A tad confused after pulmonary doc visit

[patmc1]

I knew I had declined a bit-bad winter (missed PR a few times), put on some weight I didn't need ,not out walking as much, caring for my 94 year old Dad and still had a slight upper respiratory infection . I had been getting more SOB.

For the most part my doc wasn't too concerned and added on Singular for my asthma component(and a GI recommendation--for what we both think is eosinophilic esophagitis) and a switch from Breo and Incruse to Treology(?)

But when I had the spirometry test the tech had machine trouble (mis calibrated) and I blew 4 times before she finally had the last three. Plus on the "report" she had entered in my sex as male--- doesn't this have some effect on the results?. My Doc still considers my emphysema as mild and my asthma as moderate. But I don't think my actual numbers match up.

Lung age (89)

FVC 71%

FEV! 66%

FEV1/FVC 92%

PEFR41%

FEF25-75 53%

My 6 minute walk was start 96 then at end 87 but 590 steps (too Fast)

Any one have any input?? I do know that how you feel and function is more important than numbers . I think part of what scares me is my lung age!!!!

[HungryHufflepuff]

I really don't understand these numbers but if the machine wasn't working properly and they don't know what gender you are, it won't be all that accurate. I was told my lung age is 89 and that was a couple of years ago (I'm in my early 40s) There's someone here with a lung age of 118. I won't name names 😜🎿 but that's one to beat 😎

Someone will be along and be able to explain the numbers but I'm pretty sure they'll reassure you and say it's how you feel that counts, not the numbers.

[Inamoment]

The numbers will be right but the percentage predicted will be off. I've no idea how much and in which direction

[Inamoment]

Look what i found! You can enter your readings and see how they compare. It looks like the equations are standardised. patient.info/doctor/spirome...

[patmc1 in reply to Inamoment]

Thank you. I put in my numbers -converted (or Alexa did) my height (or lack of it) from inches to centimeters (silly Yanks!) but I have to look up and see if the numbers used on my tests are in liters (I think so). Yes it does make a difference on the percentage. Somehow that does make me feel an iota better or at least a step back from an immediate demise (lol).

[patmc1 in reply to patmc1]

I found another calculator and the change in gender had my FVC go up to 82.0% and the FEV1 to 73.3%.

New equation : "their results +gender +credit for blowing 3 times before+end of cold +8 extra pounds=======lying about my lung age!!!!!

[jackdup]

Having it set for a male would definitely make a difference in the predicted values and thus your percentage of predicted. If you phoned them they should be able to change it in their system and do a corrected printout without having to have you redo the test. That really is a ridiculous mistake to make. Anyone doing a test such as that should review that information to insure it is correct and gender should be the first thing that is spotted, well at least it used to be. Sometimes determining gender nowadays isn’t quite as easy as it used to be.

Forget about lung age as it is a stupid comparison to make. I have known several 89 year old people and their breathing is fine, so saying your lung age is 89 is really meaningless. Each year our lung function declines as we age even if we have healthy lungs so technically your lungs would be similar to an 89 year old with no lung disease. Of course that will change when they correct your gender.

Did you do 590 metres in the six minute walk test? If so that is pretty impressive unless you are 185 cms tall.

[patmc1 in reply to jackdup]

Thank you --I agree. And yes I did walk 590 (but was it metres?) steps??? I also think test takers should get extra credit----the walk is done in the corridor leading into a bunch of exam rooms-----and you have to go around or stop for all the people standing in the way. The staff and even patients try to move but the allergy docs just stand there . Each time I threaten to stab them with my Epi Pen.

And I'm still cranky that I had to try the spirometry test 4 times before they found a "correctly calibrated" machine---my first "blows" are always my best.

I tried to redo my "age" as a female and now I'm 84!!!

[jackdup in reply to patmc1]

That is certainly an inappropriate way to do the six minute walk test. There are specific parameters that are supposed to be followed and your test does seem to meet the criteria I have read. I guess one of the main things is more to measure your oxygen and it appears that was accomplished. The actual distance is generally used to assess your physical condition for pulmonary rehab so perhaps it isn’t as important to follow all the guidelines in your case.

The spirometry is definitely inexcusable. Their devices should calibrated on a regular basis and I certainly know about your first blows being the best as I am the same way.

I still think you should phone them and get the gender corrected so they have a proper record of your spirometry.

[patmc1]

Once again thanks for your info and courtesy. Maybe I will contact the office although the actual doctor isn't too concerned about the numbers.