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...
Hello all,
My husband will be having a pulmonary function test in a few weeks. What questions might be good to ask the doctor when the test is over? We will be seeing him right about 30 minutes after the test to discuss the results. My husband told me that he had a PFT test about 9 years ago and the result said he had 50% lung function. I am thinking that was not correct as he smoked for 4 years after that test. However, now he is on oxygen almost 24/7. He went on kidney dialysis in 2102 and came home with oxygen tanks and a concentrator. We have been seeing a pulmonologist the since that time and at my suggestion, asked the doctor to give him a PFT test. I will there for the test this time and would like to get a copy of the results. Thanks for any suggestions on what I might ask the doctor regarding the results.
My husband will be having a pulmonary function test in a few weeks. What questions might be good to ask the doctor when the test is over? We will be seeing him right about 30 minutes after the test to discuss the results. My husband told me that he had a PFT test about 9 years ago and the result said he had 50% lung function. I am thinking that was not correct as he smoked for 4 years after that test. However, now he is on oxygen almost 24/7. He went on kidney dialysis in 2102 and came home with oxygen tanks and a concentrator. We have been seeing a pulmonologist the since that time and at my suggestion, asked the doctor to give him a PFT test. I will there for the test this time and would like to get a copy of the results. Thanks for any suggestions on what I might ask the doctor regarding the results.
Hugs,
Dennis
i always ask for my copy before the dr starts going over it.
that way i can see what the dr is talking about better & ask questions about the numbers i see that "catch my eye'.
The dr's always seem to point & go over them so fast, i find having my own copy i can follow along better & ask better questions.
before the test you might ask if they will be doing a DLCO. I only had it done once (at my pulm), but it explained a lot of my SOB problems. it seems that it is an expensive machine so not many places do them.
"A test of the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is one of the most clinically valuable tests of lung function. DLCO measures the ability of the lungs to transfer gas from inhaled air to the red blood cells in pulmonary capillaries"
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/diffusing-capacity-for-carbon-monoxide
i hope all goes well ((((HUGS))))