Almost Diagnosed
I got sick last April very suddenly. It started with dry cough, some regurgitation/reflux and then I couldn't breath very badly for two weeks. I felt better for a day, then the breathing difficulties came back and has come and gone to varying degrees some days pretty badly. My FEV scores were pretty good and I tested negative for Asthma in a methacoline challenge (to test for Asthma), to the point where my pulmonologist said he doesn't think there is a pulmonary issue. However, a High Res CT came back and my lungs are hyper-inflated and a thoracic surgeon mentioned it indicates mild COPD. I don't feel great 7 days a week with my breathing, but on the bad days, there is a stinging feeling when I breath in. Not looking for diagnosis, but all the data is weird, with sudden onset and normal PF Tests, but hyperinflation and difficulties breathing weekly, even after a year. Just wondering if this is in any way similar to anyone's experiences? Can COPD start so rapidly and does anyone have experience with problems breathing, yet normal PF tests? I am very confused and as a primary care taker and 49 year old single father of young girl, also worried.
Last April 2020. It has been a year.
Hi Robert, and thanks for candidly sharing your present medical pulmonary circumstances, going back a year. It's understandable for you to feel some anxiety until you receive a definitive diagnosis and corresponding treatment.
You may be aware, pulmonary conditions (asthma and COPD), can affect patients differently. As well, symptoms can vary considerably from patient to patient and over time.
You mentioned a thoracic surgeon suggested you may have mild COPD, whereas a pulmonologist indicated there was no pulmonary issue from his perspective. At the very least, this is all quite unclear and can leave you feeling the way you do!
There are clear guidelines for the diagnosis of COPD and/or asthma. If you are finding the physicians you are dealing with are being somewhat vague, you may want to seek out a physician who is more understanding of your needs.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I agree completely. I need to get more answers from doctors. It has all been and still is unclear. I have pulmonary hyperinflation from a CT, but I have normal PFT, and tested negative on Methacoline challenge for Asthma (which I never had before I got initially sick). I have been referred to the long haul Covid clinic in Chicago and have an appointment with the pulmonologist there. So hopefully I will get some more answers soon. But the sudden and acute onset was very strange, although a virus I suppose could have triggered something I didn't realize I had. Thanks for the response. If I get amore clear diagnosis of COPD, I will be back.
Hi again, robertak, and thanks for your most recent response and further explanation. I agree with you - there should be more specific information made available to you for your particular condition and symptoms. Like you, I am hopeful the clinic's pulmonologist will be able to provide some of the answers you need to know. I will wish you 'good luck!', and ask that you please keep us apprised of your progress.
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
