I have been thinking about what my respirologist told me regading the results of my latest pulmonary function tests. Apparently, my lungs have deteriorated by 1 to 3 per cent. He said that this is very significant because it puts me on the cusp of lung failure. Less than 40% in the cough reflex category, for example, inhibits the lungs capacity to expel foreign matter like phlegm. This makes the avoidance of pneumonia or even bad chest colds paramount. But wait... If my lungs were previously at 50% capacity, how can a deterioration of 1 to 3 per cent result in 40%? Apparently, I never was at 50%, even though I was told such on at least 9 occasions by health care officials... W. T. F? Looking back at the pft results from six months, a year and a year and a half ago, he says, no... nope. It has always shown that I was around 40-45%, depending upon the particulars that are taken into consideration. There are four or five factors that contribute to the overall figure, but, nope, not 50%, never. Then why was I told that I was at 50%. He claims that I never was told that. I have consulted about these results on three previous occasions. I have consulted with the testing technicians, my GP and him, the respirologist. Each time, I was told 50%; nine times in total. No, he maintains that I was never told that. Never. Am I going mad? I dont think so. I came away from all of those meetings and told my partner, Rebekah, that I was at 50%. Why would I do that if I didnt believe that and why would I believe that if I hadnt been told it was true? Well. The VERY FIRST TIME I saw Dr. Fei, shortly after my first PFT (showing 50% lung capacity) I told her the results. Dr. Fei studied my fingernails, took my pulse (two handed) and checked my tongue under the light. Then she said, I believe that you have closer to 40% lung capacity, Robert. Where would you put your faith?
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 20:40:13 +0000
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