Lung percentage
Anyone else told your lung percentage after a breathing test at the dr office? I’m feeling alone out here, he says mine is 26% am I alone? I know I’m scared!
Hi Jcrouch54 - thanks for your post. I can tell you, you are certainly not alone! Many patients have a diagnostic study administered at the doctor's office. Generally speaking, this assessment is called a pulmonary function test (PFT). From the results, the physician can generally determine the percentage of lung function - it sounds like this is what you were told for your specific condition. Did you have an opportunity to discuss this further with the doctor? The physician should be able to provide you with a lot more information about your condition.
I am also hopeful others in the community will see your inquiry and chime in with their own personal experiences to share.
If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)I’m assuming I need more info from him. I’ve Then left pretty blank
Hi again, jcrouch54 - you make a good point. We've spoken about you definitely not being alone with this. Diagnostic studies are fairly commonplace in doctor's offices. Since you have the numerical results (26%), you are right to expect to have a more thorough analysis and interpretation (from the doctor), as to what these results mean in terms of COPD and your overall medical condition.
You may want to become more assertive as your own advocate when you are ready to see the doctor again. Perhaps you would want to have someone accompany you to the appointment for additional support.
What do you think?
Glad to see you may be considering this moving forward.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I've had many test since diagnosis in 2007. I'm well below an FV1 of 20. Late stage. Volume around 19% or less. Much phlegm production. Tire easily. Wake up every 3 hrs or so.
, I'm really sorry to hear how much you're suffering right now. Please know we are here to support you the best we can and are wishing you a peaceful day. - John M. (COPD.net Team)
My FEV percentage, which is what I believe your doctor was telling you, has declined from about 30% in 2012, to 21% six months ago. In 2012 I experienced some ongoing and increasing shortness of breath, but, until then, it had not significantly restricted me. Since then, I have experienced more symptoms and greater limitations, but still enjoy a reasonably good quality of life with well-managed therapy. Since my 2012 diagnosis, I have been continuously on inhalation therapy (currently using Breo Ellipta and Incruse Ellipta) and mucolytics and a nebulizer to reduce mucous buildup. For the past four years, I have also been on supplemental oxygen therapy, both with a portable oxygen concentrator during the day, and with a BiPAP non-invasive ventilator while sleeping at night. The oxygen therapy imposes the greatest limitations, but also provides the greatest benefits: I can do light exercise, walk outside, do some gardening, drive my car, go to the store or (finally) to a movie-- as long as I have sufficient battery power in my portable oxygen concentrator. As much as I wish things were better, I'm grateful that Stage 4 COPD can be a manageable disease and still sustain a rewarding life.
Hi dickop - I see my original post from yesterday did not post in its entirety. Thanks to, my colleague, for alerting me to this little glitch.
I wanted to thank you for lending your own encouragement and support here with the community. I also wanted to tell you we are appreciative that you have shared your own personal experiences managing this condition.
It's so good to hear that you view life, despite these challenges, to be worthwhile and rewarding. I feel the same way.
If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know.
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
