Totally confused???

[Skatergirl1]

Just had my annual cops checkup and spirometry test done.

EVC 2.21. 91% predicted

VC 2.21 91% predicted

FEV1 42% predicted

FVC 97% predicted

FEF 48% predicted

FEV1/VC. 40%

FEV1/FVC 37%

I can't understand that my fev1vc has gone down from 47% last year to 40 this year and fev1/fvc from 43 to 37% when I am fitter and healthier this year and not getting breathless!!! Nurse couldn't give me any answers and said doctor will have to interpret results, can anyone through any light on what my results mean. Thanks x

[stone-UK]

Hi

You have shown the figures as predicted, which is the normal value of a person same ,height, gender and ethnic origin.

If these figure are the actual readings, then you are still in the moderate stage.

There are many reasons for a drop in results, which are best discussed with your GP, who knows your medical history.

As you say you are fitter and healthier, that’s the result I would go by, and keep to the same regime which seems to be working for you.

[Skatergirl1 in reply to stone-UK]

Hi Stone, yes I think these are the actual figures, my predicted percentages are higher than last year, but fev1 vc and fev1 vfc have gone down from last year. My diagnoses last year was severe obstruction, as stated on tic a tape report although no one or doctor has explained results to date xx. Thank you for your reply x

[2greys in reply to Skatergirl1]

There are just too many variables with the Spirometry Test. From the the time of day, how long from taking an inhaler, and to when and how much you have eaten.

[Skatergirl1 in reply to 2greys]

Thanks 2greys, just feeling disappointed with figyres

[Skatergirl1 in reply to Skatergirl1]

Figures, thought they would have improved since I have not smoked for a year and taken up skating again, but on the plus side I feel great x

[2greys in reply to Skatergirl1]

"....but on the plus side I feel great" and that is what counts, just how you feel. I have lost count of the number of times that GPs and consultants have said that they are surprised that I still work, let alone full-time. Just keep doing what you are doing it is obviously having a beneficial affect, the bonus is that you are enjoying it, as I do with my work.

To others that cannot understand, being active is totally for the good, both physically and mentally. All it takes is belief and determination, sitting on the sofa being sedentary, watching daytime TV repeats and crying woe is me will in no way help your condition. Only you can help yourself. If that means getting help with anxiety, or quitting smoking, then by all means seek that help, which is available for the asking and get an exercise regime started.

COPD is truly a horrendous disease and I do understand that completely and utterly, but the only person who can help you, is yourself. A bit of tough love, but it is the wholehearted truth.

[Skatergirl1 in reply to 2greys]

Hi 2greys, you are so right. I just get on with living my life and don't really give much thought to my copd, it just raised its ugly head today, because I had to have my annual checkup, and yes on a Saturday I have better things to do lol. And like you, I work fulltime and do everything I can to help myself keep this disease at bay. Thank you again for your comments xx

[2greys in reply to Skatergirl1]

[Hidden]

More information check this page:

patient.info/doctor/spirome...

[Skatergirl1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you bkin, will have a look x

[Badbessie]

Skatergirl1. My own figures can go up and down by as much as 15%. As others have suggested spirometry as it limitations due to the variable factors of when you take the test etc. Personally I go with how I feel rather than any result. I did and still do suffer from anxiety to some degree. I found that worrying about the test made some of my results meaningless. One test I blew 51% the next 67%, then down to 55 on the next. Obviously test results can be worrying but as you feel so well I would go with what your body is telling you rather than a machine that for various reasons as limitations.

[Skatergirl1 in reply to Badbessie]

Thank you for your reply. I think I am just going to get on with living and try and get explanation from doctor when I eventually see one lol x

[Caspiana]

Hi Skatergirl1 . I think if you feel good then please rejoice!! I am happy for you. Keep up your skating and great attitude. xx 👑😁

[Skatergirl1 in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you for your reply caspiana, yes at the moment feel great, so making the most of it whilst I am able. Xx

[lungnorm]

I had a similar problem several years back. It turned out my meds were working better than ever. I was actually on a paid drug trial and I was told I may blow myself off the trial my FEV went up to 49% from 35%. The meds used at the time were the normal, spiriva and ventolin.

[Skatergirl1 in reply to lungnorm]

Thank you for your reply. At the moment not on any meds x

[jackdup]

Your FEV1 is 42% of predicted, do you know what it was last time? If your FEV1 went up from last time and your FVC went up even more than your FEV1/FVC would go down even though your results improved. Check and see what your FVC and FEV1 were last time compared to this time.

[Skatergirl1 in reply to jackdup]

Thank you for your reply jackup, last years results were higher 47 and 43. This year 40 and 36? X

[jackdup in reply to Skatergirl1]

Those are your FEV1/VC and FEV1/FVC ratios and not your FEV1% of predicted. According to the numbers you posted above your FEV1% of predicted this year is 42%. Do you know what that was last year as the numbers you mentioned again were FEV1/VC and FEV1/FVC and not your FEV1% of predicted.

[Skatergirl1 in reply to jackdup]

Thank you, yes, I will dig them out and post in a while. Thanks again x

[Green68]

Hi Skatergirl1

Exactly the same happened with my results this year (March 19) after several years of being stable and feeling fitter than I have for a long time. My GP insisted on a chest x-ray which really worried me. The x-ray showed no change since the last one 5 years ago, eventually I had a 2nd spirometery at my GP practice 6 weeks after the first, low and behold my readings had gone up and had actually improved very slightly. I asked the nurse how often equipment is checked and calibrated, I got no response of course and no answers to explain my results. I wouldn't worry if I was you as long you feel well.

[Skatergirl1 in reply to Green68]

Thank you green68, I have not spoken to doctor since last year and even then she couldnt answer any questions, hopefully will get some answers this time x