Have you had Pulmonary Function Tests?

[SarahJane]

I have MECFS. Right now my baseline is really low. I’ve had a chronic cough for seven months and need to have PFTs. I’m thinking that whatever is causing the caught might be why my baseline has gotten so much worse, but I’m also really afraid that the exertion needed for the tests will take a toll, and that that I’ll become even less functional. I can’t afford that. It’s a catch 22.

 

[Cletus]

I hear, and feel, you. Almost all of my health issues seem to have become entangled in big knot of Catch 22's.🤯


There are a couple of tests involved in checking pulmonary function.

The most tiring is a treadmill stress test, but there is a chemical version of that test that uses hardly any physical energy.

The rest of them are also pretty easy.

Checking your blood oxygen level with a pulse oximeter is easy. It likely is low. I wonder if seeing that, and knowing how much better you feel feel when it increases will help you make the decision to get the tests?

Have you been tested for sleep apnea? That can now be done easily at home. Using a CPAP did wonders for my brain fog which increased my energy.

Take care,

Gary

 

[Kay Webster]

I had pulmonary function tests many years ago, and they were not difficult in themselves. But I can really relate to how difficult it is to even go to a doctors appointment or to get any kind of lab work done when you cannot get dressed without exhausting yourself.

 

[Kay Webster]

This is probably going to sound very ignorant, but what do you mean by baseline?

 

[SarahJane]

This is probably going to sound very ignorant, but what do you mean by baseline?

I’m glad you didn’t find the tests difficult, that’s reassuring, though I’m seeing on TikTok that they can be difficult. Baseline is the medical term used to describe a person’s health status. My MECFS baseline lately is not good. I pretty much only go out when I absolutely have to, and I can barely do the essentials. There are days that I spend mostly in bed. A baseline can improve or decline.

 

[Kay Webster]

OK, thanks. Seems like my baseline is pretty much like yours.

 

[SarahJane]

OK, thanks. Seems like my baseline is pretty much like yours.

I’m sorry! It’s so hard!!! The thought of getting worse is scary!!

 

[Aidan Walsh]

Some can have Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome (CHVS) some take Ativan or Rivotril, but most say it does not help.
One Woman on Reddit mentioned she takes 20mg of Pepcid C, which is an H2 antihistamine & also an antacid. She believes acid is causing her breathing issues. I was told I had COPD I doubt it is. I'm sure it is (CHVS) instead

 

[SarahJane]

At first I thought it was just GERD, but then because of other symptoms, I suspected it might be asthma. I was advised that it could be caused by any number of things, and the only way to find out would be to have PFT.

 

[Aidan Walsh]

I am not sure what exact test is used for (CVHS) Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome. I also know people are hypo they do not breathe/exhale enough

 

[SarahJane]

I have a friend who is a pulmonary nurse. She said the only way to determine what’s going on is with PFT. It’s not just one test. When I said I thought it might be asthma she said it’s impossible to guess- it could be any number of things, and the only way to diagnose it is to get the testing. If it’s what youre talking about, or something else, the tests would determine that.

 

[Aidan Walsh]

oxygen mask breathing: CHVS:
POTS gone with oxygen countering the carbon dioxide or acid refluxes?
Water also helps in acid reflux. It also has oxygen
Hopefully, the long read below works
Pepcid C helps 20mg, different name used generic form called Fomotidine 20mg. in the UK but needs a prescription UK. PPI's are not safe