Emphysema

[John1922]

I have had Emphysema plus loads more problems.

And wanted to know why the doctors don't get you in anymore for lung function tests like they use to.

[Spacecat1]

Just had mine. Must have been lucky

[Ern007]

If you feel you need one now, make a request with GP.

[CarolMcl]

Hi, I get them every 6 months. Maybe you should contact your respiratory team 🌹

[knitter]

starting again here after Covid stopped them .

Contact your health centre to see if yours are up and running

[Patk1]

Welcome to the forum John1922

[John1922 in reply to Patk1]

Thank you

[Danielmystar]

I had one last June but had to pester drs to let me have one before that it was about 4 years or longer when I was able to get one I was told the reason being was some people didn't like getting it done but it was definitely before covid when I was called in for one but then they only done a paper one asking questions last June I got the spirometry test done but like I said I had to pester drs to get it done now ive also found out the rescue packs have been stopped ive tried to get them but no luck

[helenlw7]

I don’t have emphysema but different lung conditions, and I had my lung function test last month. Guess I must have been lucky.

[MoosterMoo]

I have a different lung condition and had one last January, before I was actually diagnosed. Not had on since.

[Biker88]

Amazon do an asthma monitor which will measure PEF and FEV useful to keep an indication on how you are doing. It was about £30 when I got mine

[Ergendl]

My GP surgery stopped doing them with Covid, but I bought a device from Amazon which tells me my FEV1 and other readings, so I can always keep a check for myself.

[kev60]

hi. My last lung function test was at the hospital in 2019 and last spirometry was the same year. I used to have spirometry with my COPD review but since Covid reviews are over the phone and last year they changed the scoring use to be eight questions and scored ?/5 but now it’s?/40. Because it was done remotely they scored me 6/40 with no exacerbations when I pulled them up on it they revised it to 15/40 with two exacerbations which they originally did not ask me about. I think it’s just a sign of the times. Good luck. Kevin

[Alberta56]

I imagine lack of check ups is a money saving thing. I asked my respiratory team for a check up last September, not having had one for 4 years. It is nice to know how one's getting on. A big result was the forthcoming pulmonary rehab course. They will now arrange a check up every year.

[Tykelady]

I had a full lung function test after a recent hospital stay. It was done at my local hospital and gone are the days of little tubes to blow into. I was in a computerised pod which fed my numbers to the nurse outside although she never told me the results, just said an appointment would be made with my Thoracic consultant. It was very hard work as well.

[leo60]

I have never had one before, but have one at the end of the month in hospital. This is only because my consultant wants to explore the possibilities of surgery! xx

[katieoxo60]

Hi there as I understand it it was stopped at Gps during COvid and at many it has not restarted. They still do it at some hospital clinics if you see a consultant. It seems to be more a need to request one now. Most Gps can do one at a normal appointment. Good Luck