Lung Function Tests

[Blackwitch]

Good Morning all 🙂

Yesterday I had an appointment at the hospital for a battery of Lung Function Tests (due to restarting Methotrexate). They took about 45 minutes, followed by a 30+ mile trip back home. This morning I feel like 🤬🤬🤬🤬. My jaw, neck, upper back, lower back & ribcage feel as though I’ve been through a mangle & my lungs & back of my throat feel ..... sort of strained! I don’t know how to describe it.

I do have Fibromyalgia as well so I think it’s more likely because of that I feel so unwell. Has anyone else had the tests & felt like this the day after? Nic xx

[helixhelix]

I had a slightly sore chest from breathing so forcefully, but otherwise felt fine. Hope it passes off quickly.

[wishbone]

Can't recall any discomfort following my LFT. I was surprised by how long it took to complete though.

[Mmrr]

I had a bit of a sore rib cage, but it settled within a day. Hope you feel better soon.

[Blackwitch]

Thanks everyone. This has really knocked me for six. I had to double my morphine early this morning & had a diazepam this afternoon. I still feel as though I’ve had a gorilla jumping up & down on me. Nic xx 🦍☹️

[Blot]

I am due to have the lung function tests soon from the nurse practitioner at the GP’s surgery. Whatever happened?

[Blackwitch in reply to Blot]

Hi Blot. My sister had regular lung function tests at her surgery & just had to blow though a tube. At the hospital, I had a battery of breathing tests where the mouthpiece is held with your teeth & your lips around the tube. This is connected to a computer. I would have been OK if it was just breathing in, but it was the emptying of my lungs that was my problem. It seems you never fully empty your lungs, normally, but you’ve got this thing in your mouth, a nose clip on & nurses encouraging you (yelling at you!) to keep blowing out & it was hard work. I felt fine afterwards but I’ve now had 2 days of neck, shoulders, rib & back pain. How long is your appointment? Mine took about 45 minutes!

Good luck for tomorrow. 🙂🤞

[wishbone in reply to Blackwitch]

I can relate with what you say about having a problem emptying your lungs. I found it quite a strain trying to expel the last bit of air out of my lungs. So much so that I kept releasing my bite on the mouthpiece, which I was specifically instructed not to do. After the third time the nurse seemed slightly agitated. hehe...well she shouldn't have kept encouraging me (yelling at me). That was 3 years ago and unfortunately a problem was found with my lungs. Hence I've had 3 annual LFTs since, but none have been as long and complex as the first one and have just involved inhaling and exhaling into a machine a few times.

[Blackwitch in reply to wishbone]

Hi wishbone!

Yes, the same with me. It’s the emptying of your lungs that’s the problem. I didn’t have the LFT’s when I first started on Methotrexate tablets many years ago but when I had a CT scan & x-ray before a major op, the scan picked up the bottom of my lungs & found 2 nodules! That’s why I think they needed to check me now I’ve started with the MTX injections. Nic x 🙂

[wishbone in reply to Blackwitch]

They found and monitored one nodule in my right lung, which they are not concerned about. Worse was/is the scarring, which they reckon is related to my RA.

[Blot]

Oh gosh and l’ll probably cough and have to do it all over again. Peak flow dreadfully low. Only 200 and that’s on a good day. 😪

[Blot]

Appt. an hour

[Blackwitch in reply to Blot]

😱😱😱😱😱 Good Luck! Let me know how you feel the day after. 🙂 x

[Blot]

Thanks. Will do🥴

[Basilly]

Yes I’ve had a sore jaw and lungs after lung function tests. I find them quite tiring too. Hope you feel better soon x

[Blackwitch in reply to Basilly]

Hi Basilly. I had the tests on Monday & today is the first day I’ve not woken up in agony. Phew, thank goodness that’s over with. On top of everything else it was just too much. I know it has to be done, but I’ll be having ‘words’ with my rheumatologist when I see him in July. (It will be all light hearted as he’s lovely)! 🙂