Stages of COPD

[Samjeff]

Hello how does the staging of this work I am on a demand flow of 3 does that mean I'm at stage 3 ? I asked my ashma nurse could I see a consultant she said there was no reason why I should see one ???? Sam

[mrsmummy]

Hi Samjeff. The level of oxygen you use does not tell you what stage your COPD is, that needs a spirometry test. The figures from the test will show how far along you are, and it has nothing to do with whether you use oxygen or not as some use it at an early stage and some never need it.

[Samjeff in reply to mrsmummy]

Thankyou for info very helpful Sam

[shadow4me]

If you are in the UK you dont normally get to see a specialist until you are admitted to hospital ,I think it is wrong any other disease you would get referred xx

[Samjeff]

Thankyou Sam

[Offcut]

A spirometry test as Mrsmummy said is the best way of knowing your level. They usualy can do them at the GP Surgery now but the one in the plastic box at hospital is far more accurate. I also had one flat on a bed which showed a further 12% drop in my lung function.

I have a problem of I recover quite quickly but I lose O2 as quickly. Most checks are when I am rested which is within range but I go up my house stairs and I can drop to 78% ( I am only plodding up them too)

I think that you have to be a little bit more forcefull with getting answers. Best way I found was write them down and hand them to the Doctor on your appointment. ( not to many they do not have long with you )

Be Well

[Samjeff in reply to Offcut]

Yes they don't have much time, your symptoms are very similar to mine if I try to walk too far with out oxygen on I'll drop to the 70 mark ( I don't push myself that hard any more ) I take about 4 + minutes to recover. I've had that spirometer test I get called once a year to take it but I've been sitting for a while when the nurse does the test . I did have the pulmonary nurse visit me at home for about 18 months she came every 6 months I did appreciate that but it's stopped now, asked them when next visit was was told I'd have to get another referral ,so. We had a stair lift put in has made going up and down not such a chore thanks for advice tho. Sam

[mrsmummy in reply to Samjeff]

Ask for another referral and ask them about a 6-minute walk test. That is the usual assessment for ambulatory oxygen.

[Samjeff]

Thank you, I am on ambulatory oxygen, I'll ask for another referral Sam