Copd stages
I definitely don't understand why some doctors do stage of copd and some doctors don't is there a reason for this and in the copd community we learn there are different stages so what am I missing her and thank you for your time and help
Hi Michelle - thanks for posting your concern and question here, it is a good one! In my experience, I have found that some doctors do actually stage COPD for each of their patients. Still others prefer to treat their patients based on their clinical presentation, narrative, and reported symptoms.
There is nothing to indicate that either approach is better - it seems to be a professional (and personal), choice of each doctor. Some doctors actually speak with their patient about the patient's preference and they then collaborate together.
Do you have any thoughts about this? Have you had an opportunity to discuss this with your own private physician?
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)my doctor doesn't do stages and he will not tell me what lung percentage I'm at I have learned everything on line and just hope that it's right so much to learn and thank you for your time and help I really appreciate you Leon Hi again, Michelle - thanks for staying engaged with this conversation. Well, from what you've shared, I see which category your physician subscribes to. To me it sounds like you would want to be made more aware of the details concerning your specific level of disease. Is this something you feel you could actually discuss with your doctor? After all, if you were to ask him directly about your disease and planned care, wouldn't you expect him to accommodate your request?
If he is not agreeable to your concerns, would you consider looking for an alternate physician?
If there is anything we can assist you with, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. You are always welcome here in our online community.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I was diagnosed with COPD nearly 8 years ago. In those 8 years I have had only pulmonary function tests (PFT). A PFT determines determines your stage among other data. My doctor and I agree that unless there has been a change in my symptoms, there is no need to test again. As for stages, my pulmonologist, has never mentioned a stage, but I figured it out myself, being an informed parent, and a COPD Foundation State Captain/Advocate.
I have since come to realize that getting hung up on stages and numbers does me no good. Many doctors are reluctant to mention stages, as they do not often reflect how much a person can do, as there is more than FEV-1/FVC that determines how well one can function through their normal daily activities. Even GOLD is considering doing without staging for COPD!How was your COPD diagnosed? By spirometry or other? COPD does not go away, you may see slight improvement to your Fev-1, but it does not completely reversed.
Is it possible the COPD was a misdiagnosis?
Thanks for chiming in here, Phyliss. You have great questions -- the same ones I do. I wonder if CM9c206c was dealing with back to back flare-ups or infections that would cause a long period of intense symptoms, then eventually get better. But yes, typically someone with COPD wouldn't go from needing oxygen all the time to not needing it at all, not without major medical intervention like surgery. More investigation is a good idea. What do you think, CM? In any case, I'm so glad you're doing a lot better after all you've been through! Keep us posted/ -Melissa, copd.net team
He just doesn't do the stages of copd and told me that there was no such thing as lung percentage but medical files say something different I had to make a complaint on his website so he would even check my oxygen levels and now he is doing this but there is always someone higher than what he is if I have to do this again I Walk out of his office not Knowing much about me and the communication has to get better and it starts with me thank you for your time and help I really appreciate you. are lives matter
That sounds like a really confusing and frustrating experience, Michelle ... no one should have to go through that with a doctor. I can only assume that your doctor treats based on how you feel and what you're capable of. While that is a very valid way of treating, it's his job to make sure you fully understand what he's doing and why. Additionally, a doctor's job is to help you meet your health goals. If he is not willing to do what you ask, it may be time to move on. You deserve to feel informed and comfortable! We are here for you, please keep us updated. Hugs! -Melissa, copd.net team
