Lung test results

[footyfan]

Recent Lung test shows an FEV1 of 890ml FEV1/ VC ratio of 42%, not really sure how good this is, not due to see specialist for 6 months but have had several breathless episodes since lung test. Steroids, nebulisers only limited improvement. Any thoughts will be gratefully read.

[Offcut]

patient.co.uk/doctor/spirom...

Might tell you more

[Hidden]

Good link Offcut but I can't understand a word of it. Much too technical for me x

[CornishBrian]

Exercise is the cure...both breathing exercise and body exercise. Improvements are in your hands....just got to get offf reliance on inhalers and pills and enjoy life.

[FarmerD]

My fev is 19%,I still try and exercise as much as I can and keep a positive mental attitude although this can be hard sometimes.Keeping active and happy is hard work but It,s what keeps me going.D.

[coastal1]

Welccome to the forum footyfan .

Was diagnosed last October 55% , aged 63 yrs . Had smoked 48 yrs . Quit smoking November . Had had very bad cough and loads of phlegm and chest infections for previous 2 years .This totally disappeared within a few days of quit . Take lots of exercise and doctor says that general fitness level can help compensate for poor lung function . Can walk 4./5 miles on the flat , do gardening and moderate pilates classes .

Was initially placed on spiiriva inhaler ( just take it once a day ).

Many members are on this and find it very good ....can take a few weeks to become fully effective though .

Most also have a rescue inhaler eg ventolin or bricanyl to use as and when needed for breathlessness ......thes are faster actiing .

A Pulmonary rehabilitation course is usually recommended .....a course of about 8 weeks for 2 hours ......mixture of exercising and educational talks . If you search in the box above you will get more details on many topics . When I first joined I found reading through older posts really informative .

Cheers Coastal

[footyfan in reply to coastal1]

Just been discharged from hospital when I needed oxygen and nebulisers, Diagnosed with LAM this year, they reckon I've had it for a while. Apparently very rare about 200 people in UK diagnosed and will only get worse. Only real hope may be Lung transplant if its possible, but I know it doesn't happen often.

Taking Spiriva now for a couple of weeks but doesn't seem to have much effect at present, already using Fostair and Salbutamol. Only time I am able to do even the smallest distance is when I am on Steroids but can't take them all the time.

Waiting for Pulmonary Rehab course, but all I can do is keep smiling and hope for good days!

[coastal1]

My GP told me that spiriva can actually take up to 3 months to reach its optimum effect so there is still a chance that you could gain some benefit .

I don't know anything about LAM but wish you all the best with future treatment.

Pulmonary Rehab seems to be of great benefit to practically everyone who does the course .