Went today for the gp to do it rather than the rubbish nurse. Erm.. not much wiser for it apparently gone from 3.79 to 3.70.. whatever that means. Oxygen was at 99% before it was always 100% after sitting in a waiting room for ages. Looks like another chat to the blf nurses to get any sense.
Lung function test at GP: Went today... - Lung Conditions C...
Lung function test at GP
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Scars1
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Best talk to the BLF. Shame you haven't confidence in your respiratory nurse. Take care.
Hi Scars Yes the BLF sounds like the right next move,I'm afraid I dont know what those numbers refer to sorry.Janexx
scars the read out ,were from, was it peak flow job,
Scars1 in reply to
no idea, was a handheld digital jobbie
was it a plastic peak flow and she said blow,then looked at the numbers on it,
I had my spirometry today as well Scars 
resp nurse said the reading was very good, I rarely bother asking what the numbers are or what they mean, as long as I'm feeling good and breathing that's the main thing for me
After listening in on Wednesday night to the specialist, he said you cannot take any one number or even two and draw a conclusion. You need all the facts, all the figures etc before you even start to make a decision.
I went to have my first spiro yesterday evening. Did the long blow 3 times pinching my nose and 3 blast blows. Then 5 blasts of salbutmol told to wait until after her next patient (15 minutes) called back and did it all again it showed a 10% improvement. However she showed me 2 white lines on the monitor which I ideally should be between. I was below on both. She then booked me into the next available appointment for my doctor. I asked for a copy of the numbers and she refused and said the doctor needs to see it first. I eventually crowbarred a fev1 number out of her of 1.76 I understand with my age hight etc. I should be 3.3. All that I got was you really need to see your doctor about it 
in reply to Offcut
ha ,can u not ring blf up and ask them,dont see why she with held info from you,in the mean time offcuts wait see gp,dont worry eh,glad you have that out of the way,even if your not happy,as i wouldnt be,and you be well also,bernicexx
I would definitely ask the doctor for an interpretation. yes, it's true that one measure is not really enough. You can compare several and give some kind of assessment. But If you come almost flat on your back, hardly able to breathe long breathing out sessions, I think that it would be clear that something's not quite right!
Spirometry is combined with a chest X-Ray, sputum samples. The consultant will have it all on the screen of his computer. You can ask for the details and ask what it means for you. Write your questions down in your diary, this will be an efficient way of doing. As others said, phone the BLF helpline and ask them what questions you could ask your consultant. Hope you go better.
I also have heart problems as well as arthritis and it was when I was flat waiting to go into have a heart procedure my O2 dropped so much their alarms went off and they kept me on oxygen the whole time I was there. They told me to see my doctor as they were not happy with how low it went when flat. I wake gasping for breath most nights when in bed if I slip off my pillows. I was on an oscillator for 10 days and had a very severe lung infection in 2008 32 days ICU. I found out very recently I was cutting asbestos for about 10+ years it was only then my doctor looked at the report on my last xray in 2010 and said "They do not mention it here" I explained I have always said have not worked with Asbestos because I was told the product we used was safe . I have now found this to be false. I also have a paraylzed diapragm which does not help.
Spoke to the blf nurse, tests were done wrong, i.e no nose clip and was standing up. Also oxygen sats at normal are supposed to be 97%.. so even more confused. Rather than worrying think i'll just continue my life as i do anyway nad just wait for next hospital spiro test.
Scars, Can you not ask your GP to refer you to the chest consultant once again for a new test, since this was done wrong. I wouldn't wait.You need a proper assessment. GP have not got the knowledge that a consultant has. They take into account all the factors that you would mention, worked with asbestos, paralysed diaphragm, wheezing with Seretide; all this has to be accounted for for a good assessment by an expert consultant, not a general knowledge GP! You have a right to say, "Look I feel something's not right, I would like to be seen by a consultant". The GP should oblige and redirect you.
I had a GP who thought she knew it all and told me what can a consultant do , better than I do! Well, a lot more, because they are qualified in a certain area, like thoracic medicine. They see a lot more cases of lung problems and know what it entails. they have a better knowledge of medication, side effects and what people feel. their experience of working in hospitals in their training leads to a better knowledge. That's why, ask to be referred to a consultant, and don't hide your problems to him. You'll be better off. Take care of your lungs!
Hi Scars, its best not to worry! Its all too confusing at times! I've never seen any numbers since my diagnosis! All I know is I have mod copd! Just live every day as well as you can & try ur hardest to keep a smile on that face x
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