emphasema

[mommalou]

any one else got grade 4 x

[nannyb]

Hi Not sure what stage my Emphasema is ? Had an appointment with chest consultant last month for rehab, my lung function had dropped from 67 to 46 since march. No information only meds changed to Flutiform and apparentley been referred back to my GP, only found out I,m not having rehab because I phoned them to ask when my appointment is. So still at a loss I am seeing my GP this week. Nannyb xx

[peege in reply to nannyb]

I hope u can persuade your GP to refer you to PR Nannyb, it will help you so much. Tell him/her it will be an excellent investment. Good luck xx

[Hidden in reply to nannyb]

Hi. My lung function last time I had test was 41. Have been given many different tablets and inhalers to try. It's very confusing. 

[sadie1951]

Hi mommalou, yes, I'm stage4/end stage, with under 20% lung function. Still plodding along! Sadie xx

[seyre in reply to sadie1951]

Hi, you sound like me how do you cope? I am on the transplant list but still waiting and fear I am getting worse, how bad can you get? I know I am now on the maximum medication but now having to resort to a wheelchair to get about. Sue

[Hidden]

Hi mammalou, I got very confused about this issue recently - I'm dignosed with asthma and severe stage emphysema and after seeing the resp con a few months back he wrote a letter to my GP and respiratory team which said I was GRADE 3. When I queried this with the resp nurse she told me that GRADE, (as opposed to stage) was a reference used to described the level of breathing difficulties rather than the disease itself. Regards ~ Lovelight xx

[mahunamoon]

My nurse told me last tues, that a few years back they changed the stages so cos she said I was severe, it would have been moderate a few years ago, they just keep changing the goal post, tut, so I suppose the only we we can judge it for ourselves is by our percentage of lung fuction we have to live on, otherwise it just gets to confusing. Joan x

[onamission in reply to mahunamoon]

who changed the goal post ATOS lol

[mahunamoon in reply to onamission]

dunno

[Hidden]

I have no ideal what all the numbers mean. When I asked if a lung function test showed any change I was told that as I was on the right medication and on the right dosage and I knew how to take them, their was no reason to worry about numbers.Realised that was fine for me and as long as I feel ok and get ABs when needed then ignorance is bliss. Of course I do realise that everyone is different . Joyce

[Hidden]

I'm multi stage as far as lung damage goes, (meaning different parts of my lung according to CT scan at time of diagnosis were at different stages of damage), never been given a grade except in school I was told my breathing obstruction was not so hindered, but lung damage was sever to moderate in upper lung and mild to moderate in lower lung). Its one of the reasons I don't pay mind to stages, grades, although I do think airway obstruction can be improved with exercise, fitness levels and when the condition is stable. Where as lung damage is as it is and we try to preserve that and hope to slow down the progress by learning, applying those things learnt on a pulmonary rehabilitations course.

That's my understanding any way. I wonder if BLF are about if they could elaborate on that generally.

A sever lung damaged person may be breathing better than a mild to moderate lung damage person, depending on fitness levels, lung infection, airway obstruction etc, general health, there is no fixed hard and fast rule.

I think lovelight's respiratory nurse gives good advice.

[peege in reply to Hidden]

Great level headed reply BC - as always

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I'm very severe Stage 4. Am I bothered ? No. Annoyed . Yes !

[carolg1 in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

Me too Puffthemajicdragon, annoyed ,frustrated , etc etc etc , keep on smiling xx

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Oh yes. Must keep smiling !

[junespoon]

Yep Puff, Chin up and smile.X