Final Stage???

[irenec]

I have 29% lung function left. I read on google that is the final stage of COPD. I feel ok and am not on oxygen. Should I be worried?

[aberdeenman]

hi I wouldn't worry to much you do what you can manage. My fev1 is 18% I still work part time.

[Toci]

Hi, 29% does indeed drop into the 'very severe' stage but as Tam says, don't be too worried. Many on here have readings less than 20% and some still work. They call it final or 'end stage' because it is the last classification they have, not because you are at the end. Concentrate on keeping as fit as you can and enjoying life. xx

[mikeadams51]

Like others have said its only a term. I have 20% and on oxygen for exercise. I still manage to go out and enjoy myself. My mantra is always look on the bright side although difficult at times. Never give up on life.

[2malinka]

Hi

Try not to get too hung up on the numbers! I have had just 15% lung function for the past 2 years. I am on oxygen but I live alone and manage to dress, shower and do basic stuff and even still drive. So please don't think that you are on the way out! The medics are baffled by this disease and so feel powerless, and therefore to have some kind of control; talk about COPD stages. Please please stay away from Dr Google as you will just frighten yourself. Go by how you feel. You are lucky as you are not on oxygen. Hold that thought.

Look after yourself.

Malinka

[memanyouwoman in reply to 2malinka]

A great reply.

[Hidden]

Hello Irenec.

The answers below should give you lots of confidence now. Just do as they say and keep away from google - it causes more pain and heartache than anything else.

Wishing you well.

[memanyouwoman]

My lung function test read 20% 2 weeks ago. Stay in there and keep fighting.

[Gary56]

Fev1 is only part of lung function. DLCO % is also a consideration. So possibly to understand Lung Function, both must be taken into account.

[yesilkedi]

My husband saw a doctor at the hospital last week who said he's on end stage but can't tell him how long he's got as he has patients who have gone on for years. He said the key is to keep as active as possible, eat a good diet and stay away from infections. My husband is on oxygen 15 hours a day and is decorating our sitting room at the moment. When he' s finished that he's going to do some work in the garden. Listen to your doctors and keep moving!

[yorkie70]

Hi Irenec,

I am 72 yrs young emphysema stage IV FEV 19% as last year. No oxygen yet. I walk at a 5 KPH pace. We do not have a sell by date like a pack of frozen peas in the freezer. As other members have said stay clear of Dr Google until you are more knowledgeable about COPD. I always believe that my brain is the finest helper I have.

My motto; "Yes I have COPD but COPD does not have me"

Exercise often breath easy.

Cheers Dave from the LoS.

[Hidden]

NO NO NO not about that lung function anyway!! My husband had 25% lung function for many years and still continued to work full time and we had a fab time. I think if you are doing OK dont worry about the numbers just keep enjoying your life xxx

[rduffy]

Hi All. I'd like to add my thanks for these comments. Very encouraging. I've got bronchiectasis (born with it) & only recently dipped to 33% lung function. I have supplemental O2 now for exercise & am trying to come to grips with it emotionally. It's good to know this doesn't mean the end of things, just something I have to learn to manage. I'm only 61. Plenty of time to learn new tricks!