New Here

Hi everyone,

I have had a very recent Diagnosis of severe Emphysema to which I am still shocked about.

I was diagnosed back in 2015 with Coronary Artery disease which is Hereditary and thought the breathlessness was down to that, but back in the summer just gone it got worse so was sent to respitory medicine who following many tests found severe in the upper lobes, I have never smoked although smoking was the cause so I was told so started off very confused, I was asked to walk for 6 mins ano just before this began I used my inhalers, but found out after it was to see if sat's dropped I did try to explain they do when walking around my local areas as it is extremely hilly but the test was done on the level, is this normal or will other tests be done, sorry for asking from the start but I have I understand a lot to learn about the condition and what to expect medically.

Thankyou

Ron

[O2Trees]

Welcome Ron. The six minute walk test is always done on the flat. If you have an oximeter you could record your sats while out walking on gradients and let your team know.

There is loads to learn when we get a new diagnosis - Im also severe and still going strong. Just ask anything you want to and you will get lots of replies and info.

[Hidden in reply to O2Trees]

Thankyou so much

[mrsmummy]

Hello Ron and welcome to the forum.

[Hidden in reply to mrsmummy]

Thankyou

[Hidden in reply to mrsmummy]

Thankyou

Ronnie

[jackdup]

Welcome to the forum.

Do you know how many metres you did in the six minute walk test?

[Hidden in reply to jackdup]

Hi,I covered a total of 16 metres with 2 pauses to use Nitromin spray.

Does the total play any part in the condition.

Thanks

Ronnie

[jackdup in reply to Hidden]

They often use it before and after Pulmonary Rehab to see how much further you are able to walk from taking the PR course.

We are all at different ages and different stages of COPD and many have other health issues and we are also at different levels of physical condition so our results for the six minute walk test would all be different I'm sure.

[katieoxo60]

Hi Ron, welcome to the site. Six minute test is a standard test which usually gives some idea of how good or bad your breathing is. Most of us suffer from some breathlessness on inclines. But it varies vastly on the flat from person to person. Maybe once you start asking questions you will find out how good or bad your health status is. Best Wishes, speak again soon.

[Hidden in reply to katieoxo60]

Thankyou

Speak soon

Ronnie

[falconcottage1]

Welcome to the forum. You will find some god support on here.

[O2Trees]

When walking uphill our muscles use a load more oxygen as it's harder, hence panting and gasping for air. Sir? haha, Im a ladeee!

[katieoxo60]

It takes quiet some time to get the breathing better after ceasing smoking, mine has gone up slightly but gave up smoking in 2006. Sometimes light exercise can help.You are doing well on the smoking ceasation keep it up I am struggling in this warm weather but know I will get by. Speak again soon