I'm back after months of trying to get answers but still slightly confused with the fev1. So after my last post last year I did have my hiatus hernia investigation and I'm happy to say I will be having key hole surgery because I have gerd aswell and its going up as far as my clavicle I.e shoulders I decided to go to slimming world to lose 3 stone I've so far lost 1 and half stone I do feel better for it no bread in diet and I do not blout. So that the hiatus hernia and gerd getting sorted and finally I was sent to the hospital to have the full works in the phone box type spirometry test ect in December last year and only just seen the chest doctor for my results 😳 so in 2019 I was blowing 93% fev 1 I blew 84% this time I questioned that to him and he looked at results from 2019 and he said there's not much comparison I'm holding 3.2 litres if that is any good. He was just happy I do walk for miles just completed a 30 mile walk I'm walking 200 miles for charity in June I told him all of this he was amazed my point is how can I lose that much fev1 in 4 years nothing makes sence I feel OK I guess I've never had any chest infection pylem no cough I quit smoking 4 years ago I was full of question but I didn't get to ask him everything do you think he would of flaged up if he was concerned he didnt even say it was copd or emphysema he just said there's nothing to worry about no treatment plan I just wanted to know your guys views so I'm 48 years old 5 foot 9 and I've got 3 2 litres he said ive got more than enough literege left people just don't explain the numbers 93% to 84% to me is big how can that of gone done when I've done things right but like I said chest doctor was really happy
.thanks for reading xx
Written by
bryan45735
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Good to hear from you Bryan and you seem to be doing well. Hope that hiatus hernia gets sorted soon.
I can’t really help with the fev1 question but someone else might explain things to you. Keep doing what you’re doing and well done on the weight loss. Take care xx
So I’m on 48.5% and I have 1.8 litre lung capacity. I’m 33 with a rare lung disease. From what I’ve learnt the spirometery results can vary, just depends on the day etc. I’ve dropped several % in just the last few months, eventhough I’m more active and fitter. From what you’ve said in your message, the amount you’re doing, your exercise tolerance is incredible and your body is adapting well. Like you, I’m high functioning. The spirometery testing can even be effected by how you are sat that day, subconscious stress etc. I have medication to try to stop progression of my disease but other than that I don’t have much of a treatment plan because I can generally maintain a 96-100% oxygen sats rate and live well. Don’t get me wrong, I have my ‘days’ and I know it if I over do it but generally I’m incredibly privileged. A lung friend of mine once said ‘the numbers don’t always mean something’. Unless you become symptomatic or severely unwell, I’d go with the flow. 9% in 4 years seems drastic but I ‘think’ is pretty good. Generally resp drs will flag up concern. My consultant did swear when I said I tried walking up Cadair Idris 😂 I was unsuccessful but 😏I’m going to try it again lol. Always ask questions if you want or need to. If you have any lingering concerns maybe call the resp secretary and just ask if the dr can clarify a couple of things or your GP on the whole it sounds like your doing all the right things and managing incredibly well! When any of us have a disease, there will be changes but what matters is, how it’s affecting your ability to live well.
Also if you have a hiatus hernia, your spirometery results can even be affected by how that is sitting on the particular day. As the torso muscles which all sit under the lungs are in a column. So if something is misbehaving, it has a ripple affect
I hope some of that helps? You’re doing incredibly well! Good luck for you walking mileage 👏🏼
Hi Bry, I checked my Fev1 the other day and it was 8% higher when I checked it standing up than it was sat down… If I check it after exercise it can be 6 or 7% higher… I would think even a high pollen count could negatively effect my scores as I’ve become sensitive to it since giving up smoking… glad to hear your well!!!
I think you are concentrating too much on numbers Bryan. You sound very fit and have done well to lose the weight. If you feel well and have no problems then that is all that matters. I have bronchiectasis and have problems most days with breathing, excess mucus along with all the other ailments but haven't had a lung check for years and wouldn't know what my fev is or was so dont worry about it. I do get infections and have to go on antibiotics and steroids and would love to be able to walk for miles. Enjoy your walks and try not to worry about health x
I suspect the reason why they are not concerned is that 84% FEV is in the normal range (80-120) even though it's dropped. In order to find out why it's dropped, they would probably have to do more tests which would distort their priorities in dealing with those whose FEV is <80%. If you've got the stamina to walk 200 miles, then I don't think you need to worry too much! Good luck with the charity walk
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Sometimes ya gotta laugh
Potentially got bronchiesctasis - a bit scared
Update on John
Son 20+admissions chest related getting nowhere fast! 
Reassurance for Husband
