Asthma
Atypical Asthma, COPD, and Lyme disease questions and support.
Are we missing something?
CplDevilDog posted:
Please help, I feel like I'm getting nowhere with my Medical Care Providers and I think they are missing something.
My history: I'm a 40 YOA male, non-smoker. I'm about 70 lbs overweight for my height (270lbs on 6'). The weight came on fast (5 years) after I lost my career, my goals and my joie de vivre and started chowing down to feel better. I was 4 years in the Marines and used to run 3 miles in 21 minutes with no breathing distress (other than the fact that I just ran 3 miles).
A year ago I started feeling a tightness in my chest every few days accompanied with needing to clear my throat to keep my voice from breaking.
I saw my PCP and he sent me for a chest x-ray and diagnosed my condition as Asthma. He prescribed Advair. I took it for a few days until I read the warnings regarding "last resort for asthma" and a couple of other blurbs (long story short, I decided to self-diagnose and stopped taking the inhaler. BAD, BAD, BAD)
A month ago I started waking with choking and drowning dream at night. I saw an ENT and ENT-Apnea specialist and had a sleep study done. The result was "Mild to Moderate Hypopnea" with Blood Saturation levels of 80-85%
I started on a CPAP machine a week ago with moderate comfort and compliance results so far.
The problem is, my wheezing and shortness of breath is getting worse. I can hear myself wheezing throughout the day and my lungs feel tight most of the day. I saw another PCP two days ago and he administered a Spirometry test. My indicated Lung Age is 55 and my average FEV1 over 3 attempts was 65%. (63,51,82)
My PCP says the results are "Normal". Huh? I'm 40 not 55 and 65% doesn't sound like a passing grade to me.
I'm sure my weight figures into the results but wow! How many decades off do I have to be to get an "Abnormal"?
My Grandmother passed from "Non-smoker Emphysema" (if there is such an animal). Not sure if its relevant
So, I've been hitting the gym and treadmill everyday for two weeks now, watching what I eat and trying to use the CPAP through the night. I'm looking for one of those devices they gave my father after he had lung surgery for exercising your lungs. It was like 4 or 5 balls in a cage that you had to blow (suck) to raise them. Figure even while I'm sitting at my desk I can be working on that.
Any other suggestions? Opinions on that Spirometry Report. Should I ask too go back on the Advair? Maybe the 250/50 for COPD?
Thank you for taking the time to read my sob story.
My history: I'm a 40 YOA male, non-smoker. I'm about 70 lbs overweight for my height (270lbs on 6'). The weight came on fast (5 years) after I lost my career, my goals and my joie de vivre and started chowing down to feel better. I was 4 years in the Marines and used to run 3 miles in 21 minutes with no breathing distress (other than the fact that I just ran 3 miles).
A year ago I started feeling a tightness in my chest every few days accompanied with needing to clear my throat to keep my voice from breaking.
I saw my PCP and he sent me for a chest x-ray and diagnosed my condition as Asthma. He prescribed Advair. I took it for a few days until I read the warnings regarding "last resort for asthma" and a couple of other blurbs (long story short, I decided to self-diagnose and stopped taking the inhaler. BAD, BAD, BAD)
A month ago I started waking with choking and drowning dream at night. I saw an ENT and ENT-Apnea specialist and had a sleep study done. The result was "Mild to Moderate Hypopnea" with Blood Saturation levels of 80-85%
I started on a CPAP machine a week ago with moderate comfort and compliance results so far.
The problem is, my wheezing and shortness of breath is getting worse. I can hear myself wheezing throughout the day and my lungs feel tight most of the day. I saw another PCP two days ago and he administered a Spirometry test. My indicated Lung Age is 55 and my average FEV1 over 3 attempts was 65%. (63,51,82)
My PCP says the results are "Normal". Huh? I'm 40 not 55 and 65% doesn't sound like a passing grade to me.
I'm sure my weight figures into the results but wow! How many decades off do I have to be to get an "Abnormal"?
My Grandmother passed from "Non-smoker Emphysema" (if there is such an animal). Not sure if its relevant
So, I've been hitting the gym and treadmill everyday for two weeks now, watching what I eat and trying to use the CPAP through the night. I'm looking for one of those devices they gave my father after he had lung surgery for exercising your lungs. It was like 4 or 5 balls in a cage that you had to blow (suck) to raise them. Figure even while I'm sitting at my desk I can be working on that.
Any other suggestions? Opinions on that Spirometry Report. Should I ask too go back on the Advair? Maybe the 250/50 for COPD?
Thank you for taking the time to read my sob story.
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Are we missing something?Please help, I feel like I'm getting nowhere with my Medical Care Providers and I think they are missing something.<br /><br />My history: I'm a 40 YOA male, non-smoker. I'm about 70 lbs overweight for my height (270lbs on 6'). The weight came on fast (5 years) after I lost my career, my goals and my joie de vivre and started chowing down to feel better. I was 4 years in the Marines and used to run 3 miles in 21 minutes with no breathing distress (other than the fact that I just ran 3 miles).<br /><br />A year ago I started feeling a tightness in my chest every few days accompanied with needing to clear my throat to keep my voice from breaking.<br /><br />I saw my PCP and he sent me for a chest x-ray and diagnosed my condition as Asthma. He prescribed Advair. I took it for a few days until I read the warnings regarding "last resort for asthma" and a couple of other blurbs (long story short, I decided to self-diagnose and stopped taking the inhaler. BAD, BAD, BAD)<br /><br />A month ago I started waking with choking and drowning dream at night. I saw an ENT and ENT-Apnea specialist and had a sleep study done. The result was "Mild to Moderate Hypopnea" with Blood Saturation levels of 80-85%<br /><br />I started on a CPAP machine a week ago with moderate comfort and compliance results so far.<br /><br />The problem is, my wheezing and shortness of breath is getting worse. I can hear myself wheezing throughout the day and my lungs feel tight most of the day. I saw another PCP two days ago and he administered a Spirometry test. My indicated Lung Age is 55 and my average FEV1 over 3 attempts was 65%. (63,51,82)<br /><br />My PCP says the results are "Normal". Huh? I'm 40 not 55 and 65% doesn't sound like a passing grade to me. <br /><br />I'm sure my weight figures into the results but wow! How many decades off do I have to be to get an "Abnormal"?<br /><br />My Grandmother passed from "Non-smoker Emphysema" (if there is such an animal). Not sure if its relevant<br /><br />So, I've been hitting the gym and treadmill everyday for two weeks now, watching what I eat and trying to use the CPAP through the night. I'm looking for one of those devices they gave my father after he had lung surgery for exercising your lungs. It was like 4 or 5 balls in a cage that you had to blow (suck) to raise them. Figure even while I'm sitting at my desk I can be working on that.<br /><br />Any other suggestions? Opinions on that Spirometry Report. Should I ask too go back on the Advair? Maybe the 250/50 for COPD?<br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to read my sob story.
amcate responded:
Sometimes PCPs or family practice doctors, in my experience, vary in their competence in treating more complicated asthma cases. I would get a second opinion from either an allergy/asthma/immunology specialist, a pulmonologist, or an internal medicine doctor.
As far as the FEV1 goes, if it is the same as a peak flow measurement, then 65% is usually not considered normal. Typically, the cut off point is 80%.
In terms of Advair, I've been on Advair 500/50 for over a decade. My asthma doctor has told me that dosage has some concern for long term risks, but without it I risk having to take more prednisone, which is even riskier. In the end, it depends on your individual situation and the benefits versus risks. Perhaps you could use FloVent instead? Advair has an anti inflmmatory medicine as well as a bronchodialator in it, whereas the Flo Vent has only the anti inflammatory. Theoretically, it should have less potential risks, but ask a specialist to be sure.
The device they gave your father after surgery is called an incentive spirometer. It's used to get positive pressure into the lungs so they don't collapse. In my case, I've only found such things helpful if I'm having a short stabbing pain with deep breathing.
The main thing is getting a second opinion from someone who sees a lot of asthma cases (allergist, pulmonologist, or perhaps internal medicine).
As far as the FEV1 goes, if it is the same as a peak flow measurement, then 65% is usually not considered normal. Typically, the cut off point is 80%.
In terms of Advair, I've been on Advair 500/50 for over a decade. My asthma doctor has told me that dosage has some concern for long term risks, but without it I risk having to take more prednisone, which is even riskier. In the end, it depends on your individual situation and the benefits versus risks. Perhaps you could use FloVent instead? Advair has an anti inflmmatory medicine as well as a bronchodialator in it, whereas the Flo Vent has only the anti inflammatory. Theoretically, it should have less potential risks, but ask a specialist to be sure.
The device they gave your father after surgery is called an incentive spirometer. It's used to get positive pressure into the lungs so they don't collapse. In my case, I've only found such things helpful if I'm having a short stabbing pain with deep breathing.
The main thing is getting a second opinion from someone who sees a lot of asthma cases (allergist, pulmonologist, or perhaps internal medicine).
Report This| Share this:Are we missing something?Sometimes PCPs or family practice doctors, in my experience, vary in their competence in treating more complicated asthma cases. I would get a second opinion from either an allergy/asthma/immunology specialist, a pulmonologist, or an internal medicine doctor. <br /> <br />As far as the FEV1 goes, if it is the same as a peak flow measurement, then 65% is usually not considered normal. Typically, the cut off point is 80%. <br /> <br />In terms of Advair, I've been on Advair 500/50 for over a decade. My asthma doctor has told me that dosage has some concern for long term risks, but without it I risk having to take more prednisone, which is even riskier. In the end, it depends on your individual situation and the benefits versus risks. Perhaps you could use FloVent instead? Advair has an anti inflmmatory medicine as well as a bronchodialator in it, whereas the Flo Vent has only the anti inflammatory. Theoretically, it should have less potential risks, but ask a specialist to be sure. <br /> <br />The device they gave your father after surgery is called an incentive spirometer. It's used to get positive pressure into the lungs so they don't collapse. In my case, I've only found such things helpful if I'm having a short stabbing pain with deep breathing. <br /> <br />The main thing is getting a second opinion from someone who sees a lot of asthma cases (allergist, pulmonologist, or perhaps internal medicine).
Modebb responded:
I agree that you need to see a pulmonologist. Could be asthma, COPD, or emphysemia. Need professional and don't try adjusting your own medications ever again.
Report This| Share this:Are we missing something?I agree that you need to see a pulmonologist. Could be asthma, COPD, or emphysemia. Need professional and don't try adjusting your own medications ever again.
tinalts responded:
"My Grandmother passed from "Non-smoker Emphysema" (if there is such an animal). Not sure if its relevant"
Yes, it is actually. You need to be tested for alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Just so you know, it is NOT normal to develope 'asthma' at this stage in your life. I was diagnosed with ashtma at 33... after a few years of shortness of breath and wheezing, avoidance of physical activity. What was REALLY going on was my lungs were being ravaged with emphysema from a genetic condition -- alpha 1............ my grandmother also died mysteriously from breathing complications and Cirrohsis or the liver. I know NOW exactly what killed her.... I know cause it was passed down to me. Me luck! Get tested! It's just a finger prick. Tell your Doc. to order the FREE test from Alphanet.org
or another alpha-1 organization.
Yes, it is actually. You need to be tested for alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Just so you know, it is NOT normal to develope 'asthma' at this stage in your life. I was diagnosed with ashtma at 33... after a few years of shortness of breath and wheezing, avoidance of physical activity. What was REALLY going on was my lungs were being ravaged with emphysema from a genetic condition -- alpha 1............ my grandmother also died mysteriously from breathing complications and Cirrohsis or the liver. I know NOW exactly what killed her.... I know cause it was passed down to me. Me luck! Get tested! It's just a finger prick. Tell your Doc. to order the FREE test from Alphanet.org
or another alpha-1 organization.
Report This| Share this:Are we missing something?"My Grandmother passed from "Non-smoker Emphysema" (if there is such an animal). Not sure if its relevant"<br /> <br />Yes, it is actually. You need to be tested for alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Just so you know, it is NOT normal to develope 'asthma' at this stage in your life. I was diagnosed with ashtma at 33... after a few years of shortness of breath and wheezing, avoidance of physical activity. What was REALLY going on was my lungs were being ravaged with emphysema from a genetic condition -- alpha 1............ my grandmother also died mysteriously from breathing complications and Cirrohsis or the liver. I know NOW exactly what killed her.... I know cause it was passed down to me. Me luck! Get tested! It's just a finger prick. Tell your Doc. to order the FREE test from Alphanet.org <br /> or another alpha-1 organization.
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