My Spirometry Results Range From Very Bad to Normal!

[jonkob]

I was a smoker of 1 pack a day for 15 years. I am 44, 50 pounds overweight and in bad shape. I have always been in bad shape since im a couch potato.
I had a spirometry test done about a year ago at the doctors office. First reading of set of 3 the printout read "severe pulmonary obstruction" I say no way, this cant be right, I beg to try again. so on the second round I got one that said "moderate obstruction" and another that said "mild obstruction"
Doctor said to stop smoking and come back in a month.
I did that, and I made sure I had an empty stomach when I went back.
I blow 3 times. first one said "mild obstruction, second one said "mild RESTRICTION"
Now Im really determined and the last blow read "NORMAL SPIROMETRY"
Mind you, I had to blow every single of drop oof air out of my lungs to get to the normal, I think I was even spitting. I thought I was going to pass out or collapse a lung doing this final blow.
By the way I used an inhaler on all days and there was no difference with the inhaler.
Doctor wasnt too concerned. I was very nervous about the poor results and asked him how could I have a severe obstruction. He said that if I indeed had a severe obstruction I wouldnt be able to walk across the room with being winded.
My question to you here is, how could so many tests result in so many different readings from severe to normal, and what exactly is my diagnosos?
Do I have COPD?

[jonkob]

No CT Scan. I asked the pulmonologist about it at NYU Medical Center, and he said that with a normal spirometry and normal chest X rays there is no need for a CT Scan and it goes against medical protocol. I said to him "well it couldnt hurt so why not try"?  But he made a very interesting point. He told me that if they gave CT Scans to everyone as just a regular part of the medical exam it would cause way too many un-necessary procedures, operations, further testing and anxiety.
I do believe this. CT scans would show a spot on a kidney, spot on the liver, spec in the lung etc etc etc. Its just endless.
Like my grandmother used to tell me, "if you keep running to doctors looking for trouble, you will find it "

[JerseyGirl0111]

welll jonkob I am glad you have good news!  I have no real symptoms either - that doesn't mean my lungs are ok - I work full time - unless I go up steep hills or steps I am perfectly normal - my spirometry was normal.

Did you have a CT Scan done?  My chest x-ray was also normal.  My CT Scan showed the emphysema.  Don't let our guard down - do quit smoking -

Have a great weekend. Julie

[JerseyGirl0111]

Yes I got a printed copy of my spirometry test....did worse when they gave me a breathing treatment - but both test were within normal limts.  But - I still have emphysema - per my CT Scan. and I have ground glass opactices.

It has almost been 3 months since I quit smoking and to be honest I can breath better now.  

[little_weed]

Now then, dismayed, it's your turn!

Get to the specialist and get ALL tests done again, especially the full funtion tests. Get the specialists opinion!

The equipment in docs offices can be unreliable, especially if someone has not been specifically trained to use and interpret the readings.

You and I may not be as lucky as jonkob, but that's no reason to not get properly assessed!

Get going and good luck!

[dismayed707]

Congratulations jonkob ... you are safe now  if you dont smoke ... you can go out and live your life and never look back.
Its nice to read some good news.

[little_weed]

I am so oo pleased for you, jonkob! You must be so relieved!

Lose those few pounds and you will be the fittest man on the planet! You can always chuck a few in my direction!

I've been chewing my nails waiting to hear how you got on!

I feel almost as if it might be a good omen for me too . . .

Good Luck JK, and keep up with the giving up smoking. (then tell me how you cracked that one!)