Lung functions and oxygen 24-7

[Beachballs]

Had a consultant appointment this week , and lung function tests were requested. Was thinking about this yesterday and wondered how this works when you are on oxygen 24-7, as you have to have nose clips with this procedure and when I take the canula off my levels drop to low 70s , so probably will struggle to do these. Would welcome a bit of clarity around this please.

[CDPO16]

Hi, I have had many lung function tests but non as an oxygen user but I expect that the technicians will be experienced in doing this for oxy users and will help you through the process safely. Once you get the appointment it may help if you ring the department and ask how the test is done for people who use oxygen so that you will feel more prepared.

[Beachballs in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks, good idea will do that . Thanks for responding. 🌷

[CDPO16 in reply to Beachballs]

Good luck but I feel sure that you will be well looked after and any problems that may arise will be promptly dealt with. The technicians doing lung function tests do them everyday and are experienced in their job. Whenever I have had a lft they have been very helpful and patient and reassuring. Let me know how you get on as I'm curious to know how it is done for someone on 24hr oxygen. xx

[Beachballs in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks, will do , but you are right the technicians do this every day , so we will see . X

[Millyboo710]

I’m on oxygen 24/7 and when I had lung function tests last month, I did them without oxygen. They are measuring the capacity of your lungs, how much oxygen you take in, how much carbon dioxide you breathe out, and gas exchanges. The technicians are very used to patients on oxygen 24/7. I am sure that you will be fine. Without oxygen I drop to the low 80s. Good luck!

[Beachballs in reply to Millyboo710]

Thank you for this , very reassuring to know , just couldn’t figure out how this worked. Feel in good hands with the technicians . Thank you for responding. 🌷

[Buzzytruk]

As daft as it may sound .....if you wear a bra make sure you undo it before the tests start .I usually ask the male technician to avert his eyes and then struggle ,

they are so used to this there's never a problem ......good luck ☺️

Jo ☺️

[Beachballs in reply to Buzzytruk]

😂😂 Oh Jo this did make me laugh ! But you know what I am going to give this a go , will try anything that helps . Take care 🌷

[Buzzytruk in reply to Beachballs]

Seriously,. Try taking a deep breath with your bra on ,. Then unfasten the main back hooks ,after an another deep breath and you really should notice a difference in the way your chest expands .... ......

By the way I usually struggle with the straps ,not the male technician who will no

doubt be young and gorgeous .....😉😁😁

Jo..☺️

[Beachballs in reply to Buzzytruk]

😂 ! Ohh Jo ! still laughing! Am going to do this , will have a practice today ! Thanks again. X🌷

[Geoffu]

Our local hospital carries out these tests in a sealed box, like a telephone kiosk. I had my last ones before I used ambulatory oxygen, so can’t advise actual ,procedure, but it gave them very detailed info of my condition.

[Beachballs in reply to Geoffu]

Thanks for responding, yes me too .Take care 🌷

[Caspiana]

Hi BB, 👋😊

I was required to remove the oxygen and of course the dreaded nose clip went on. I suspect they have their guidelines as to what to do if your oxygen drops too much. They might not be able to run the test if it's dangerous for you. I hope it goes okay. Just take it easy and let us know how it went if you'd like to. Take good care of yourself.

Cas xx🍁🌕

[Beachballs in reply to Caspiana]

Thanks Cas , this was most helpful, I am a little nervous as my levels drop to 68 - 70 when the cannula is taken off and my chest hurts , I usually end up clutching it. I think I know what is going to happen, and I am just getting my head round things , but am grateful for the heads up ( so to speak ) from the Consultant. Which is more than I got when I went on oxygen 24-7 , in the space of 3 days I went from just using oxygen for stairs and the 30 minutes “walk “ to 24-7 oxygen, no in between, no build up, big shock . Thanks again for responding, hope you are ok . X 🌷

[Caspiana in reply to Beachballs]

I'm sorry BB. I must have missed it, what did your consultant say? That must be quite trying and difficult to suddenly lose your lung function. Is it due to an infection perhaps?

[Beachballs in reply to Caspiana]

Hi Cas

She asked me if I would like the good news or the bad news , which I wasn’t expecting, the bad news was that the drug that I am on for fibrosis, and in accordance with Nice guidelines, I have to do a lung function test to determine if there has been a loss in function of 10% in a year. She also said that my FVC was down by 25% last year , but because of Covid nothing was done . I know I have deteriorated following several chest infections the last one hospitalising me, she was very uncomfortable delivering this news and softened it slightly by saying that they want me to get through the winter. I am grateful for this information, because I need to get stuff done , before I can’t do it , it is probably going to be my last birthday and Xmas which makes me sad as I am such a close family person, although last year my consultant did say that I would see Xmas 2020 and maybe , probably Xmas 2021 , so am determined to get there., The crazy thing with all this is that up until recently I felt fine , I did not feel ill and a lot of the time it felt like they were talking about someone else, they did write a prescription for Opiates in August 2020 , but I said I am not there yet and did not accept the offer , although 14months on feel I probably need them now. Apologies for the long post . Take care Cas and thanks. x 🌷🙏