Spirometry problem

[Pippers]

We'd be most grateful to hear from anyone else who's had had this problem... what happens when Spirometry isn't possible? My husband has had to go back on to steroids after just three of the necessary six clear weeks.

[Caspiana]

Hello Pippers .

I have a friend who is not strong enough to under go a lung function test. The doctors then decided to give him a blood gasses test instead. Do they think this is a temporary thing? And perhaps in time he may be able to do the test? What kind of lung condition does he have? And has he had an infection recently?

Sorry for the loads of questions. I just am trying to get a larger picture.

Thinking of you both.

Cas xx 🍀

[Pippers in reply to Caspiana]

Thanx for responding Caspiana . .. the spirometry was to determine the precise condition, only been aware a couple of months. Initially treated with steroids for chest infection in December.

[Caspiana in reply to Pippers]

Did they do any other tests like x-rays or CT scans?

[Pippers in reply to Caspiana]

No, respiratory nurse just put him back on steroids and said to contact doc. if necessary.

[Caspiana in reply to Pippers]

Hello Pippers .

I don't think you have any answers. And I am sure you are very worried. As sibkev mentioned, did they actually have him on any antibiotics or even mention he had an infection? I think you need to be back at the doctors as things are not improving and you do need to know what the underlying condition is. If it were me, I would get a second or even a third opinion. I know it's quite exhausting going from doctor to doctor but sometimes it takes time to find the right medical team.

Please do let us know how things progress. I am thinking of you.

Cas xx 🍀

[Pippers in reply to Caspiana]

Yes Caspiana I am, I'm VERY worried; can't believe how rapidly this has developed. No antibiotics, and inhalers don't seem to do much for him; as his technique needs a bit of work we practice together, with my thumb taking the place of a mouthpiece in my mouth... he's so cack-handed. We don't have options regarding who we see with only one poorly staffed local medical practice and our one hospital a two bus journey away. Thanks for your concern

[Caspiana in reply to Pippers]

Can you get a referral to a pulmonologist? Does the hospital have a specialist? I don't think I would have a clue as to what my condition was if I hadn't been to three lung specialists and had test after test. 😑 I am sorry you have little choice to who your care team are. That must be so frustrating. There must be a way to get to a better facility. I hope something can be done. Thinking of you both. xx 🌹

[Pippers in reply to Caspiana]

Living on an Island with just one hospital presents problems I'm afraid...

[Caspiana in reply to Pippers]

😖 Yes, I see the dilemma. xx

[Hidden]

Hello Pippers

It happened one day I was too unwell with a cough to blow hard enough so the nurse couldn’t get the measurements. So

she took a blood test and I had an xray.

Sounds like your husband still has mucus, maybe in need of respiratory physiotherapy so he can clear it. I would discuss it with his GP.

Wishing you both well x

[Pippers in reply to Hidden]

Yes he does still have mucus, I'll ask about physio. Thank you.

[sibkev]

they do not treat chest infec with steroids they may give them after for imflammtion but antibiotic first steroid lower emmune sys . spiro only tells you how much air come out of lungs if your doc is telling you it will tell them whats wrong think you need to ask second op i do spiros twice a day after transplant have to record fev 1 that is amount of aie blown out in first one a half seconds where is he being treated

[Caspiana in reply to sibkev]

Hello sibkev . So nice to see you. How have you been? xx 🌻

[Pippers in reply to sibkev]

Hi sibkev, great to hear you're doing well after a transplant...what an amazing gift..

My husband's been prescribed steroids for chest infections several times in the past; don't remember him having antibiotics but if he did they can't have worked. I understood there to be various underlying causes of COPD and that spirometry would determine what the problem is, but I could so easily have misunderstood... thanks for putting me right. Difficult enough to get to see one doctor let alone another; currently being treated at our local health centre, but only a couple of months in.

Many thanks for all your responses, I foresee problems ahead and just have to hope we can cope with them.

[jjnanna]

I personally struggle to get on with the spiro test ... I think the tube is silly being round and me not having a round mouth!! and usually get rubbish readings because of it ... Maybe blood gasses are needed ... hope they sort it for you x

[Pippers in reply to jjnanna]

Would blood gasses do it tho, if he still has steroids in his system?

[jjnanna in reply to Pippers]

Not sure about the steroids but they would know about them and make the adjustments needed ... Blood gasses are very accurate, also have found the better way is to have the ear test for blood gasses, much less pain!!! x

[Pippers in reply to jjnanna]

Thank you jjnana, added to notes made for our next visit to the doctor.

[31m3aR]

Hi I have found over the years that respiratory Physio therapy is really fantastic - it empowers you to do things to help yourself and I always get little tips to help when I have an infection - I started to go after getting chest infections every 4 - 6 weeks then pneumonia etc - since Physio infections have greatly reduced and I feel stronger and fitter - good luck stay positive - this too will pass

[Pippers in reply to 31m3aR]

Haven't gone down that road yet... thanks for reassurance.

[Lazarus]

Well, the spirometry is only a measure of lung performance. Of course, this gives the medics a clue to the (scale) and cause of the problem, but it isn't really a diagnostic test, more a test of function. They want the subject to be free of steroids so that they know what the true underlying performance is rather than a boosted figure resulting from the drug therapy. Depending on the type of test equipment they can be fairly innaccurate at the best of times.

[billparks]

I am bill Parks from memphis tn you have 2 stop eatting or drinking things maid from milk that should help keep your snot lower in ur lungs and nose and u should eat fresh vegetables and eat meat. And peanut butter 4 protein. And I am turring 67 this month and my doc told me I had cops 12 months ago