i was told it was normal. Does this mean I don't have late onset asthma or COPD?
Well normal means normal so I guess you don't which is good news. Why not ask them? x
Will do. I am a retired nurse so fairly familiar with procedures. I am hoping I can go to my G P who said that I would definitely be diagnosed with late onset asthma or COPD, and say she was wrong. Thanks for replying
Hi I don't see how a doctor can say you will definitely be diagnosed with something without doing the tests first. It doesn't make sense does it? I would change your doctor! x
You echo my thoughts. Remember GPs know a little about a lot of complaints but hopefully the consultant will know a lot about his specialty.
Christine I totality agree with hypercat. G/Ps are not specialists. This news is good. I am surprised they told you the results but that's good. Anytime I asked their take I was told the report will be faxed to your Doctor. You must be having symptoms of "short of breath" ? I had this test as well then had the 6 minute walk test. Good luck to you. Will be nice to get this all behind you.
Ellen from Canada
Hi Ellen. I wasn't officially given a result. I am a retired nurse and interested in all things medical. The machine was in view so I could see the result. The lady operating the machine, can't remember her discipline, I thought she said phys?? Not familiar with the name, just confirmed what I could see. I would never say she gave me the result. Recently had a hip x ray. I knew the radiologist so we looked at it and we couldn't see anything wrong. Just gave me a few weeks less worry before the GP confirmed what we saw. Nothing wrong.
Good morning Christine. Glad you got the result! It's good that you are a nurse. You will have a medical related advantage in understanding a lot of the medical tests and terminology. I gave always said "the worst part of being tested is the waiting for results". Wishing you well. It's alway nice when test results come back and there is nothing wrong. I use a CPAC machine at night due to low blood oxygen levels at night. Sure taking me a while to get used to it. I currently have a cold and the last two nights I simply could not use it. Only have had it for about a month now. Take care and talk soon. Keep us posted as to a diagnosis.
Ellen from Canada
Thanks Ellen. You sound as if you are suffering. What is a CPAC ?Not sure we use that term here in the UK but can probably guess. Hope you get better soon. What part of Canada are you? I have a sister in Toronto and was over this past summer. I am in wales.
Hi Christine. I am sorry I spelled tge name of the machine wrong. It's a CPAP machine usually used for sleep apnea BUT helps patients with COPD. It's a continuous air flow that you use a mask. It keeps the airways open and helps with low blood oxygen levels while sleeping. I have really felt better by using it as much as it was hard to get used to. I just fill the little container with distilled water. Put my small mask on then turn the machine on and it blows out air. My oxygen levels are up big time. Now with this bad cold I have I cant handle it. 3 nights in a row now and tonight will be another. Ugg. I want to use it so bad but can't breath. Far to stuffed up.
We live in Ontario. 3 hrs from Toronto. So not that far. Google CPAP with COPD. Being a nurse you will find it interesting. Keep in touch!
Ellen
Hi Ellen . How bad is your COPD ? I remember a lady in a nursing home had a similar machine. She could get up but wouldn't , and had a machine to help her breath overnight. She was obese +++.
i know you won't be up for another 3/4 hrs. That is of course if you were able to sleep. Where are you in Ontario. I know a few places.
Chris
Good morning. My diagnoses of COPD is not bad at all. I work and do everything I did before. I get a bit breathless when doing anything strenuous. I have been put on an inhaler that I take once a day. The sleep apnea test revealed mild sleep apnea. It was the walk test that showed my oxygen levels were low on excertion. That is when I was told I will need oxygen only on excertion. Excersize for example. Not when sleeping or sitting. I only put it on when I go upstairs, heavy housework. Not much per day. It's just to keep my oxygen levels from going to low. Othwise my normal oxygen levels go from 94-96.
I live in Sarnia, Ontario.
Spirometry tests vary day to day ,month to month and can also be influenced by taking medication before undergoing the test.