Big change in PFT values

Cindy,

Thank you, what a wonderful thing for your Mom. Are her values normal but at stage 3 she continues to suffer and deteriorate? Does it give her a lot more time to feel healthy? I am still confused.

Yes, that is great for her indeed!

Cindy,

How does the doctor know your mother is in Stage 3 if her lung function is that good? My breathing seems worse despite the fact that my numbers are at mild. My chest burns and feels heavy all the time. Anyone else have those symptoms with mild or any stage? Thank you.

Burning in the chest sounds more like heartburn/reflux than COPD, but I don't know about heaviness.    What does yr doctor say about it?

It could be. Doc wants me to check my heart. I do have reflux but it has been very well controlled. Maybe that is it though. I have not had a flare up in ages. Thank you.

Jude, I do not know. My doctor is a super optimist and does not focus on negative. I never really understand the background or explanation because he is happy about it. He just thinks it is from the bronchodilator. But to go to normal values?? Still confused. Anyone have any logical explanations?

I am glad you do well with your function. I am very lucky indeed but I guess I wonder how long that will last. I don't get the big picture. I am going to ask my primary doc but they don't know as much about pft

Thank you !😊

I've found practice nurses and pulmonary physio's at rehab have more time to explain things and often have a wider experience of these conditions.  

I suppose all you can do is be happy your lung function shows up as normal on spirometry and hope it lasts, but if you're sitll having trouble breathing that definitely needs to be investigated.

Thank you Jude. I am seeing my primary doc tomorrow so maybe he can help. It still seems to me that even if I show normal lung function, I still have the disease, so sob not unusual? But they are going to check the heart, I think. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I am pleased. Will see what comes of it. 🌹thanks

Good luck tomorrow and let us know how you get on.   I'm wondering if it's possible to have COPD in early stages without symptoms?  I'll bet it is, it doesn't appear overnight after all.

 

Mine was on X-ray too. But the doctor insisted on soirometry. The first test they thought I had asthma. Then the second time they said COPD. It was in the airways in that section of 25 75? I forget. Now this time the results are much better but it is still COPD. They were very happy with the results. I am still confused because I cannot believe the improvement. It still shows mild.

My primary today was not one bit helpful. He referred me to a cardiologist as the pulmonary requested to see if my breathing issues, while not bad, have gotten worse. Before this latest test. So the whole thing is a bit strange! I don't think I have heart issues but will see. They did ask me to try Spiriva for 2 was to see if it helped. I am on Breo. I do not want to add any drugs unless absolutely necessary.

Thank you for your support!

Spiriva for 2 weeks

I found Spiriva improved my breathing considerably when I was first diagnosed and I still use it every morning, plus more recently Symbicort night  & morning.

I reckon giving the Spiriva a go for a fortnight would be a good idea and whether or not this improves your breathing may help get you a clearer diagnosis.

Thank you.