It seems to me that there is really no "black and white" criteria that designates stages and any other descriptive of our COPD. The stage you are in or terms used are solely up to your pulmonologist. He/She bases those findings on your FEV1's, pulse ox readings, Arterial Blood Gas Labs, the walk test, chest x-rays/CT Scans, etc. Many, or few, of those "tests" allegedly assist your practitioner in "making this call".

BTW: At my last visit, two months ago, I was designated "severe", up from advanced like you. I don't feel too much difference though, other than my instances of SOB increasing in a much shorter walk.

I do know that because my right lung "is an empty sack, just hanging there, my CO2 retention levels tend to run higher due to the lack of any gas/O2 exchange in that lung.

Didn't you ask your practitioner why the change from "advanced emphysema to severe emphysema"? It's your body and health, you have every right to ask questions and to receive an understandable response to your questions!

So, my thinking on this is: I, or you, or any one of us, can go to 10, 20, 30 pulmonologists and probably get as many different answers, stages, prognosis's, etc.

Hugs backatcha, Jim

I see no difference but maybe whoever did the dx has a list ???
Why not ask them....I think I'd be curious enough to do that. :o)

Birdcat

Thanks for responding back to me Jim and Birdcat. I did ask my doctor if there was a difference between advanced emphysema and severe emphysema. He didn't give me an answer. Why I posted this question. BTW I want you to know that my doctor is excellent and takes time to explain and discuss things with me. I don't know why he didn't answer my question. I'll just take it as a good sign the disease hasn't progressed much and will keep taking the meds as prescribed.

Hugs...

http://copd.about.com/od/copdbasics/a/stagesofcopd.htm


Maybe this will help you , Lauren.
BJ

interesting link bj posted as it doesn't use "advanced" in any of them.
there i severe & very severe....
i wonder if some dr's are using the term advanced for severe
or
because they used a term that isn't in the list; did your dr's just change the term he used and you are still actually in the same stage?

in other words; are you at the same stage the dr just used a different word? & maybe that is why he just looked at you when you asked.

i hope you asked for a copy of your tests, it will be interesting if you can look & compare & update us all on this.

I spoke with a freind of mine last evening. She is a retired nuclear xray tech who used to do compound xrays for patients with COPD. She also was her mothers full time caregiver. Her mom passed from Emphysema. My friend said in fact that advanced emphysema and severe emphysema are the same. I had been dx with advanced emphysema two years ago. Apparently the diease hasn't progressed much which I thank God for. My Fev1 is at 33%. I have both emphysema and asthema. My current treatment is Advair once a day Tudorza twice a day Ventolin four times a day as needed or albuterol nebulizer as needed. I also use ox 4 liter at night and in the mornings. I also have portable ox as well. Doctor has left it up to me as to use the ox when needed except for at night.
Thank you all for giving me your support and input. Think I'd go nuts with out this group.

Have a good rest of the weekend,
Lauren

Lauren9,
i am so happy for you that you have found you haven't advanced & the dr just used a wrong term.

and nighttime use of 02 is so important as, but i am curious that your dr said you can use 02 if you feel the need?
do you have an oximeter & did he explain the need of staying above 90%
when my 02 drops, i don't feel any different in mid 80's but it is destroying my brain & other organs.
i don't "feel" different until i drop below 80% & then i start feeling weird & weak (i get confused easy & my legs feel like they are going to give out)---hmmm, maybe a good topic to start :)

Lauren -
DX don't mean squat if you can't breathe. Jarca is spot on. You need to insure that your O2 stays above 90%. Remember that as you go throughout the day your level of effort varies. Tis imperative that your O2 stays up. I used to keep mine in the 96-94 % region. That way extra exertion would not push me down in the 80's. I'm running 97-98 now because my O2 will drop 12-15 points in the blink of an eye...

Hugs,
Dennis

No worries. I watch my levels and when I drop below 90 I go back on 02. Thanks for careing.

Hugs...

Hi! I know my Dr. seems to use the words advanced & severe to be one in the same. I have been diagnosed with stage 3 COPD & have been in this stage for several years...when I asked my doctor for a definitive stage number after he told me I was in an advanced stage, he told me it doesn't really matter because he would treat them the same. However, Jim is right that it is your body & you do have a right to know clearly what your diagnosis is. Just ask until you have a clear understanding. sending hugs to you too!