Guest guest Posted June 4, 2008 Report Share Posted June 4, 2008 I think it's worse because Asthma is not a constant...it comes and goes, and the symptoms can be controlled/reversed by meds and avoiding triggers but as far as I know emphysema is constant and the symptoms can not be reversed with medication. I'm only going by what I know about my dad, who has emphysema due to over 50 years of 3 pack a day smoking (which he still refuses to give up despite his illness). Sue -------------------------------------------------- Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 7:29 AM To: <asthma > Subject: Re: PFT > Worse? I guess that's up to the person who has it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Good luck with your tests, hopefully they will figure something out. I need to see my doctor about a nebulizer. PFT Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for Thursday..My first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any special instruction. .meds etc..she said nope, just be able to breathe! I laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test in the first place! Should be interesting! on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test came back normal..So I should not be predisposed to early emphysema..although we still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well... Anita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Thanks. It will be interesting what it shows! I see the pulmp on the 18th..and the GI dr on the 11th..hopefully somebody can fix me so I do not end up at Mayo...thats the next place my dr wants to send me. Yes go to your dr and get the neb! When I am bad an inhaler is useless because I cant breathe deep enough. I would be hospitalized more often if I did not have a neb to suck on hourly when I am bad! anita PFT Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for Thursday..My first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any special instruction. .meds etc..she said nope, just be able to breathe! I laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test in the first place! Should be interesting! on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test came back normal..So I should not be predisposed to early emphysema..although we still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well... Anita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 If you can, try not to take any respiratory meds before the test, 4 hours is the rule. > > Good luck with your tests, hopefully they will figure something out. > I need to see my doctor about a nebulizer. > > > > > PFT > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for Thursday..My first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any special instruction. .meds etc..she said nope, just be able to breathe! I laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test in the first place! Should be interesting! > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test came back normal..So I should not be predisposed to early emphysema..although we still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well... > Anita > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 I am a nurse! But I had never heard the term RAW! I will let you know the results here in afew hours. I do appreciate all the help! Anita Re: PFTMedical terms have standard abbreviations approved by some board or comities. In some cases the order of the letters does not go with the order of the words. So to answer your question, RAW is air way resistance.> > >> > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for Thursday..My> > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > breathe! I> > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test in > the> > first place! Should be interesting!> > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test came > back> > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early emphysema..although > we> > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > Anita> > >> > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 good luck with that, the doctors usually don't give your a formal analysis and tell you what is happening, they look at your stats and see if you have improvemetn from the HIGH MID LOW range then if you make improvemetn they tell you things are getting better, but rarely every tell you what is measuring what. oxygen getting to your air sacs basically from my understanding and the numbers from the reports reflect acceptable ranges compared to their baseline. I guess. Re: PFTMedical terms have standard abbreviations approved by some board or comities. In some cases the order of the letters does not go with the order of the words. So to answer your question, RAW is air way resistance.> > >> > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for Thursday..My> > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > special instruction. .meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > breathe! I> > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test in > the> > first place! Should be interesting!> > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test came > back> > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early emphysema..although > we> > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > Anita> > >> > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 Well I have learned with years of different experiences..is YES they give you the minimum possible, but if you ask for the results, or numbers, etc, then they will give them to you! I have never had one before so I do not have any thing to compare it to..I will definelty ask for the numbers, from the respiratory therapist who is doing my test..the dr only gets the results, but our resp therapy department administers the tests. They are all very nice, I know most of them from differernt things..can even tell you which ones are having babies and such! Being in the hospital three times in the last six months you get to know just about all the RT guys/gals and all the nurses//lol! Anita Re: PFTMedical terms have standard abbreviations approved by some board or comities. In some cases the order of the letters does not go with the order of the words. So to answer your question, RAW is air way resistance.> > >> > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for Thursday..My> > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > special instruction. .meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > breathe! I> > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test in > the> > first place! Should be interesting!> > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test came > back> > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early emphysema..although > we> > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > Anita> > >> > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 Well..she would not give me the paper..but she let me look at it. I wish I would not have. I can't tell you exact numbers..I will next week when I have the dr send them to me, guess she has to review them. But the computer says... emphysema..bad. Guess I should have studied better for my test cuz I guess I fail. So cause it did not say I have a restrictive disease on the test do I have to leave asthma group? hope not...do I still have Asthma?..I had it when I was a kid...Matt that ones for you! ummm..... yeppers Terry..my turn to cry! my mom died at 34 with massive emphysema..not diagnosed until her autopsy..So atleast I am ahead of the game with diagnosis..right? Now what? Re: PFTMedical terms have standard abbreviations approved by some board or comities. In some cases the order of the letters does not go with the order of the words. So to answer your question, RAW is air way resistance.> > >> > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for Thursday..My> > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > breathe! I> > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test in > the> > first place! Should be interesting!> > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test came > back> > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early emphysema..although > we> > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > Anita> > >> > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 Anita, No, you don't have to leave the group. Please don't panic until you talk with you Dr. I have Asthma and COPD, but it's well controlled. and with you finding out this early, yours will be too. Try to enjoy this long weekend, and don't worry until you know exactly what you are dealing with. Hang in, and remember we are all holding on to you. Prayers are coming your way. Donna (co-moderator) Re: PFTMedical terms have standard abbreviations approved by some board or comities. In some cases the order of the letters does not go with the order of the words. So to answer your question, RAW is air way resistance.> > >> > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for Thursday..My> > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > breathe! I> > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test in > the> > first place! Should be interesting!> > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test came > back> > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early emphysema..although > we> > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > Anita> > >> > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 Asthma is an obstructive disease that can show restriction. Even if they rule-out asthma, I wouldn't mind if you stuck around. > > > > > > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > Thursday..My > > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any > > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > breathe! I > > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test > in > > the > > > first place! Should be interesting! > > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > came > > back > > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > emphysema..although > > we > > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well... > > > > Anita > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 Thanks guys. I am trying not to have a pity party. WE have tons of friends around for the 4th, and I am not interested in sharing with them until I talk to the dr. I told my sister. with all the company I am not sure it is something she can process right now. She is an RN, so neither of us are stupid as to whats to come. The DLCO? The one where they lock you in a presuurized box? And make you breathe differenrt gasses..Thats the one I did extra bad on. But I was wheezing like a mad woman..they should do that one first..not after all the other ones. I am frustrated. I wish I could remember numbers for you, but yeah I blanked after the first page. Of course she said, you have to let the dr make his interpretations..yadda yadda..I get that. Very nice lady<that I did nt know..how funny!> would the results show bad stuff that really was not there just because I was having a bad breathing day? Ok that sounds stupid...ok I have had 'asthma' my whole life. Bad as an infant, I guess, the historians are all gone so it is hard to know..but I know I was tested for Cysitc fibrosis because of my symptoms. The RT was very shocked that I had only had severe problems like this for 6 months. now what? I am 31 years old. I am a single mom with two kids. I cant breathe. Is Emphysema WORSE than asthma? why did the RT tell me Asthma was a restrictive disease and emphysema was a obstructive disease? Why did the computer say..Emphysema? how does the computer make that diagnosis? Can it be wrong? What else could it be? now what? I rambled... Anita Re: PFTAsthma is an obstructive disease that can show restriction. Even if they rule-out asthma, I wouldn't mind if you stuck around. > > > >> > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > Thursday..My> > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > breathe! I> > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test > in > > the> > > first place! Should be interesting!> > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > came > > back> > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > emphysema..although > > we> > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > > Anita> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 Emphysema is worse than asthma. With asthma the airways swell and constrict, but not all the time and it can be controlled with meds most of the time. With emphysema, the little sacks in your lungs that fill with air when you inhale are damaged and the damage is not reversible Are you a smoker? It's usually a disease that hits heavy smokers. My dad is one and he has it. He'll eventually have to live on an oxygen tank. Since you are young and it seems to have been caught early, you may have a much better prognosis. If you smoke, quit! If not, stay far away from those who do. Good luck and god bless. Sue From: Anita W Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008 10:42 PM To: asthma Subject: Re: Re: PFT Thanks guys. I am trying not to have a pity party. WE have tons of friends around for the 4th, and I am not interested in sharing with them until I talk to the dr. I told my sister. with all the company I am not sure it is something she can process right now. She is an RN, so neither of us are stupid as to whats to come. The DLCO? The one where they lock you in a presuurized box? And make you breathe differenrt gasses..Thats the one I did extra bad on. But I was wheezing like a mad woman..they should do that one first..not after all the other ones. I am frustrated. I wish I could remember numbers for you, but yeah I blanked after the first page. Of course she said, you have to let the dr make his interpretations..yadda yadda..I get that. Very nice lady<that I did nt know..how funny!> would the results show bad stuff that really was not there just because I was having a bad breathing day? Ok that sounds stupid...ok I have had 'asthma' my whole life. Bad as an infant, I guess, the historians are all gone so it is hard to know..but I know I was tested for Cysitc fibrosis because of my symptoms. The RT was very shocked that I had only had severe problems like this for 6 months. now what? I am 31 years old. I am a single mom with two kids. I cant breathe. Is Emphysema WORSE than asthma? why did the RT tell me Asthma was a restrictive disease and emphysema was a obstructive disease? Why did the computer say..Emphysema? how does the computer make that diagnosis? Can it be wrong? What else could it be? now what? I rambled... Anita Re: PFTAsthma is an obstructive disease that can show restriction. Even if they rule-out asthma, I wouldn't mind if you stuck around. > > > >> > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > Thursday..My> > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > breathe! I> > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test > in > > the> > > first place! Should be interesting!> > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > came > > back> > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > emphysema..although > > we> > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > > Anita> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 Besides for very minor expirimentation as a teen, I have never smoked. I avoid smoke as much as I can, because I can't breathe when I am around it! I really would like to know that the test was wrong~I havent done my beloved TaeKwon do in almost..2 months? I literally was winded today trying to talk on the phone and cook at the same time. I HATE this. I am young, but my disease process is not taking that into consideration. I am very frustrated! Anita ps thanks for answering..it is quiet on the eve of the 4th..I supppose some places it is already the 4th! I am really trying to process this... Re: PFTAsthma is an obstructive disease that can show restriction. Even if they rule-out asthma, I wouldn't mind if you stuck around. > > > >> > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > Thursday..My> > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > breathe! I> > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test > in > > the> > > first place! Should be interesting!> > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > came > > back> > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > emphysema..although > > we> > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > > Anita> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 It could be wrong, false positives do happen. Were you exposed to anything that could have damaged your lungs? It seems very unusual to suddenly have such severe symptoms. I can't breath around smoke either...my chest tightens right up..ugh! Sue From: Anita W Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008 11:34 PM To: asthma Subject: Re: Re: PFT Besides for very minor expirimentation as a teen, I have never smoked. I avoid smoke as much as I can, because I can't breathe when I am around it! I really would like to know that the test was wrong~I havent done my beloved TaeKwon do in almost..2 months? I literally was winded today trying to talk on the phone and cook at the same time. I HATE this. I am young, but my disease process is not taking that into consideration. I am very frustrated! Anita ps thanks for answering..it is quiet on the eve of the 4th..I supppose some places it is already the 4th! I am really trying to process this... Re: PFTAsthma is an obstructive disease that can show restriction. Even if they rule-out asthma, I wouldn't mind if you stuck around. > > > >> > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > Thursday..My> > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > breathe! I> > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test > in > > the> > > first place! Should be interesting!> > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > came > > back> > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > emphysema..although > > we> > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > > Anita> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 I do home daycare, have for 3 years. Worked as a nurse for about two years before that, and a cook before that. No unusual exposures. All of the tests were very consistent..Yes the dr also does not understand why I have got so sick so quick. I went to her a year ago for some albuterol becuase TKD was kinda hard..then nothing until Feb.Severe 'asthma' attack eventually hospitalized for a related issue. The again in May/June... I have not recovered for my illness in May-June. I do not have an infection, my chest xray was clear before my hospitalization..labs did not show infection..just could not breathe. I see a pulmo on the 18th, but I will talk to my dr before then, like Monday i hope. She thinks I have some funky genetic thing..because of my moms issues and sudden death at 34. She was talking mayo before, my guess is that this will solidfy that trip for sure. I should sleep...but yeah, I dont see it happening right now! Anita Re: PFTAsthma is an obstructive disease that can show restriction. Even if they rule-out asthma, I wouldn't mind if you stuck around. > > > >> > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > Thursday..My> > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > breathe! I> > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test > in > > the> > > first place! Should be interesting!> > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > came > > back> > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > emphysema..although > > we> > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > > Anita> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2008 Report Share Posted July 4, 2008 Worse? I guess that's up to the person who has it. Emphysema is an obstructive airway disease that is characterized by the destruction of the air sacs in the lungs. Emphysema is will show up on a PFT with decreased air flows (FEV1), increased volumes (RV and RV/TLC ratio). and decreased diffusion (DLCO). The DLCO does not have to be in the booth with the door closed, the RAW does. Emphysema is always there and not reversible. Asthma is (should be) reversible. It'`s characterized by airway inflammation and bronchial constriction. Air flows should improve by as least 12% following a bronchodilator (respiratory treatment) within 15 minutes. Asthma is episodic, comes and goes. Obstructive lung diseases are those that obstruct airflow. I have no idea why the rt said it not restrictive. Unless she is use to seeing asthma patients presenting with a mixed obstructive and restrictive disease. That's not uncommon at all. > > > > > > > > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > > Thursday..My > > > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was > any > > > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > > breathe! I > > > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the > test > > in > > > the > > > > first place! Should be interesting! > > > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > > came > > > back > > > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > > emphysema..although > > > we > > > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well... > > > > > Anita > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2008 Report Share Posted July 4, 2008 I am sorry that has to be hard to process, I know when I got diagnosed with asthma, I use to smoke on and off since a teenager, social smoker mostly, my dad is a heavy smoker has been my entire childhood, never thought that is could damage my lungs, I am only 34. I use to be a runner too -- lung disease is just a unimaginable thought still is. Re: PFTAsthma is an obstructive disease that can show restriction. Even if they rule-out asthma, I wouldn't mind if you stuck around. > > > >> > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > Thursday..My> > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > > special instruction. .meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > breathe! I> > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test > in > > the> > > first place! Should be interesting!> > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > came > > back> > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > emphysema..although > > we> > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > > Anita> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2008 Report Share Posted July 4, 2008 Thanks Matt I hope I wasnt coming across as thinking emphysema is WORSE than asthma..I guess maybe I worded a question that way, but it is stress, I KNOW that asthma is a daily struggle. I surely did not mean to offend! It was the test with the differernt gasses DLCO that I did not do well on especially. The one with the chamber closed was difficult for me, because when you pant and the machine then stops the air flow and youre suppose to keep breathing, that was almost impossible..am I referring to the correct test now?it was a difficult procedure all togeather, I was wheezing a great deal when I was done, and the RT commented on it, I said what do you expect your making me work hard!<all in good fun!, she was great> I think she said the DLCO is the emphysema indicator..but I could be wrong. I know I was consistent measuring on all the things, an indicator I guess that it was accurate? i do have some weird breathing patterns, that she even pointed out to me, and I tried to consciously correct but I could not, something about breathing in during my expiratorey faze, or vice versa...some weird hitch anyway that she said I probably use to compensate. What would a RAW score be? 3?im not sure but that number is in my head but I was trying to pull numbers off and store them after hearing the emphysema part and they are so jumbled.. So a question for you...The 'diagnosis' the machine makes..is that usually accurate? if the machine spit out this patient has emphysema, is it unusual for the dr to say I dont agree, I think it is this, or maybe I think it is nothing? I dont have too much hope for the nothing part cuz I guess it indicated a pretty major disease process...but could it be asthma and not emphysema? hoping for asthma to not have family history repeat itself, not because it is a 'better' disease? whats your opinion on that? I realize I am not giving you numbers, cuz I dont know them. but in your experience? thanks! Anita Re: PFTWorse? I guess that's up to the person who has it. Emphysema is anobstructive airway disease that is characterized by the destruction ofthe air sacs in the lungs. Emphysema is will show up on a PFT withdecreased air flows (FEV1), increased volumes (RV and RV/TLC ratio).and decreased diffusion (DLCO). The DLCO does not have to be in thebooth with the door closed, the RAW does. Emphysema is always thereand not reversible. Asthma is (should be) reversible. It'`s characterized by airwayinflammation and bronchial constriction. Air flows should improve byas least 12% following a bronchodilator (respiratory treatment) within15 minutes. Asthma is episodic, comes and goes. Obstructive lung diseases are those that obstruct airflow. I have noidea why the rt said it not restrictive. Unless she is use to seeingasthma patients presenting with a mixed obstructive and restrictivedisease. That's not uncommon at all. > > > > >> > > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > > Thursday..My> > > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was > any> > > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > > breathe! I> > > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the > test > > in > > > the> > > > first place! Should be interesting!> > > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > > came > > > back> > > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > > emphysema..although > > > we> > > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > > > Anita> > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2008 Report Share Posted July 5, 2008 thanks for letting me stay. I am able to put the panic on hold until I am alone..then the questions just roar. knowing I have atleast two days to talk to the dr is hard. I am very uncontrolled under my meds right now, I am on the hard hitters, max of advail 50-500, and spiriva, and I cant breathe. I know I need prednisone, but I react to it everytime, so its almost not an option. Honestly without this group to post to, I would be more insane.I havent been here too long but feel like I am getting to know some of the people, and it is great to feel that support, especially this weekend with my worries. So Thank you! I do appreciate it. Anita Re: PFTMedical terms have standard abbreviations approved by some board or comities. In some cases the order of the letters does not go with the order of the words. So to answer your question, RAW is air way resistance.> > >> > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for Thursday..My> > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > breathe! I> > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test in > the> > first place! Should be interesting!> > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test came > back> > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early emphysema..although > we> > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > Anita> > >> > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2008 Report Share Posted July 5, 2008 Have you had blood work done to rule out everything else? Not to scare you but a very dear friend of mine loved working out at the gym 3 hours a day. This guy was so buff. But one day he got tired and stopped going to the gym for like 3 months before going to see his doctor and it turned out he has lukemia and is on his death bed.Anita W wrote: I do home daycare, have for 3 years. Worked as a nurse for about two years before that, and a cook before that. No unusual exposures. All of the tests were very consistent..Yes the dr also does not understand why I have got so sick so quick. I went to her a year ago for some albuterol becuase TKD was kinda hard..then nothing until Feb.Severe 'asthma' attack eventually hospitalized for a related issue. The again in May/June... I have not recovered for my illness in May-June. I do not have an infection, my chest xray was clear before my hospitalization..labs did not show infection..just could not breathe. I see a pulmo on the 18th, but I will talk to my dr before then, like Monday i hope. She thinks I have some funky genetic thing..because of my moms issues and sudden death at 34. She was talking mayo before, my guess is that this will solidfy that trip for sure. I should sleep...but yeah, I dont see it happening right now! Anita Re: PFTAsthma is an obstructive disease that can show restriction. Even if they rule-out asthma, I wouldn't mind if you stuck around. > > > >> > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > Thursday..My> > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > breathe! I> > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test > in > > the> > > first place! Should be interesting!> > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > came > > back> > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > emphysema..although > > we> > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > > Anita> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2008 Report Share Posted July 5, 2008 No offence taken at all. The DLCO is an indicator of a gas exchange defect. There are several diseases that have a gas exchange defect. Emphysema is the only one of the 5 obstructive diseases that has a gas exchange defect. So if you were showing airway obstruction, and you do the DLCO test, then yes the DLCO could be considered the emphysema indicator. But there are restrictive disease that have low DLCO tests too, like pulmonary fibrosis. All the tests are scored in a percent predicted. When you started the test you gave her you height, weight and age. She could see your sex and race so she probably didn't ask you that but she did put that information in. This will compare you to some one just like you with completely normal lungs. Anything 80% or below or 110% and above is abnormal. If you scored 3, I would assume that is 3%. If that's true, That's low! Most PFT computers will spit out a diagnosis, Many times there are right on however, I read PFT test for 4 PFT labs in Missouri and Tennessee for a total of 10 doctors. I have to make changed to the report for about 1 in 4. Some times the doctor agrees and some times he/she doesn't. The RAW is airway resistance. The lower this score the better. So if you scored a 3% here, that's good!. Asthma usually will have high RAW that decreases after a bronchodialtor treatment. Emphysema is almost 100% of the time caused by smoking or exposure to second had smoke. Yes there are other causes but very few. In theory, an asthmatic could live symptom free if they can get control of their symptoms. Of course it is easier for mild asthma then severe asthma. The Global Initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) issued a new GOLD report in 2006 that said for a diagnosis of COPD, the patients FEV1/FVC ratio must be 70% or blow. It doesn't matter if they have one, two or all 5 of the obstructive diseases. Asthma can be part of COPD. All that said, The 10 doctors I work with, do not go by these guide lines and will give that diagnosis to almost anyone who isn't breathing well. > > > > > > > > > > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > > > Thursday..My > > > > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was > > any > > > > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > > > breathe! I > > > > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the > > test > > > in > > > > the > > > > > first place! Should be interesting! > > > > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > > > came > > > > back > > > > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > > > emphysema..although > > > > we > > > > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well... > > > > > > Anita > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2008 Report Share Posted July 5, 2008 I appreciate your patience with me! I guess I woud do best to just be patient and get the results! I do know that I had a chest CT about 4 or 5 years ago checking for a Thymoma, and in the report it mentioned 'strands of fibrosis' in the lung fields. no dr ever commented on that, but t the time I was hosptialized at a larger hospital here because of what was thought of at the time as mysasthenia. So is that a normal thing? at that time I was not having any breathing difficulties. Well the 3 was not a percent..so i guess I do not know what I am talking about! I do know that I had consistent reproducability<sp?> which I guess is a good thing. I know one test which is on a graph, my normal breaathing did not hit the 'dots ' indicated for my recommendations and what ever else test they did, I kinda missed the 'normals' also. they were not terribly off, but enough so that she commented on it. who knows. Because I was not having a super good breathing day, does that hinder or help the diagnosis when reading the results? I obviously can't control that! But if I ever get back to a better 'baseline' will they redo the test because of accurcy? as for emphysema, the dr's suspected Alpha 1, because of my moms disease<unknown until autopsy> but my levels came back at 130.which I guess is normal..to her anyway because that was the report I got. I have found some mixed opinions on that, just because of my history.. well thanks for making it through this! Do you have asthma or do you do this group because you know about it from your work? thanks Anita Re: PFTNo offence taken at all. The DLCO is an indicator of a gas exchangedefect. There are several diseases that have a gas exchange defect. Emphysema is the only one of the 5 obstructive diseases that has a gasexchange defect. So if you were showing airway obstruction, and youdo the DLCO test, then yes the DLCO could be considered the emphysemaindicator. But there are restrictive disease that have low DLCO teststoo, like pulmonary fibrosis. All the tests are scored in a percent predicted. When you started thetest you gave her you height, weight and age. She could see your sexand race so she probably didn't ask you that but she did put thatinformation in. This will compare you to some one just like you withcompletely normal lungs. Anything 80% or below or 110% and above isabnormal. If you scored 3, I would assume that is 3%. If that's true,That's low! Most PFT computers will spit out a diagnosis, Many times there areright on however, I read PFT test for 4 PFT labs in Missouri andTennessee for a total of 10 doctors. I have to make changed to thereport for about 1 in 4. Some times the doctor agrees and some timeshe/she doesn't. The RAW is airway resistance. The lower this score the better. So ifyou scored a 3% here, that's good!. Asthma usually will have high RAWthat decreases after a bronchodialtor treatment. Emphysema is almost 100% of the time caused by smoking or exposure tosecond had smoke. Yes there are other causes but very few. Intheory, an asthmatic could live symptom free if they can get controlof their symptoms. Of course it is easier for mild asthma then severeasthma. The Global Initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) issued a newGOLD report in 2006 that said for a diagnosis of COPD, the patientsFEV1/FVC ratio must be 70% or blow. It doesn't matter if they haveone, two or all 5 of the obstructive diseases. Asthma can be part ofCOPD. All that said, The 10 doctors I work with, do not go by theseguide lines and will give that diagnosis to almost anyone who isn'tbreathing well. > > > > > >> > > > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > > > Thursday..My> > > > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was > > any> > > > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > > > breathe! I> > > > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the > > test > > > in > > > > the> > > > > first place! Should be interesting!> > > > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > > > came > > > > back> > > > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > > > emphysema..although > > > > we> > > > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > > > > Anita> > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2008 Report Share Posted July 5, 2008 I don't have asthma. I like being part of the groups because I have a ton of insight on the subject. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > > > > Thursday..My > > > > > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was > > > any > > > > > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > > > > breathe! I > > > > > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the > > > test > > > > in > > > > > the > > > > > > first place! Should be interesting! > > > > > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > > > > came > > > > > back > > > > > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > > > > emphysema..although > > > > > we > > > > > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well... > > > > > > > Anita > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2008 Report Share Posted July 5, 2008 Well I know I appreciate it! It is nice to have someone answer questions! And I think you are the only Rt who does not say they have asthma that I know!..Ok I dont really know you, but you get my drift! Anita Re: PFTI don't have asthma. I like being part of the groups because I have aton of insight on the subject. > > > > > > >> > > > > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > > > > Thursday..My> > > > > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if therewas > > > any> > > > > > special instruction..meds etc..she said nope, just beable to > > > > > breathe! I> > > > > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the > > > test > > > > in > > > > > the> > > > > > first place! Should be interesting!> > > > > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiencytest > > > > came > > > > > back> > > > > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > > > > emphysema..although > > > > > we> > > > > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > > > > > Anita> > > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > > > > > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links> > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2008 Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 Please stick around Anita. I wasn't sure until now that since I have COPD and Asthma, if I was supposed to be here. Cheryl Burton ncicheryl@... Re: PFT Asthma is an obstructive disease that can show restriction. Even if they rule-out asthma, I wouldn't mind if you stuck around. > > > >> > > > Well I have my pulmonary function tests scheduled for > Thursday..My> > > first! Any pointers? I am a bit nervous! I asked if there was any> > > special instruction. .meds etc..she said nope, just be able to > > breathe! I> > > laughed at her! If I could breathe I would not be doing the test > in > > the> > > first place! Should be interesting!> > > > on a different note..My Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency test > came > > back> > > normal..So I should not be predisposed to early > emphysema..although > > we> > > still have no idea why I am so sick...Oh well...> > > > Anita> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.