Help Needed with spirometry results?

[virgolizzy]

Cutting a very long story short. Never smoked, weight always been ok, except maybe needing to lose 1/2 stone, always exercised. Since my 30’s lungs sensitive to smoke, perfume, chemicals etc. Allergic to dust/cats as is quite usual, Had chronic cough for years but cleared up once I gave up gluten (!!) & was diagnosed with coeliacs disease. (Still intolerant to other foods). My spirometry results were always below the norm but never diagnosed with asthma or copd etc. (really don’t know why looking back) Anyhow, managed it all quite well by avoiding triggers, However now in late 50’s after the dreadful virus in September my poor breathing & chronic coughing back with a vengeance & it gets worse with excercise but I am struggling to get anywhere far with my new gp surgery (moved area) who have also lost my notes in their surgery!

Chest x ray clear.

After being persistent & going back & forth they gave me ventolin to tide me over until a spirometry test, which to be honest when I am at my worst has been a life saver. Inbetween bad attacks, to the outside world & I am sure to my doctors I look quite healthy. Anyhow did the spirometry privately as the nhs one was 2 months away & I need to get my breathing sorted sooner as even going up the stairs is hard work!

The fvc is 1.76 & 66%, fev1 is 0.72 & 32% & the ratio is 55%

after ventolin it is fvc 2.22 & 87%, fev1 is 0.96 & 45% & the ratio is 55%

So as you can see, quite dire results.

After stamping my feet with doctors & showing them my results they are trying me on various puffers & they still want me to do another spirometry at the end of Jan. Put me on Clenil first which made me cough badly so they swapped me to a combi one fostair 100/60 which I reacted badly too & my coughing was horrendous. Came off it let it calm down a bit for a few days, tried it again & same result coughing was so severe it was dreadful. Now about to try Braltus 10mcg. Been tiding myself over inbetween Xmas & closing times etc with Loratadine which helps.

Anyhow, can anyone help with interpretting my results.

From what I have read if you have both reduced fvc & fev1 it may be restrictive but then if after the ventolin they raise as is the case with me, then you can have both restrictive & obstructive lung issues. Is that right?

Since it is taking a while to get somewhere with my drs & the nhs & I haven’t even been referred to a consultant yet, can anyone highly recommend a private lung consultant who is well versed in both restrictive & obstructive issues so at the very least I can get a proper diagnosis & know what the best treatment options are rather than playing russian roulette with various puffers. I live in Devon but will travel anywhere to see the right consultant.

Would it also be wise to get a ct scan done?

Sorry for the long winded explanation!

[Hidden]

A ct scan will show the true story with your lungs

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I had a ct scan when I was diagnosed with pe. The scanner is like a polo mint that you go through and they put contrast in your arm just to explain it.

[annienell]

I suggest you call the BLF Helpline - 03000 030 555 office hours. If they are very busy they will call you back. They may be able to offer advice on how you can move forward to a proper diagnosis.

Let us know how you get on.

[Hidden]

Yes, I think a CT scan would be a very wise move. The docs don't know what they are dealing with, a scan could show them. Good Luck.

[Oshgosh]

Yes they told me I have restrictive and obstructive lung disease.

Sadly It took me a while to get sorted despite living in the Manchester area with all its centres of excellence.my initial symptoms were put down to worsening asthma initially.

Hope all goes well and that your notes turn up

[shouty]

I go to Royal Devon & Exeter hosp. and they have been great with me. I see Bronchiectasis Consultant & Nurses & all tests incl. CT scan Xrays etc were done very quickly

[shouty in reply to shouty]

Cont... so didn't need go private the NHS there such good care

[Susanjb]

Am I the only one to be astounded that you not only have not been referred to a consultant but that you are being treated with GKW inhalers without a DX ?

You should demand a referral, forget about going private, you’re entitled!

[virgolizzy in reply to Susanjb]

Hi, forgive my ignorance but what is GKW inhalers & DX, not used to the shorthand on here yet! 😂 Sad thing about the nhs tho is that however much we are entitled, it is straining at the seams & things seem to take months at the moment & as I am sure you all know & appreciate, waiting months before you can breathe a bit better is too long! So I would rather forgo a holiday or 2 I think & get a Consultation & a CT done privately. I will also chase up the BLF helpline too, but they are hugely busy at the mo I think.

[Susanjb in reply to virgolizzy]

God knows what & DX- diagnosed 😉

[virgolizzy in reply to Susanjb]

Ha, thanks!😀

[welllaners]

It took me 2 years to find an inhaler that I didn't have bad side effects to. As with anything on the NHS things seem to take forever, but you will get sorted, it helps if you have a good doctor to push things along and eventually a good respiratory nurse that listens to your problems,

[soulsaver]

You may be reading the spiro results incorrectly. Can you post up a pic/scan of them?

[virgolizzy in reply to soulsaver]

No I am not reading them incorrectly but will attach the latest ones. Had so many spirometry tests over years & fev1 & fvc dropping from 87 & 121%, 74 & 107%, 59 & 88%, 32 & 66% & now 44 & 79% - those all without the reversibility test aspect.

Well I would attach the photo if it gave me that option!?😂

[soulsaver]

Unlike most other forums, you need to start a new thread to attach it.