Hi all. I had a full lung function test a few weeks ago. Just called for any results that they had and unfortunately my FEV1 has gone down from 28% to 23%. I have been shielding and have been exercising as regularly as possible...(in between chest infections)
Just wondered if anyone has had an improvement in their FEV scores or if it’s not possible once lung function is lost?
Feeling gutted 😔
You will get a good response very knowledgeable people here take care
Thank you 😊
My lung function has been on a steady decline from 55% in 2008 to 20% in 2019 and that’s without any chest infections in the last two years. However don’t worry as everyone is different. I’ve heard that lung function can improve with exercise and proper medication. So don’t worry and try to look on the bright side. Good luck!
Oh bless you! Have you done any pulmonary rehab courses? I did one about 10 years ago & felt a great improvement but unfortunately I continued to smoke so decline was imminent. Stopped smoking about 6 years ago & tried to keep as fit as possible but think things have gone downhill through lockdown & not working 🙈Thanks for your reply.
Stay safe 😊
I did a PR session back in 2009 when my lung function was about 50%. Unfortunately it was discovered I needed ambulatory oxygen which has carried on over the years. My home oxygen team physio gave me a copy of the BLF exercise book which I try to follow on a regular basis. However never been the one for regular exercise as I prefer walking or doing things round the house. However that all stopped back in August when I was hospitalised for CO2 retention which knocked me back and I am quite weak at the moment. I am trying to do more exercise but difficult being so short of breath now. Hope this helps
I’m h goodness you sound like you’ve been through it recently. Well I hope things improve for you soon 🤞 Keep well
Lynne x
I think the general consensus is that it can't ltp, lung function deteriation can be slowed but I'm afraid not stopped , I myself fluctuate between 18 to 19% but it has stayed there for several years now ,good luck Dave
Thanks Dave, I did think this is the case really.... just clutching at straws I think 😞 Hope you’re keeping safe & well Lynne x
Just stay positive lynne, that'll go a long way to keeping you motivated to fight this disease x
Yeh I’m usually pretty good at painting the smile on... and actually meaning it! This just took me by surprise & kinda knocked me off my game. I’m sure normal service will be resumed soon... thanks Dave x
It is a battle at times lynne but we do what we can with what we have , stay 💪x
I think a lot depends on the nature of your lung condition Lynne,mine is pure Emphysema so no amount of exercise will really improve my lung function figures,which rest around the 20% mark,but simple exercise and trying to keep healthy seems to be the best way to go.Some with more Asthmatic and broch conditions seem to make some progression with different meds clearing their airways and allowing more efficient use of the air that they breath,but on the down side they seem to incur more frequent infections.?
P.s Was that a ferret i saw on your profile?you must be from here oop north lol
Best wishes Ski's and Scruff's x
Hi.... yes... it’s a ferret 😂😂 My daughter has 2, they’re adorable! I’m m actually in the midlands & have a house bunny too 🐰 Thanks for your reply, I have COPD, asthma & emphysema so I’m guessing the emphysema side of things will make improvements difficult. I guess all we can do is think that I’m the same person today that I was yesterday... don’t feel any different & can only continue to do exercise & try to stay healthy.
Thanks for your help & support 🥰xx
FEV1 can and does fluctuate and will be poor during lung infection for instance and much improved after, it really depends on the individual, how much exercise they do, if they are still smoking its likely the FEV and full lung function will always decline.
Whether it will for you or someone else will depend on your current situation and lifestyle tweaks.
Thank you. I am an ex smoker, stopped about 6 years ago. This was just a bit of a shock as my FEV1 has been stable since COPD diagnosis about 10 years ago. It may be due to shielding, not moving as much as going to work every day. I guess I shall up the exercise and put best foot forward and hope the lungs follow 😊
the 2 lockdowns have certainly made things more difficult, on the other hand working and socialising in general bug season can certainly compromise the lungs as well.
Yes, definitely....I think staying home at the moment seems like the lesser of the 2 evils right now...
I believe FEV1 can change. I have a handheld device for measuring FEV1. I am sure it is not as accurate as the ones in a doctors office but if I use it a half dozen times throughout the day my FEV1 is different each time. The respiratory doctor I see said it can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. If you are asthmatic I believe that can also effect your results. I don’t mean to imply you could be 25% today and 45% tomorrow but there can be a variation of a few percentage points.
Thanks for this. I’m actually having the tests repeated in a couple of weeks so I’ll let you know how mine are! 🤞
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