Wondering about FEV 1 counts....

[Dmactds]

Looking at my specs from my last visit a couple of months ago, it seems my readings are way below those experienced by many others I've read on this group at "HealthUnlocked"; my FEV 1 is given as 28% and FVC at 48%.... Many others here have posted readings in the 60s and a bit higher for FEV 1 and still seem a bit put off.

My lung discomfort happens mainly from walking fast and the surrounding humidity which, since I live in Georgia, USA, is abundant.

My readings seem awfully low but I'm not confined to the bed or not ambulatory at all and still get around most of the time okay but breathless if I'm not careful. I only use oxygen 3 or 4 hours per night and sometime when I'm out shopping.

There's probably more I could say about my overall condition but don't know exactly what would be pertinent.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Regards,

Duncan

[BugsBunny]

Hi Duncan

Looking at old test results my FEV1 and FVC percentages are in the 60s. I have Interstitial Lung Disease and not COPD which may make a difference. It seems to be the TLCO percentage that my consultant is interested in. Before you panic you must remember that you are in a different country to me and your medical staff may use different methods of calculation for the predicted value. I would suggest you ask someone medically trained to interpret your results: a nurse, a GP or a consultant. In the meantime if you need to contact the BLF helpline then press the red balloon at the top of the page. Keep well.

Kind Regards

Mandy

[Dmactds in reply to BugsBunny]

Thanks Mandy,

As you say, we are in two different countries using two different medical systems and I tried to consider that before I mentioned it within the group..., sorta like the difference in our monies..., the pound sterling versus the dollar but then I thought medicine is medicine the world over and what's broken here is not gonna be 'unbroken' there simply because it's another country.

Anyway, thanks again for your reply and I WILL bring it up to one of my docs....

[stilltruckin]

copd.about.com/od/copdbasic...

Quote:

'In terms of GOLD guidelines, end stage COPD refers to being in the final stages of the disease; Stage IV, or Very Severe COPD [FEV1<30%]. But are the majority of people diagnosed with end stage COPD gravely ill? On the contrary, there are many people in Stage IV who take excellent care of themselves -- they eat right, exercise religiously, take their medications -- who are still able to function relatively well with few limitations. There are also many people at this stage who are very sick. Which group you fall into has to do with a number of factors that influence COPD life expectancy, including smoking history, level of dyspnea, fitness level, and nutritional status. . . .'

[Dmactds in reply to stilltruckin]

StillTruckin'...,

Thanks for your interest; yes, I agree about the exercise, good food and rest; I've never been a fan of 'Fast Food' like McDonald's and the like, preferring instead to fix my own meals 90% of the time.

I've just joined a gym as well since I don't seem to be able to provide myself the right environment for 'juicing up' the old muscles. This is the first time in my 72 years that I've gone to such lengths so we'll see how it goes. In my life 'before', I designed, built and installed cabinetry and, so, got a great deal of 'workout' doing that; however, these days, the work is very slow and so am I and more stringent measures are called for.

Thanks for your interest and response....

Keep On Truckin' !!!

Regards,

Duncan

[FarmerD]

Hello Duncan,I have severe emphysema my Fev1is 19% my Fvc is 47% I do not use oxygen! I struggle with sob but continue to do most things.I stopped smoking 2 years ago having started age 9 years old I am now 58.My consultant has referred me to find out if I would benefit from valves being fitted,I await that appointment.As far as I,m concerned I,m not at " end stage " of anything and intend to plod on for many years yet.Good luck! D.

[Dmactds in reply to FarmerD]

Thanks FarmerD....,

You have me by about 4 years on what age you began smoking; I was a late starter at the age of 13 or so and continued for the next 50 years (...I didn't know one man could be so stupid for so long until I proved it to myself....). But I finally stopped nearly 7 years ago and haven't missed it for a second. Drinking too has gone by the wayside and I feel the same on that score. Of course, as we traverse life, some sort of 'diversions' are necessary and if I had it to do over again it would include the merlot without the cancer sticks.

Continue on your great path !!!

Regards,

Duncan

[Wozzer1]

Hi Duncan,

The most important thing with COPD is how well you are managing not what your numbers are. This illness has so many components; no two people are ever the same. If you can do, all that you need to focus on the positives and keep yourself active.

Kind regards

Warren

[Dmactds]

Warren,

I agree with all you wrote and don't really dwell on the figures; a doctor told me early on not to take the readings from the finger oxymeter for the gospel as I needed to concentrate on how well I was ACTUALLY doing in real time and not get panicked over numbers and percentages.

I took that to heart then and still do but I DO wonder about the disparity in the readings and whether any of them really matter and if not...., why have them in the first place.

Oh well..., it's just all part of the game I suppose.

Regards,

Duncan