42 year old please help me understand
Please help me understand my results. I had a CT scan for unrelated lung function reasons and the scan came back saying I have emphysema. I am 42 years old, previous smoker (quit about 4 years ago) active. I get winded during exercise but thought it was being out of shape. Today I did my Pulmonary Faction test and have an appointment with my Dr on Tuesday. I would really appreciate any input – I am freaking out.
FVC Best 6.14 Predicted 5.36 114.6%
FVC1 Best 3.72 Predicted 4.28 86.9 %
FEV1/FVC Ratio 60%
Is it common to have a high FVC score with emphysema?
Hi
, and welcome! I see you are a new member here, having joined today, just a few hours ago. We are glad to see you already engaging with the community through this, your first post.
You may be aware we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), but your concern certainly warrants a reply.
Please, Bob - don't freak out! Let's wait and see what the doctor has to say.
As a 42-year old male, who has quit smoking (congrats on being 4-years smoke-free!), and is active, whatever the diagnosis turns out to be, it can be managed and treated.
I will ask you to please, try to be patient, as Tuesday will come around pretty quickly. I know it's difficult, but before you know it, this will all be behind you.
Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you. We can resume our conversation(s) then.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)I understand and do appreciate it. I think I was more asking if the results are common to have two in range but the ratio out of range. I will update the form.
Hi again, bob - thanks for responding. I understand the question - and it's a good one! I hope you will bring your concern to your doctor's attention. The doctor should spend an adequate amount of time to not only make sure he explains the results of the pulmonary function test (PFT), but that he/she addresses all your concerns as well!
It's Friday already - Tuesday is just around the corner! Looking forward to continued conversations with you.
Enjoy the weekend!!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Oh I feel your anxiety! As for your test results, I have no clue what those numbers mean. Fortunately or unfortunately my doctor came in shortly after my PFT and gave me my diagnose, then gave me numbers which I did not hear for my brain was still trying to get through the actual diagnose. Nor have I ever checked my patient porthole to look them up, so no clue to what those numbers mean at all! May make a suggestion though? Try to keep yourself busy over the weekend and Tuesday hopefully will arrive! If you just can't function and anxiety is really getting to you, since you stated that your CT scan came back that you have emphysema (how bad is not known of course) maybe spend your time on checking out the possible therapies or treatments that the doctor might suggest for that? Yes, not knowing if your going to get any of course, but it is a way to get informed prior to Tuesdays visit, maybe right down any questions that might arise while doing this research and take them with you, just in case. This way at least you are learning something, keeping your mind occupied and hopefully won't need any of it! Good Luck, please try to enjoy your weekend 
Hi Bob! How are you doing? Did you have your appointment this week? Curious to hear what you found out -- we're happy to support you wherever we can. -Melissa, copd.net team
