Lung Function Tests

[Courtyra23]

Hi,

I am just wondering if anyone has ever been told that their Lung Function Test can’t be interpreted? My consultant has said they can’t interpret the results, it isn’t worth trying again, my ct scan showed mild emphysema in the top right lung but she doesn’t want to label me as having emphysema and said this would not be affecting my breathlessness? I’ve been referred to physiotherapy for “potential dysfunctional breathing” and have been waiting since May 2020. I also completed a cardiopulmonary exercise bike test which showed a potential heart problem but now they’re saying it’s just over breathing. I just don’t know what’s going on with my health and whether I’m being taken care of properly?

Thanks.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Courtyra23, if I were you I would go back to my GP and ask to be sent to another consultant you obviously aren't getting the care you need. Don't take no for an answer you need these issues sorting. Hope this helps and you get things sorted, please let us know how you get on and please keep posting. Have a good night and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[skischool]

i think you may have to consider being transfered to another consultant,given that you have had both lung function tests and a ct scan your present consultant has ample evidence to make a confirmed diagnosis.Giving them the benefit of the doubt it could be that your emphysema is just at the most mild stage at the moment and they don't consider the need to investigate further but even then you would probably be sent of with some lifestyle advice and possibly inhalers if required to alleviate your symptons.

But as you also say that cardio tests revealed a potential heart abnormality they do seem to be copping out on this occasion and you need far better evaluation in my opinion.

Best wishes for the future.

Ski's and Scruff's

[Courtyra23]

Hi Damon and Skischool,

Thank you for replying to me, I have been fighting for my health since Jan 2019. After having two very bad attacks, not being able to breathe right arm seizing up, sickness, loss of consciousness I went to my gp who referred me for a 6 day ecg in Oct 2019 - this showed average heart rate of 74bpm but when periods of chest pains and breathlessness occurred it was 130-140bpm. These episodes were lasting for about 5 to 15 minutes and could come on at any time. They have said this is normal sinus tachycardia but if symptomatic like I am then to prescribe beta blockers. They didn’t seem to help so I was advised to stop taking them until I seen the cardiologist. I waited 6 months to speak to an angina specialist over the phone who dismissed me as I am only 30 years old and said I have a less than 10% risk of Coronary artery disease despite a strong family history of stenting and heart attacks early in close relatives.

I also demanded a chest X-ray in aug 2020 due to worsening shortness of breath and chest pains after my gp advised me I had to stop coming about the same issue due to me exhausting all resources. I was then told I had early signs of pulmonary fibrosis in Aug, to having a HRCT scan in Nov 2020 showing inflammation, and a follow up CT scan in March 2021 which showed the “emphysema” she doesn’t want to say I have (this ct scan was supposed to be a HRCT but on my letter it was a normal one. They have prescribed me with inhalers a blue and a pink one which don’t seem to have much affect.

After my cardiopulmonary exercise bike test in Dec2020 my consultant told me that it didn’t show a problem with the lungs, it did show that I was over breathing, that my exercise is moderately reduced for my age, and suggested a cardiac problem. The lung consultant have also given me a trial of bisoprolol and GTN spray for angina even thought they say I dont have it? They haven’t said when I’m supposed to stop these or anything. I was the referred again back to cardiology who i seen in March, the consultant said it is atypical of angina but given my family history she will book me a CT coronary angiogram. She made a mistake entering the numbers so when chasing up the referral it wasn’t finally sent until April and I’m being told there is an extensive waiting list for this as it is just a routine appointment?

I just feel at a loss with all of this, I don’t know what to do, whether or not to keep taking all this medication? My GP also don’t like me as I put in a complaint and mess up my prescriptions leaving me a few days without the heart medication. I know it’s a lot but I just feel as though I’m not getting anywhere as it has been more that 2 years. I feel like I’m going to die some times, I just don’t think it’s fair.

Thank you for listening to me.

[South_east in reply to Courtyra23]

Sounds like you could be having anxiety

[Tia4209 in reply to Courtyra23]

Can you change GP surgeries? It sounds to me that you have been told lots of different things which have not been fully explained or investigated did your consultant say why your PFT could not be interpreted?. If you feel very unwell with chest pains and shortness of breath you cab call 111 for advice they may advise you to go to A&E for blood tests which can show if your heart is under any strain from blockages etc.

[Ergendl]

Hi, Courtyra23. You have been given the run around! I agree with the other posts, that you should ask for a second opinion as you've been given some very mixed messages with tests, partial diagnoses and prescriptions.

Regarding overbreathing: when I was first diagnosed with COPD in 2015, I asked my GP to prescribe me a place on a Pulmonary Rehab course, which he did (with some difficulty as although he knew they were good, he had no idea how to do it). When I went there, the physios helped me identify my overbreathing during exertion, and guided me to learn how to control it. That made such a difference to me. When I overbreathed, I was overpreparing for the exertion ahead and in a way hyperventilating, which made me less able to do the exertion. Soon after, I started up a singing group for people with lung problems, and the singing exercises help me control my breathing in exercise so that overbreathing is no longer a problem.

Hope this helps. M

[MELNEL]

Oh my, you have quite a journey behind you with all this and that, it must be extremely stressful to get not the answer and support you actually have a right to get. I had this kind of trouble in the past that I actually changed my GP and had a lot more support and help I actually need.

I agree with all the responses you already got.

You will have to speak with your GP about this, that you like to change the consultant to get a chance of support you need.

Best wishes and stay safe and warm 🍀🍀🍀

[briany in reply to MELNEL]

helo, sorry you haveing the runaround, i have empherseyma and have had some lung removed, a couple of years ago i asked my gp if i could have another scan, he said why do you want one i said because i know something is going on, he refused and said we cant give out ct scans just to put your mind at rest, a month later i went to lung doc at hospital for check up the first thing he done was to send me for a scan, and it showed i had a nodule on my lung and must keep an eye on it, i get on well with my gp and hes helped me a lot but i dont go to him much i go to hospital, try and stand up to your med team remember its not them that are ill, you are, good luck let us know how you get onbrian

[Alberta56]

Welcome to the forum. There is obviously something going on, which your current medical team are ignoring. The previous posts have given you some excellent advice. I hope you have the energy to take it, though it's hard to be assertive when you're feeling rotten. Good luck.