Copd spirometer test

[Nottobad123]

I have made up my mind to have a spirometer test next week. The last one I had done is when I was first diagnosed with copd and asthma 10 years ago, and my lung function was at 73%

I was doing pretty good up to a few years ago, but this year I have really became very bad with shortness of breath, I've had to go to hospital a few times in the last month or so, l can hardly manage the steps up to my bedroom, very limited in walking and have sit down very often.

I have started using a nebulizer with saibutamol and sodium chloride mixed together 2 or 3 times a day, the lung specialist said I could use it up to 4 times a day.

Am pretty sure my lung function test will show my lungs have worsen a lot.

I've had tremendous stress this year, worrying and the lack of exercise have played a big part in my worsening health.

I still feel that I am a long way from expiring, if I can make things in life improve a bit.

[NLGA]

I have had asthma but my breathing got worse 2 years ago

I couldn’t walk up stairs without sitting in the bed to get my breath back any incline when out walking got to me

Anyway turns out I had AF and it wasn’t my asthma getting worse ended up in hospital for a 6 day spell with a resting heart beat of 135

I still have asthma but my GP missed my AF

[knitter in reply to NLGA]

Same as me , walking up stairs even slowly , sit on the bed then panic starts .

I have tachycardia, but told it doesn’t need treating .

[Nottobad123 in reply to NLGA]

Am not sure what AF is, but I know doctor can and do miss health issues and some even miss diagnose you. This has happened to me quite a few times. My asthma is exercise induced, this makes physical activities very difficult, and now almost impossible.

I hope you're much better now.

Thank you for your reply.

[knitter]

I had a spirometer test recently , not had one for at least ten years .

Completely different now , all linked to a computer .

There are certain things you have to do before you have the test ….concerning taking medication . They should tell you a few days before hand , check with your health centre .

Your COPD and asthma sound a bit like mine at the moment ….more than a few A and E visits this year .

Lot of infections , breathlessness

I was given a new inhaler to try , but my peak flow went down .

[Nottobad123 in reply to knitter]

Am having the spirometer test at my local private hospital, simply because I don't have to wait months for an a appointment in the government hospital..and I need to know if I am able to travel 11 or 12 hours on an airplane back to the UK to fix a few things, and I have to have a test to fly. It get very stressful just thinking about it all.I think they still use the old blow in a box system for the test, but it is accurate.

[Patk1]

Have u tried nebulising salbutamol 1st,to dilate Airways,followed by saline? It may work better for u.also,do u use lung clearance techniques after saline? I use controlled pursed lips breathing technique( see aluk website) which helps wjn walking,going upstairs etc.im sorry u have had so much stress+ worry,as if life's not hard enough! Anxiety adds to breathing difficulties too.pursed lips controlled breathing should help relax you,too.practise it whn relaxed,watching TV etc so u get into habit of using it.xx

[Nottobad123 in reply to Patk1]

I will try what you suggested, am seeing the lung specialist on Tuesday morning. I have been doing the pursed lips breathing, I hardly ever remember to do it.

Stress, anxiety, depression and I am an a excessive worrier, is really hard to manage. But I will today make sure I do the breathing exercises, the deep breathing also can help.

Thanks so much for your reply.

[Alberta56]

I hope you will be passed fit enough to fly, so you can come back to the UK and fix things. That, I hope, will remove some of the stress. We cannot help what life throws at us, but it's doubly hard dealing with it when we already have ill health to deal with. best wishes.

[Nottobad123 in reply to Alberta56]

Thanks Alberta, I'll be doing the test tomorrow morning.

[PaperQueen]

Stress and low mood definitely make things worse for me. It's a catch 22 cycle because the low mood is brought about by my worsening lung condition and that means I can't exercise which also makes everything worse! My COPD has become a lot worse this year too. Do hope you get the go ahead to fly, presumably you will arrange assistance for the flight. Good luck xx