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lung funtion

mumsy•

12 years ago•8 Replies

copd nurse told me i have 55 % lung funtion when i asked. Is this good or bad?

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mumsy

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8 Replies

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Lynne195512 years ago

That's the same as mine! It's sort of in the middle really as I am classed as moderate. It means your lungs operate at only about half of what they should for your age. I'm 57 (nearly 58).

When I was first diagnosed, they carried out a reverse spirometry test. So they did it, got me to use an inhaler and wait half an hour then they did it again. My first reading was 42% and my second 55%. They always use the reading after medication.

To be honest, although classed as moderate, it doesn't really stop me doing things at all. I just get a bit more out of breath on exertion but that is a good thing as it exercises the lungs.

If you haven't already asked for one, get the pack from BLF. The DVD is really, really good and quite inspirational.

So in answer, I suppose you could say although it could be better, it could be a lot worse.

Lynne x

pedantic12 years ago

Hi mumsy.I was told 53% in april.I,m 59yrs old.I feel ok at times crap at others.Feel worse since packing in smoking funnily enough.God bless Best Wishes xx

Perce12 years ago

Better than mine as well !!

amagran12 years ago

richards was 30% last time, he is having another test next month. Though his is not copd as much as ipf

lavender112 years ago

When I had my last spirometery I got a strange look from the nurse after a few attempts at the blowing and she said something like it is only half of what it was last time - I think maybe she mentioned 40 as opposed to 80 but that the second reading was better than last time (what is the second test they do - does anyone know?) They seem to take 2 tests for numbers. I was classed as moderate at one point, maybe 6 years ago. Am going to "man" up next time and ask just what the readings mean.

12 years ago

My husbands was 35% total, but he has had 2 bouts of pneumonia since then so are now waiting to see the specialist for his results to see how much more damage has been done.

Spritz12 years ago

Apparently, mine is approximately 25%. I'm on home oxygen 16 hours a day and the respiratory nurse thought it 'might be a good idea to use it when ambulatory'! I'm 58 and gave up smoking nearly 4 years ago.

Jude x

gill612 years ago

Hi Mumsy

My lung function (FEV1) is 34%, and has been stable at that for over 10 years. It doesn't stop me doing anything, I just tend to be a bit slower going up hills when out walking (hiking). I swim 1000m a couple of times most weeks. I was amazed that it was so low and my life is so 'normal'. My consultant said it's becuase my body has got used to it (I have had bronchiectasis from birth) and has adapted. When I have a chest infection, my FEV1 drops to about 25% and I know about it then!!! I'm like that today and I struggled to make it up the two flights of stairs to work.

So I think it's not necesarily the number that matters as what the body is used to having.

Hope that helps

Gill6

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