interpreting pulmonary lab results

[sydelle]

I'll try to make this short.  On 7/7 my spirometry was resltrs were as follows:
FVC  Liters  Ref 2.5  Pre 0.9  %Ref 38  Post 1.2 %Ref 47  %Chg 23
FEV1  Liters  Ref 2.0  Pre 0.6 % Ref 29  Posst 0.7  % Ref 34  %Chg 16
FEV1/FEV  %  Ref 79  Pre 61  Post 58
FEF25-75%  L/Sec  Ref. 2.0  Ptr 0.3  %Ref 16  Post 0.2  %Ref 12  %Chg -24
FEF50%  L/Sec  Pre  0.4  Post 0.5  %Chg 24
PEF  L/Sec  Ref 5.1  Pre 1.2  %Ref24  Post 1.6  %Ref 30  %Chg 28
FIVC  Liters  Ref. 2.5  Pre 1.1  %Ref 45  Post 45  %Ref 40  %Chf -11
FIF 50%  L/Sec  Pre 1.4  Post 0.8  %Chg -40
FEF/FIF50  {re 0.3  Post 0.5  $Chg 105
MVV  L/min  Ref. 60  Pre 13  %Ref 22

This was based on my age of 65, height of 5 feet tall, and weight of 170.  This is before I was hospitalized (called 911) for a week on oxygen and intravenous cortisteroids while there and diagnosed upon discharge as having asthma/copd exacerbation. Was issue nebulizer and already had 3 different ssprays and was put on prednisone starting at 60 mg for 4 days and decreasing by 1 every 4 days.  Tomorrow I'll be taking my last 10 mg of it and then the next day on Aug. 11 I finaly get to see a pulmonologist.  They didn't put me on oxygen because I was above 90.  However, the hospital is at maybe a 1000 or less elevation and I live in the high desert at 3800 ft in a rural area.  I have a very good list of questions I'll need answered.

Question:  Based on those 7/7 lab results what stage was I in at that time?  Also, shouldn't they redo the lab tests for comparison?

Thank you so very much for your help and sorry this is so long.

[National Jewish]

These pulmonary function tests (PFTs) results indicate severe airway obstruction as can be seen with COPD and/or asthma.  Since there wasn’t a significant change after the inhaled bronchodilator this is most likely COPD.  Based on these results this is severe to the point of often being associated with a low oxygen saturation, especially at higher altitudes.  However, and this is a big however, this testing was done while you were having difficulty.  Yes the PFTs should be repeated when you are not having difficulty.  Only then could a comment be made about what stage you are at now.  Another scenario would be moderate COPD with an asthma attack.  In that circumstance, your testing now would show measurable improvement.

[sydelle]

I was wondering why my questions hasn't been answered.  When I went to the pulmo doc he diagnosed me as have severe COPD = mainly emphysema and I may or may not have an astha component.  However, I won't be able to see him again and also have another PFT test till about 6 weeks from now.  I really would feel better if I got some kind of answer.  I also have severe back problems, spondylolysis which causes terrific back and sciatica pain.  I'll be having an MRI for that in a couple of weeks.  Unfortunately the only thing that helps the back problems is also the dreaded prednisone which my pulmo doc said I should try to do without though he did prescribe 5 mg tables in case I really needed it.  I called his office today and he actually called me back personally and said to start taking 10 mg a day and see how I feel.  I felt really miserable when I awoke this morning.  Thanks for listening and will someone please answer me?

[sydelle]

I understood that National Jewish is the best repiratory hosspital in the country and still am wondering why no one - includng a nurse - haa not contacted me.  if there anyone that knows anything and can help me answer some of my questios I  would really appreciate it very very much.  I seem t be the only person who hs not received a re; yet.   Thankng uou so much for your anticipated reoly.
Good breathing.
Sydelle - CA

[sydelle]

Thank you nurse for your answer.  I'll be going back to get a retest and then see my pulmo doc on Oct. 14.  The day I took the original pulmonary lab test (7/7) I don't think I was experiencing very bad symptoms that day, but on July 12 my husband had to call the paramedics because I couldn't breathe (which had been going on for almost 2 months by then who immediately upon arriviing gave me oxygen.  I was then brought to the nearest hospital up here in the high desert (Mojave) of So. Cal. and admitted for two days and transferred to my regular hospital, which is Kaiser Permanente located in Fontana about 40 miles from where I live.  When I left the hospital I was diagnosed with Asthma/COPD Exacerbation and given prednisone to take in decreasing amounts atarting at 60 mg for 4 days and then decreasing by 10 even 4 days.  Also more sprays and was issued a nebulizer.  When I finally saw the pulmonologist down in Fontana he said I had severe COPD, mainly emphysema and wasn't even sure I had an asthma component.  He showed me my x-ray and it showed my lungs being enlarged and also a barrel chest.  He also said that maybe I was anxious when I took the lab tests on 7/7, but even if it came out that the FEV1 was 50% instead of 34% he'd still consider it severe.  One of my other problems aside from my back is that with having Kaiser (an HMO)and Medicare I actually turned over my medicare to Kaiser and Kaiser doesn't have pulmonary rehab classes at any of their facilities but there is one at a local hospital in Apple Valley, not that far from where I live, so this coming Wednesday, Aug. 31, I will be represented by someone from membership services and myself and my husband will also be there to preent our case because if no one covers it it will cost $5,300.  I'll be having an MRI for my back on 9/14.  Thanks for your help and if there's anything else you can add in response to this reply I'd really appreciate it.  I know how busy you must be.  Take care.