OH, AND the Pulm, said after I lose a substantial amount of weight, after my Gastric Bypass surgery, and stop smoking completely, my numbers will get better.

I'm putting the patch on before I leave for Val's this weekend. That's a done deal, i'm done.....

Today was my own "Scary" time...I cried when I confirmed to Val that I had moderate emphysema, and told her i'm putting the patch on, over the phone, thru my tears....
Boo

According to the GOLD 2013 guidelines the lung volumes indicate moderate (50% FEV1) COPD, so they must have guessed right.. You have 63% of your predicted lung value for your height and weight. The ratio of FEV1/FVC is normally between 0.7 and 0.8. Values below 0.7 are a marker of airway obstruction, except in older adults where values 0.650.7 may be normal.
It would be interesting to know what the lung diffusion (DLCO)was, as that will give you an idea of the primary cause being emphysema or bronchitis. The percent of FEV1 improvement if you took a bronchodilator treatment during your test will also tell which disease is prevalent.
Good stuff to know. Now you have a benchmark to work to...

Hugs,
Dennis

Good for you Boo :):):) Be careful with the patch.........read all the fine print!!! I understand that sneaking a cig could make ya real sick............so you must stay away from cig!!!!!

(I was/am too weak to do that - that why I went for the Njoy................and it is helping me a LOT - Baby steps for this Bear.....but steps in the right direction.......a bit too late, but still :)

As for your numbers..............I know I got a glimpse of mine and the first number was 38%...........so I know your 63% looks better than mine :):) YIPPEE.

I think Denny replied to my post about FEV...ya might wanna check it out.

Good luck to you:):)

Denny,

I didn't have that specific abbreviation on my print out, but she did say, it's definitely Moderate COPD/Emphysema.

Boo

oh, and the bronchilaltor thingy? Said it did not result in any difference, and did not make my numbers better.

Boo

If there is no change in your measurements when a bronchodilator is used, then there is little to no asthma component: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronchial_challenge_test


Hugs,
Dennis

Yes Denny, that's what I thought it meant. Thanks for clarifying it.

Boo

Good luck with the patches Boo..just remember to stick them in the right place girl!!!! Seriously though good good luck, let us know how you are doing.

Have a good weekend x x x

Boo,
It is scary when diagnosed but using the patch is good. You have a great attitude and you will get through this.
Glad to hear you are getting away for the weekend. Have fun and enjoy.
Hugs,
Debi

Hey Boo, Good luck with the patch. They will work if used correctly, but if you smoke with one on or very soon after you take it off, you could get a nicotine overdose. But they will get rid of the physical cravings, however the psychological habit of "what to do with your hands" is different story. So you may need to take up knitting, or working puzzles, ect...Hang in there, it is so worth it
Brenda