changing baseline pft's

[Andrea2XCFers]

My boys are 20 and 17. Their baseline seems to slip a little each year and the docs keep telling me that it's the age/weight ratio messing with the predicted values. My question is for the CFers in their mid 20's and up: do you find it harder to get back up to "baseline" as you get older? If so, why do you think that happens? Looking back is there anything you would dodifferent?

 

[Andrea2XCFers]

My boys are 20 and 17. Their baseline seems to slip a little each year and the docs keep telling me that it's the age/weight ratio messing with the predicted values. My question is for the CFers in their mid 20's and up: do you find it harder to get back up to "baseline" as you get older? If so, why do you think that happens? Looking back is there anything you would dodifferent?

 

[MichaelL]

I started looking at my breathing results as the real number rather than a percentage a few years ago when my clinic changed their data source for the percentages. For example, I recently had an FEV1 of 1.9, which was 45% of expected. I focus on the 1.9 number. I've found this helps keep my view of the results consistent from visit to visit and as I lose or gain weight.

I was diagnosed about 10 years ago at the age of 34. I have seen my FEV1 decline gradually over time. Sometimes after a course of IV antibiotics, I'll regain some of the ground I've lost. However, what I consider my baseline now is lower than what it was 10 years ago.

 

[MichaelL]

I started looking at my breathing results as the real number rather than a percentage a few years ago when my clinic changed their data source for the percentages. For example, I recently had an FEV1 of 1.9, which was 45% of expected. I focus on the 1.9 number. I've found this helps keep my view of the results consistent from visit to visit and as I lose or gain weight.

I was diagnosed about 10 years ago at the age of 34. I have seen my FEV1 decline gradually over time. Sometimes after a course of IV antibiotics, I'll regain some of the ground I've lost. However, what I consider my baseline now is lower than what it was 10 years ago.

 

[welshwitch]

For me, it's all about being proactive. I have pretty good PFTs, but I think part of the reason is because I maintain them. That entails going on (hard) runs 2-3 times a week to clear myself out. How can I get a lung infection if my lungs are clear? When I had really bad sinuses, I got sinus surgery so I could breathe better. Basically, my principle is this: be proactive, not reactive, about your lungs. Ie, even when you're feeling great, there is always more you can do <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[welshwitch]

For me, it's all about being proactive. I have pretty good PFTs, but I think part of the reason is because I maintain them. That entails going on (hard) runs 2-3 times a week to clear myself out. How can I get a lung infection if my lungs are clear? When I had really bad sinuses, I got sinus surgery so I could breathe better. Basically, my principle is this: be proactive, not reactive, about your lungs. Ie, even when you're feeling great, there is always more you can do <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">