Hospital appt

[melaniedovey]

Hi all. The doctor has referred me to the hospital for lung function tests. They appear to be the same as those I do at the doctors so why do I have to go to hospital or are they different. Any ideas what they'll do xx thankyou in advance . I have stage 2 copd. Xx

[Caitlyn6]

Mine was v thorough at the hospital. A machine you breathe into and gases that you inhale to show a variety of lung function issues. Mine showed that oxygen transference rate was below normal and then I was referred to a CT scan.

[melaniedovey in reply to Caitlyn6]

Thanks

[peege]

It's quite different, takes longer and is much more thorough. P

[Alice70 in reply to peege]

Thanks Peege ,I've thought about what is the difference ,now I know

[melaniedovey in reply to Alice70]

Thankyou

[santisuk]

The lung function tests I do annually at Papworth Hospital for my mildish bronchiectasis comprise a shuttle walk - walking faster and faster between two points in time with a recorded beat message and exhaling/inhaling tests in a sealed gas exchange chamber.

I'm guessing that GPs don't have the latter!

Nothing to be frightened of. Yes they'll push you to exhale every last breath in your lungs in the chamber tests to get the best possible result out of you and it often results in me exploding into a short fit of coughing, but you can always say enough!

Some places might also do a stress test which is where you wear a mask and walk faster and faster on a treadmill, so they can see how your inhale and exhale levels and oxygen levels vary with stress. Might be wrong but I don't think I've had that as a regular test - maybe earlier on when they were investigating my lungs and I've also had that as part of annual company medicals in my working days.

[melaniedovey in reply to santisuk]

Thankyou

[ross-35_]

I have had a double lung transplant...prior to that I had the assessments which are much more than any tests I have ever had done at the Doctors. They are very thorough, lasted 3 days well worth it as they will know more about your lungs. Don't worry they really look after you, I hope all goes well.

[melaniedovey in reply to ross-35_]

Thankyou