COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Hi All,
My husband has FEV1 of 52%. It was just measured about two months ago for the first time. I know that as time passes this figure will most likely go lower. He quit smoking in 2008.
Does anyone know (like stats) or can you share your rate of lung function decline over the years, such as the year you first knew your FEV1, the %figure it was, how much your lung function has declined each year, and what your lung function is now. Trying to get an average % of decline each year. I realize everyone is different, and the % rate of decline can depend on many things. Hubby is fretting, and I am hoping that maybe I can show him it's possible that his lung function decline will not be as fast as he thinks.....(and then again, depending upon what is posted here, I may not say anything to him).......thanks for any feedback.
My husband has FEV1 of 52%. It was just measured about two months ago for the first time. I know that as time passes this figure will most likely go lower. He quit smoking in 2008.
Does anyone know (like stats) or can you share your rate of lung function decline over the years, such as the year you first knew your FEV1, the %figure it was, how much your lung function has declined each year, and what your lung function is now. Trying to get an average % of decline each year. I realize everyone is different, and the % rate of decline can depend on many things. Hubby is fretting, and I am hoping that maybe I can show him it's possible that his lung function decline will not be as fast as he thinks.....(and then again, depending upon what is posted here, I may not say anything to him).......thanks for any feedback.
There are a few numbers floating out there ie, take x number of patients, y% reductions measured per year, and calculate that over time but it would be meaningless for your husband as the range is too broad and the rate of decline too variable. The problem coming from a simple fact COPD isnt a single disease. It is an umbrella term to describe a litany of respiratory diseases which demonstrate common symptoms, but thats it.
While irrecoverable, some people respond to treatment immediately and decisively, others perhaps not so well. There are too many variables. And should you read a number on some odd website IGNORE IT!
You might take heart in telling your husband that 52% aint that bad. In fact he may be lucky he got a Wake-up Call so soon. Taking care of himself, exercise, simple medications, attention to diets, and avoiding risky situations, and hell likely be around to make a real pest of himself. (At least thats how my wife views me. Smile)
If hes depressed ask him to log in here. Anxiety and COPD are common natural bedfellows hell soon discover he is NOT alone.
BJ
i have personally found that i seem to drop lung function each time i get sick---so it is SO important for me to get right in to dr & on antibiotics when i don't feel well.
if i feel shorter of breath (SOB) than normal or if my lungs feel "heavy, or any "change" that doesn't feel right equals me needing to get right in & get checked.
which normally if i feel "wrong/different" it is my only warning that i have an infection before that infection gets out of hand>so better i get checked out & sent away as healthy than wait to get seen.
i assume your husband has been given inhalers & supplemental 02 to help him keep healthy?