Guest guest Posted December 10, 2009 Report Share Posted December 10, 2009 Beth or Bruce - In our discussion about going into the store without oxygen, but using breathing and pacing strategies, nne stated that she was at 28% PF. I take this as a percentage she got from her Pulmonary Function Tests(PFTs). I am not sure what it is and was asking so I thought I would start a new thread to discuss what the numbers mean. I was told my lungs are functioning at 85%. Would that mean my PF number is 15%? Like many who are relatively new (I am new this year anyway), I do not know the significance of the numbers other than on the 6 minute walk test my distance improved after 4 weeks of pulmonary rehab. Overall, my cough calmed down and my breathing became more controlled with strategies and exercise (both aerobic and anaerobic). I have all kinds of PFT printouts, but don't know what the most significant numbers are. I keep them so I can present them to doctors. I have saved having two additional tests (within 2 weeks) and 2 CT scans (within 2 weeks). The assumption when you go into a doctors office is that you (1) do not have the required tests OR (2) the doctor doesn't want to have to learn how to use a viewer for CT scans OR (3) they do not " trust " results from another source. The call should be yours. There are times when I did not trust PFTs and was more than glad to have new ones run. Stefani 61 year old Utahn (moved here from MN) ILD 2/2006, NSIP (fibrotic) 10/2009, Diabetes II 2/2006, Sleep Apnea 4/2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.