lung function litres

Hi Rickydick

Sorry, I don't understand litres, though Vanessa might. I always ask them to translate this to a FEV1 percentage for me. My understanding is that the level of lung capacity and its effects vary from individual to individual and that there can be no real lines drawn. For example, at FEV1 30% or 40% some feel the need to give up work and I was still working at FEV1 22%. (Mine has improved to 29% and I am still at work). This is not because I am tougher but because it effects us all differently.

I think stopping smoking is the best thing I have ever done so a very big congratulations to you for managing this. Positive thinking counts for a lot. If you are given a figure and then sit and wait to reach it, thinking that is the end of your active life, there could be a negative effect in that you would give up when you reached it, even if you could have carried on. Please don't do that.

You are partly disabled now, you have COPD. It is the level of disability you are talking about and that can vary so much. My advice? Next time (and each time you are tested) ask your FEV1 % and then keep a record of how you are doing; stay away from other's cigarette smoke; keep as active as possible and take exercise every day; eat a nutritious balanced diet; take your specialist's advice and keep a smile on your face. In this way you will slow any deterioration and live longer and happier than if you dwell on the negatives. I wish you luck

Jacee

(female)

Hi Rickydick,

Sorry but I can only say much the same as jacee when it comes to litres. However, if it is aprox one year since you were first diagnosed, then you are due your annual copd check up - so I suggest you contact your GP and request an appointment with the respiratory nurse for a spirometry test. This time ask for either a print out of your results or for them to at least tell you your fev1 as a percentage - then you can check out whether you are in the moderate /severe category etc.

If it is more than 6 months since you gave up smoking it is likely that you will see some improvement in your score since last year.

A few points to remember - fev1 is a useful guide to how things are but it cannot give concrete answers to anything. It is, however, a useful tool for measuring stability / progress or decline in your condition. It is not set in stone - it can be improved on slightly by smoking cessation, attaining an ideal weight if you are presently under or over weight, clearing the chest of any infection / mucus if it was previously infected etc

Other things can affect your prognosis more than a few points decline in fev1 - these are the 'co morbidities' of copd, namely heart disease, type 2 diabetes and pulmonary hypertension. These need to be guarded against with healthy living, or treated at the first sign should you succumb to them.

Most of all, remember, there are numerous people with severe copd who have been on oxygen for ten, fifteen or more years who still have a great life, travel the world and one or two (in the USA) who even enter marathons etc. So don't give up just yet!

Incidentally, although it is important to have a proper annual health and spirometry test with your Doc's first - there are excellent hand held spirometers available for around £75. They work in much the same way - you key in your age, height, sex and ethnic origin, blow for 6 seconds, and it gives you your fev1, 'lung age', fev6 etc. I have had one for a year now and check about once a month - it spurs me on to do more exercise etc. and along with my pulse oxymeter it helps me feel reassured and 'in control'. I wouldn't bother about having either of these though unless you found your fev1 is below say 40%, or you were on oxygen. Also, it is a matter of personal preference - most folks in the UK don't bother with these things, and Doc's discourage them. In the USA the opposite is the case. Personally, I like to cover all angles when it comes to my health and survival.

So, Rickydick, your first stop is the Doc's for that spirometry update. Do stay in touch and let us know how things are going.

Best wishes Vanessa .

PS. Remember - with copd it really is a case of 'use it or lose it' when it comes to your breathing. The quickest way to deteriorate is by ' taking it easy!' Van.

PPS. I forgot to say, even without -or while you wait for- a spirometry appointment, just go see the doc (take pen and paper) and ask for your fev1%. It will be there on your records and it is your right to know, so don't be shy! Explain that you need it for reference and to know if you are classed as mild/ moderate or severe. You should be able to sort that in the next few days and then you will know where you stand - still book for a new respiratory test though, so you will then be able to compare last years with this years, Good luck :goodluck: Vanessa