VCD but dysfunction can be helped with respiratory physio.

Not sure why she didn't give you the results, I'd insist next time.

[1974lovejoy in reply to AutumnHedgerow]

Thank you ... I guessed it was reversibility improvement but she was so sketchy with results it was hard to tell ... I’m

Going to push for the results as I want a copy ...

just glad they have finally given me the diagnosis ... been a long fight to get here .. not that I wanted it believe me but I’ve been through the mill getting to here x

[Superzob]

Don't forget, though, that the whole point of a diagnosis is to get the right treatment regime - a diagnosis is a means to an end, the end being to improve your health. Hope that's what happens in your case.

[1974lovejoy in reply to Superzob]

So do I ... fingers crossed ... they are not changing anything at the moment .... going to reassess in 4 mths following physio and SALT ... x

[Poobah]

The hospital will send a letter to your GP so you can get a digital copy from them. And then ask to see asthma nurse at your GPs to discuss. The letter will lay out all the results and related commentary, it's all difficult to understand but the asthma nurse can translate for you.

Breathing techniques can be addressed by a physio - there's usually a physio attached to the hospital respiratory team. It's amazing what a physio can teach you but results are down to the patient doing their exercises. And it also helps with inhaler techniques - if you have inhalers.

[1974lovejoy in reply to Poobah]

Thank you I’ll give it a couple weeks and then book to see asthma nurse ...

I’ve been under physios for 5 years on and off and they are brilliant .. this consultant is temporary and wants to do everything from beginning which is fine with me .., I’ll not say no to anything they offer !!! 😂..

thank you fir the tip on GP asthma nurses ... I forgot we have them 😂