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Pulmonary Lung Function Test Not Accurate For Diagnosis
A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭

Isn't the Pulmonary Lung function test supposed to determine if you have COPD? I pass the Pulmonary lung function test with the FEV1 of 84% . My Pulmonologist say's I have mild to borderline COPD and says I would not have any symptoms, but he put me on oxygen a few days ago. He gave me a CT scan of the chest and heart, and a bubble study test to see if I have a hole in the heart. The tests turned out fine, except it shows some mild emphysema. Why would one need oxygen for mild COPD? My… read more

posted April 5, 2019
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A MyCOPDTeam Member

You need O2 because your O2 level drops to 84 with exertion. Unless you want right heart and brain damage, you should use the O2. Unfortunately, needing O2 often has nothing to do with how your tests for COPD turn out. There are people, like you, without COPD or with very mild COPD who need lots of O2 and there are people with FEV1 in the low 20s and teens who don't use O2. Did they test your diffusion? Look for a value called DLCO on the PFT report.
What does that say? What did your doc say about it?

You need a really good doc who will dig deep and find why your O2 levels are dropping. Something in your cardio-pulmonary system isn't working right and you need to find out what it is and figure out the treatment plan that will help you. Meantime, use your O2, you NEED it!

posted April 6, 2019
A MyCOPDTeam Member

yes 84 is low you can pass out at that point. Any damage to your lungs is very bad, My Pulmonary Physician is really good to me He explains everything, I have troubles walking over 100 feet most days without stopping to catch my breath, if I do not I get light headed.. I am at 94 with my O2 .so I am not real bad My big trouble is keeping my lungs clear that is the challenge for me..

posted April 6, 2019 (edited)
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I used to get a check-up every 6 months, I am now getting one once a year. I am having more difficulty with my breathing at the moment, & asked for a lung-function test. cameback off 5 days holiday on 5th after being admitted to Hospital feeling very breathless. My own Doctor is now away on holiday & I feel awful, Back ache & breathlessness, Saw a locum whom I havent met before, he listened to my chest & gave me antibiotic & steroids (6 a day) I am very depressed & my husband is suffering because of the awful mood I am in. I have never taken steroids before, could they be making me worse.
need some help please!

posted April 10, 2019
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I see that now, I was so thrilled you had FEV1 of 84% my brain didn't take in how low your Sat was.that is crappy, same happens to me, down to 78% if I go stairs, stopping and pursed lip breathing and all.
But because my resting is 95-97 no Medicare coverage for my oxygen from the province. But at least I can more very slow and maintain 88% or better. Whereas lots of folk lost their coverage and have more worrying drops.
I really feel sorry for them.
Apologies for my misunderstanding.

posted April 6, 2019
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Sorry folks I misread thought the FEV 1 was 84 not saturation. Sorry seem to have brain fog today.

posted April 6, 2019

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