Lung function

[Jollj]

Has anyone received their annual lung function test following the Covid cessation, my kast test was over 3 years ago.

[Ergendl]

No. The surgery has even stopped reviewing my repeat medications. Last review date was 2020, but the chemist still dispenses them.

[PaulineHM in reply to Ergendl]

You can request an annual review of your medications by the practice pharmacist. It is something I ensure happens because it is very useful to check for latest inhalers, meds and interactions.

Can I suggest you ask your practice receptionist for an appointment and see what the response is?

Go well.

[CDPO16]

No, only had phone reviews since pre covid.

[leo60]

I have only ever had one lung function test, when I was first diagnosed 5/6 years ago! xx

[PaulineHM]

Hello Jollj, I understand that it is now the GP practices choice whether or not they choose to offer an annual spirometry. I guess you could ask for one and see what their response is ?

I prefer to go on how functionally well I am. What can I do in my everyday life as numbers don’t mean much to me.

Go well.

[Tykelady]

I have not had a lung function test since before Covid and was told that they were no longer provided so have no idea of any progression of my COPD. Incidentally, my surgery web page tells me there are dedicated staff available who will be happy to discuss long term conditions but I have yet to find them.

[Stanjory]

I get my annual meds review and bloods done by our wonderful surgery senior nurse practitioner. Also did a basic spirometry this year - 1st since the pandemic. I’m also told the same as PaulineHM - go on how you are and deal with each incidence separately. Like many of you I got moved off ventolin onto salamol and was one of those it didn’t work for. My nurse was so understanding and said there were lots of other inhalers to try. I’m now having much more success with a salbutamol easyhaler. Hope you get sorted. Definitely ask again at your surgery. Good luck!

[Jollj in reply to Stanjory]

Thank you for your reply, very interesting as you are the only one so far who has had one since covid, I do try and take your theory of each incidence however I attended apulmonary rehab seated exercise class and now attend a gym circuit , seated exercise again using resistance equipment, the difference from one session to another can be quite substantial, some days it feels easy, others I cannot complete the session, I'm told by the nurses and gym instructors it's all tk do with oxygen levels/ intake which are co trolled by my lung function,it can be very frustrating.Thanks again.

[Stanjory in reply to Jollj]

I hear your frustration 😊 I’m only a very mild case so it doesn’t affect me too much. Nothing like you. I have a very good local urgent treatment centre which I have used once when I felt my inhaler wasn’t getting things under control. They were very thorough and did lots of tests and had me on a nebuliser. It reassures me to know I could always go there for help and advice if necessary.

[paco19613 in reply to Jollj]

hi

how long did you have to wait to get on the pr course only the reason i asked is i’m still waiting almost 3 months down the line which is very frustrating !!!! i can’t do anything until i’ve been on this even thou i no i’m going to struggle on it as i only have 36% lung function 🤦‍♀️🙈

[Jollj in reply to paco19613]

My GP referred me and two weeks later I got a text from my local leisure centre, I attended an induction then started classes the following week,just over 3 weeks in all, good luck I feel better now.

[paco19613 in reply to Jollj]

wow that’s fantastic so happy for you …

it must be different areas with waiting times unfortunately for me

best wishes x

[Karenanne61]

I think I'm lucky as I've had lung function tests during and since covid. Some at my local hospital and two at Harefield transplant unit.

[Alberta56]

I haven't had any bronchiectasis tests since I was diagnosed in 2019.

[Biker88]

I had annual lung function tests during Covid, however at my last check up the consultant said I didn’t need one, as my lung condition has remained stable for a few years. I do have an asthma monitor which I got from Amazon this gives me an indication of current lung function, along with blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter and thermometer, these enable me to keep an eye on things