Spirometer test. COPD and Asthma.

[Nottobad123]

I had my spirometer test done this morning, and it was at 40% and 45% after using the inhaler ventolin. Results were instant. I knew it would be very low compared to the 73% 10 years ago, given how I've been lately, but it was still a shock. Even now 8 hours later, it still feels surreal.

Does anyone know how can I improve on those numbers, doctors seem to think you can't improve on them, but you get stronger with exercising..has anyone experienced similar circumstances..?

I haven't Googled anything to do with copd in ten years, and have no clue how long the average life expectancy could be with this low lung function.

Am 73 years old, and I honestly thought I could get to be 80 + before this terrible disease became to much for me.

Be grateful any feedback.

[Karenanne61]

You can improve those numbers, albeit slightly. I was a patient at Harefield transplant clinic but have recently been provisionally discharged as my fev1 has improved to the high 30s and my condition has remained reasonable stable. Its hard but can be done. Self management, drugs and exercise help me. Good luck! (I am 65)

[Nottobad123 in reply to Karenanne61]

I didn't really agree with the doctor, am sure if I can manage to exercise it will improve, not by much maybe, but it must have some positive impact on the lungs. It's great you had an improvement in your fev1.

I do wish the very best with staying stable for as possible.

[Donald_1931]

I think your estimated target age of 80 is a bit on the low side to be honest. 😉

[Nottobad123 in reply to Donald_1931]

I was kinda hoping that someone would say that 😂

[Mopsey1897]

my lung function is 40% which was a huge shock to me. I was diagnosed COPD emphysema earlier this year so found it hard to believe I’d got that low without knowing. I try and walk a lot and have a small treadmill I use at home for about 20 minutes but aiming to increase this gradually. I go up and down my stairs a lot, go to a gentle yoga class once a week and generally try to keep moving. I read that exercise is key for lungs. I’m 70 and having my first grandchild in January so have to stay fit! I don’t want to know my expectancy as I know it will come sooner rather than later but like you, I’d be happy to get to 80 without being on oxygen 24/7. Stay positive and move about as much as you can x

[Nottobad123 in reply to Mopsey1897]

When I first had a spirometer test 10 years the fev1 was 50%. I don't really want to recall the emotional stress I went through in the first few weeks after just settling in to a new life. I knew after that the test couldn't be right and l had two more tests at different hospitals and both tests were the same fev1 at 73%.

I can imagine how you would have felt on finding out your lung function was so low.

You are absolutely right about exercise being the key for people with our health issues.

T have a treadmill that I can no longer use due to my knee problems. But after today's news exercising is very much on my mind again.

I'd be happy with getting to 80 without oxygen 24/7, let's see how we get on.

The very best wishes for your future grandchild.

[Mopsey1897 in reply to Nottobad123]

Thank you. Have you tried the chair exercises? Might be better for you as you have a knee problem.

[Nottobad123 in reply to Mopsey1897]

I would really love to go the the beach near by and tread water for a half hour or longer, but I can't go by myself. I did again talk to my kids and one said he would come with me on the weekends and my wife will come a couple of times in the week. I will see how that works out.

I haven't thought about chair exercises.

There is some medications that ease the pain in the knees, steroid injections and pills, they work wonders, but the pills have side effects...

I take sleeping pills now and am done for the day..a bit of light gardening in the morning would be nice..

[Donald_1931 in reply to Mopsey1897]

You won't be happy with 80 when you reach 79, believe me. x

[Mopsey1897 in reply to Donald_1931]

That’s very true Donald, as I’ll get there soon enough. Maybe I should aim for a round 100 years!

[garshe in reply to Mopsey1897]

Oxygen is a lifeline so you will be happy to have it if needed xx.Sheila

[Alice70 in reply to garshe]

Hi Sheila I was tested to see if I needed oxygen threemonths ago consultant said they will test me agian in March ,I know I need it now as my breathing when sitting is not good especially if try to have a bit of a conversation, my consultant did tell me that Oxygen was mainly to help your other organs but may help breathing, what I'm asking you has your breathing improved any since you have been on oxygen Alice

[garshe in reply to Alice70]

I use it on 3L when moving around 1L when resting. I also use it when I'm eating a meal and bathing etc.I think my oxygen is to help my breathing as I also have been just diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. This causes rapid heartbeat. You may not need it as your breathing could improve with exercise I am unable to excercise. Don't worry concentrate on what you can do not what you can't. Just go at a slower pace..take care I have severe COPD diagnosed 2010 xx

I'm always here if you need a chat but don't compare yourself with others we are all different xx.Sheila. sending hugs..xx

[Alice70 in reply to garshe]

Thank you Sheila for your quick response, like you I have severe copd my last test at the hospital I was only 25% I also can't excerise as I've been on a bit of a rolla coaster these past two years with fraturing my spine in three places had hip replacement recently also rheaumatiod arthritis now I've torn tendons in shoulders with treatments I not in pain now only some in shoulders when lifting my arms up I am having some cortisone injection in them a week this Friday then maybe I will be able to do some excersise sorry to tell you all this just explaining why I can't do excerise, I just find the state of my breathing is stopping doing most things ,I try to be positive and say I will get there then other times I feel like throwing in the towel but I won't thanks for explain about what your oxygen does and I hope it will do the same for me keep as well as you can Sheila and good luck

[garshe in reply to Alice70]

My last test was years ago 30% must be lower now. I find this Pulmonary Hypertension is causing more problems than my COPD although only treatment is oxygen as they say its lung related so my copd meds work for that . Well be fine Alice .Merry Xmas from the Welsh valleys .sending Welsh cwtches xx.Sheila

[Alice70 in reply to garshe]

I don't speak a lot of Welsh I know this one Nadolig Llawen from North Wales xx

[garshe in reply to Alice70]

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.Merry Xmas and a Happy new year.xx

[Mopsey1897 in reply to garshe]

I know you’re right but it doesn’t actually help with breathlessness which is what we all suffer from

[garshe in reply to Mopsey1897]

I was diagnosed 2010 so understand everything there is to know about copd. I'm on oxygen and although it is there to protect our organs it does help with breathlessness also. I suffer horrific anxiety attacks and my oxygen drops very low and I struggle to breathe. I am grateful for my oxygen as once it is turned up on the concentrator my oxygen increases and my breathing improves. ..not everyone ends up on oxygen and i hope you are lucky enough not to need it. I am grateful as it has prevented me being hospitalised. That's a good thing with all the infections especially sepsis on the wards.

I hope your breathing improves as it can. Take care. xxSheila

[Ilovedogs12 in reply to Mopsey1897]

Congratulations on becoming a grandma in the new year! You have so much to look forward to, and your grandchild will give you a real purpose to stay positive.

I think walking is the best exercise, we're built for walking, it's natural for us, and it all helps.

I have two small grandchildren who live in Ireland and I get over to spend time with them as much as I can. Sometimes I don't feel great as the trip approaches and I wonder how I'll get through the airport and on the plane, but I could never cancel because being with them really lifts my spirits and does me the power of good. If I couldn't go I'd be heartbroken, and so would they because they love playing with Granny ❤️❤️

I know I won't be able to make the trip forever, I wish they lived nearer.

Keep well and enjoy your grandchild. They're precious.

[Mopsey1897 in reply to Ilovedogs12]

thank you, I’m very excited! I want to stay as fit as possible so I’ll see her go through primary school. It’s good you visit yours in Ireland frequently. Having things to look forward to keeps us fighting.

[Ilovedogs12 in reply to Mopsey1897]

Through primary school and beyond! 😁

[NieceByMarriage]

Have you come across Noah Greenspan and his book/Facebook page Ultimate Pulmonary Wellness? He is an American respiratory physiotherapist and has been conducting pulmonary rehabilitation for years. He contends that you can improve lung function with exercise. Maybe not much but something is better than nothing. Even standing still is good, given we generally lose function as we age. I have not finished his book yet but I have read all the bits about exercise and much of what he says accords with what I have discovered by myself over the last ten years or so.

[Nottobad123 in reply to NieceByMarriage]

Thanks for your reply, as from this morning my has put a few things in the car to take me to the beach near by to start a regular routine for exercising, treading water is about the only thing I can do until the treatment for arthritis in my knees gets better and I can also use the treadmill for a while. My next appointment is in 3 months time and my goal is to improve on my fev1 and of course better my breathing.

Am not on Facebook but I appreciate your mentioning it to me.

Sorry for the late reply, we are 7 hours ahead of the UK, and quite often l need very strong sleeping pills to get more than a couple of hours of sleep.

[Alberta56]

Best wishes. You can do it.

[Ern007 in reply to Alberta56]

I agree Donald. I remember saying I would be happy to reach 70. it's cool until that milestone is reached.

[Nottobad123 in reply to Alberta56]

Thanks, 🙏

[Alberta56]

I've done seated exercise. It can be very vigorous.

[Nottobad123 in reply to Alberta56]

I will definitely follow this up.I have today started a exercise routine that I intend to do everyday.

[Karenanne61 in reply to Nottobad123]

Seated yoga is excellent!

[Shirazmataz]

did you ever go to Pulmonary rehab where you do a range of exercises before an education session? It would give you the incentive to get back to exercise and in a supportive environment where the staff are monitoring you and your progress every week. I must say i found it very helpful and then went on to join a gym when the rehab sessions finished. Good luck 🙂

[Nottobad123 in reply to Shirazmataz]

We don't have this in Thailand, I have though bought some cheap gym equipment for my youngest boys and I might try out a bit of weight lifting with them...but really I don't have much power now.

[Shirazmataz in reply to Nottobad123]

Oh sorry you are in Thailand. I wrongly assumed in UK. Well lots of walking where you do get breathless to a point, up and down steps, squats, pumping the air sideways up and down, gentle warm ups to start and finish off. There was a lot more so whole body exercise. i bought an exercise bike to keep exercising at home andvtgen started at a gym to keeo it up! Good luck with your exercise equipment 😁

[Nottobad123 in reply to Shirazmataz]

Thanks for the encouragement. I haven't been able to do much this passed week, except to lose weight, 3 kilos already, am very happy I've eventually made a start with it. I did have a talk with my youngest son just now and we are both going to use the treadmill and the weights in the morning.

Exercise is the best thing for us.

[Shirazmataz in reply to Nottobad123]

good luck and great you can do it together and encourage each other along 😁

[Ergendl]

I run a weekly singing for lung health group which helps lungies improve the fitness of the muscles involved in their breathing. It helps everyone who comes, and helps more the more people come. My original diagnosis was moderate COPD when I started it, and that improved to mild (low end of normal).

You can check the AK UK website for local support groups to see if there is one near you. If not, there are YouTube videos about diaphragm breathing which can help.

[Nottobad123 in reply to Ergendl]

Thank you for your reply Ergendl, I would love to be able to sing and improve my lungs, but I my voice has been damaged due to Gerd, and it's not something I could do now. It's become almost impossible to talk when am walking or just doing things. I am though from today started a regular exercise routine with treading water in the sea close to my home. I plan to do this 7 days a week. Hopefully it will slow down my lungs worsening.

[Ergendl in reply to Nottobad123]

The simplest diaphragm exercise I know is to lie down with a book on your stomach and try to raise and lower the book simply by breathing. Once you've done that, you should be able to recognise the muscles you're using and do the same breathing exercise without having to lie down or use a book.

An alternative is to play a wind instrument of some sort, such as a recorder, harmonica, oboe or trumpet.

[Nottobad123 in reply to Ergendl]

I like the idea of using a book to help start you with breathing exercises. Definitely no wind instruments for me for a while. I got about 10+ hornet stings this morning when trimming back a bush around the post box. My top lip is anonymous, it's covered my bottom lip,

my right eye is very swollen, so is one of my ears, and both my arms and hands got a few stings. So no sea and exercises today, very disappointing.

I will give the book a try tonight, it could be something I can get used to 😊🙏

[Ergendl in reply to Nottobad123]

Oh, how awful! I hope it improves soon.

I once got stung on the lip by a wasp and that was bad enough. To be stung by a hive of hornets all over your face must be excruciating.

[Nottobad123 in reply to Ergendl]

Am a lot better now, the swelling has gone down. I looked horrendous, but everyone had a good laugh looking at me.

[Biker88]

In 2013 I was told I had aspergillosis and emphysema, after the diagnosis I had a lung function test and just managed 35%. It was explained that lungs do deteriorate with age and every chest infection can leave a little bit more damage. Now after a spell in hospital in March I’m on ambulatory oxygen and they don’t want me to do a lung function test as it could make my lungs worse. I use a mobility scooter to get around on outside, but mange indoors. I’m 74 and with adjustments to doing things I’m still enjoying life, since 2017 I have had support from a hospice and met a lot of people with a range of progressive diseases all who are of a cheerful outlook. Don’t focus on the future, focus on today if things become difficult look for ways to make them easier

[ghousrider]

Good day to you yes i am just gone 60 years old male / i have found that i been having injections in arms at local hospital for ams i feel my breathing is rough first thing 250 if i have to improve breathing light excersies in the home then dinner tim / everything back to normal 250 its like ab allon / it thinking why bother / i feel low as well on morning the is bad doctors cant do anthing to help copd is bad dease i agree sorry about spelling all the best ghoust rider

[Nottobad123 in reply to ghousrider]

I managed to start my exercise routine today, one hour treading water in the sea, it's my intention to do that every day + keeping as active as my health issues will allow me. Am hoping by my next appointment with the lung specialist and I will have another spirometer test to see if there is any improvement with fev1, but my main concern is that it will remain stable for years to come.

I hope you manage to get into a good exercise routine and benefit from it.

[Ilovedogs12 in reply to Nottobad123]

You must live somewhere warm to be treading water in the sea at this time of year, definitely not here in the north east of England.How lovely to be able to dip into the sea every day, what a great way to get your exercise. 😊🌞

[Nottobad123 in reply to Ilovedogs12]

Yes it's very warm in the sea in Thailand, even this time of year when it's considered to be the winter months. I really will stay focused now.

Hopefully it will slow down the worsening of my lungs.

[Ilovedogs12 in reply to Nottobad123]

That's perfect. ☺️

[Mopsey1897]

you’ve got a good positive attitude which is what you need. You’ve also got a good climate which will help with breathing. Keep up the water exercise 👍

[Nottobad123 in reply to Mopsey1897]

Thanks so much Mopsey, since I had the spirometer test, it's kind of shocked me back into the reality of life 👍🙏

[Mopsey1897 in reply to Nottobad123]

We can try and improve our fev1 together over the next few months and see how we get on. If anyone has any advice on how to increase it, please let us know, thanks. I’ll always try and help you and talk with you and there are many others here who would do the same good luck.

[Nottobad123 in reply to Mopsey1897]

Yes see what we can do.I will be having another spirometer test in 3 months time.

7am here and I have my new nebulizer on, then take my inhalers and other meditations to get myself ready for going to the sea to exercise.

I will look in on the forum almost every day from now, it will help me stay focused.

[Mopsey1897 in reply to Nottobad123]

Enjoy your swimming exercise and concentrate your mind on your lungs feeling better every day

[Nottobad123 in reply to Mopsey1897]

We were just getting ready to go, and I noticed the post box outside the gate was almost completely covered with a dense jasmine bush, so I thought I'd cut it back a little. There was a hornets nest in there and they went straight for me, stinging my face, hands and arms. I run to the kitchen and poured/washed myself with vinegar.

Lots swelling, eye, lip, ear, hands and arms..and very very painful.

So no excusing today, other then the very fast run to the kitchen 😂

[Mopsey1897]

oh no how horrible for you, all those stings. Have you antihistamines to help with the swelling? Take it easy and see your doctor if you feel ill

[Nottobad123 in reply to Mopsey1897]

Yes I have antihistamines, and I took a couple tramadol for the pain. Am okay now and will have a good day tomorrow. We all had a good laugh at the photos of my face.

Time to rest for the night.

[Mopsey1897 in reply to Nottobad123]

Sleep well