Lung function test

[Wolfie1972]

Hi all, this is my first post from rainy Newcastle. I’m going for my first lung function test today and I’m a bit worried I am feeling fine in myself but it’s still a little daunting, especially with covid still handing around too. I have MCTD with Raynauds I was diagnosed in January had a few aches and pains nothing to bad as yet. Just trying to smile though it 🌸🦋

[Spanielmadlady]

Hi from a very wet Cumbria.lupus has damaged my lungs so LFT are a test I've had a few times.my chest specialist requested them in January but due to covid I've not had them yet.they are not anything to worry about.you sit in a booth and breathe in and out via a mouth piece.they will ask you to hold your breath,exhale,take a deep breath and will measure your lung capacity etc.the only test I dont like is one where they shut the tube but it's only brief.i also have LFT with resistance which are the same but are repeated after medication so see if there is any change.

As for covid just take all the precautions....I'm extremely vunerable so go kitted out in mask gloves and face shield.ive only been to the hospital once to collect a script but at the door there was plenty of masks and sanitizer.good luck with tests you'll be fine xx

[Wolfie1972 in reply to Spanielmadlady]

Thanks for giving me an insight to the test it’s a little less worrying now. Yes my test has been cancelled 3 times due to covid but today’s the day. I’ll be sure to be prepared with ppe.

Thanks again for you reply xx

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Wolfie1972]

The worst thing you can do is to get wound up about it because then you wont breathe properly so try to go with the flow and take it in your stride.they dont take long to do maybe 30 mins or so .mine take longer as deep breathing can cause me to cough so they have to be repeated until I do one without coughing 🙄. Xx

[Wolfie1972 in reply to Spanielmadlady]

I’m feeling okay about it now, it’s just doing something new had me overthinking. I guess I’ll have to get used to all these new changes in my life. I will be fine xx

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Wolfie1972]

I think we are all guilty of overthinking things my lovely especially when things arnt explained very well by our hcps.lupus also inflamed my heart and put me into heart failure in 2014 for a year and that was when I learnt not to stress about things or over think them.now I just go with the flow at my own pace 👍 xx

[Wolfie1972 in reply to Spanielmadlady]

Sorry to hear that hope you are doing alright now.

Yes that’s what I intend to do go with it and get on with it, just all so new and a lot to take in but I’ll try to keep smiling xx

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Wolfie1972]

It's taken 5 yrs to become stable....no pneumonia or hospital admissions for 2 yrs but its taken some very powerful drugs with many side affects and as a result I have no immune system.ive learnt many coping strategies and limitations along the way all of which help get through the bad spells.listen to your body....if it says no it means no and be kind to yourself... dont beat yourself up because you havent dusted or washed the pots. Google the spoon theory.. it's a brilliant analogy of living with chronic illness.

There is lots of support available here and you'll be made very welcome xx

[Wolfie1972 in reply to Spanielmadlady]

Thank you, I’m pleased you are doing well. Yes I’ve learnt a lot and read some great advice here.

My lungs seems fine they said, thankfully.

I have just read the spoon theory, think I will use it next time I’m asked to explain my illness.

Thanks for your support xx

[svfarmer]

Hi and welcome to the group - sorry can’t offer any advice - hope all goes well today x