Doc said that I have lost 8% of my lung function

[Eireann]

I had 43% lung function, have not been to the clinic for 15 months so when I went for the usual appt. my doctor sent me for the lung function test and then told me that he will have to do a CT scan and have some dye injected for him to get more information. Also I have been in Majorca for a week and my breathing, which has been slowly deteriorating, was very bad and I was sent by my doctor to the A&E for tests. I am on Prednisone and Antibiotics and they finish tomorrow, my breathing is still laboured and I have not been like this before, except when I was first diagnosed with double pneumonia 12 years ago. Does anyone know if I can or will get back some more of my lung function. I am so scared.

[Caspiana]

Hello Eireann .

I think this is your first post? So, welcome to the forum. 😊 May I ask what lung condition you have at the moment since your double pneumonia diagnosis? And why did you not attend lung clinic for fifteen months? How did you medicate during that time? Are you on oxygen?

I think it depends what condition you have. My lung function is at 35%. Unfortunately, whatever I have lost is gone for good. I work very hard to stay stable , but I will not regain any of my lost function. However, that is the nature of my disease. There are many people who have other conditions who can improve their lung function with pulmonary rehabilitation, a good diet and exercise.

I know it's scary, but you aren't alone. Hoping to hear more about you and your condition.

Warm wishes,

Cas xx 🌸

[Mardi in reply to Caspiana]

Are you on 24 hour oxygen Caspiana?

[Caspiana in reply to Mardi]

Hi Mardi . I only need ambulatory oxygen at the moment. I feel very lucky. 😊

[Eireann in reply to Caspiana]

Hi Caspia, I was diagnosed with Copd 12 years ago, I was admitted with Double Pneumonia and then other tests showed Copd, I was in hospital for 3 weeks and recovered slowly at home. I had never been as sick in my life, jumping forward to now, I was shocked to be told 4 weeks ago that my lung function has deteriorated, I have always managed to control this disease myself with my inhalers and walking when I can.

[Caspiana in reply to Eireann]

Did the doctor give you a plan of action or any advice on how to proceed?

[Eireann in reply to Caspiana]

It’s been a hectic day for me here, my doctor phoned yesterday for me to go and see her, I was too sick to go but she phoned me this morning and said that the hospital has told her to put me on a nebuliser, I had to phone a lot of places and then phone the hospital again for the prescription, so I should have the Nebuliser by Monday. I am very afraid and also hyper from the Prednisone and no sleep. Thanks so much for your time Caspians

[Caspiana in reply to Eireann]

Hello Eireann .

I know what you mean about the sleep issue. Before Predisone I could sleep for hours and hours , sleep in even. Now I never get much deep sleep. 😐

Take it a day at a time. You're getting there. I have been thinking about starting nebs too. I hope they help you.

Do update us if and when you feel up to it. 🌷🌸 😊 xx

[Eireann in reply to Caspiana]

Thanks so much for that Caspiana, I will certainly let you know what happens, it is good to correspond with someone who understands. Xx

[Badbessie]

My own lung function goes up and down by about 10%. There are many factors which affect the test result so please do not think it's the end of the world. By the sound of it you have had a bad chest infection and even after the antibiotics have finished it can take some time for the lungs to recover. Obviously you are very anxious being hit with your test results and having a bad infection on top of that. It may be the case that the infection as not fully cleared and you may need a further course of antibiotics. My advice would be to go back to your GP so that he can listen to your chest and take appropriate action.

[Eireann in reply to Badbessie]

Thanks Bessie, I welcome any good news that can calm me, I am of course grateful for the bad as well. Yes, this is a bad infection but I am just hoping that I will not be left like this. Your reply is very informative and helpful.

[Kristicats]

I hope that the abs and pred kick in soon. My last chest infection I had to be put on A second ab because 1st didn’t shift it. It took 3 weeks. But been back to normal (for me🙄) since and after getting back to my normal regime my levels have got better than ever. So chin up ,get moving and hope you report in fit soon. Good luck Eirean💐

[GLITZY75]

I guess it depends exactly what you mean. I think most often, that once lung function is really lost it is not regained, although perhaps there will be some improvement with clearing infections etc. Just eat well , exercise, follow your doctor's advice-- and most importantly laugh, and love which equals living.