Reading PFT Scores

K

katethekid

Guest
I had a pft done during my application for disability since I can't work anymore. The doctor wouldn't give me the results personally, I ended up getting them from my lawyer. I have no clue how to read the results though. I tried looking up how to read it on the internet, but it's gibberish to me. So I have a few questions... what is the final PFT value you want to look at? Is it the "MVV" or the FVC? My lungs do pretty well, it's my pancreas that's the problem. So why they sent me for the test no one knows, but I would like to know how my lungs are doing as I haven't seen a pulmonologist since I was probably 12. What are your scores and what value is that on your test results. I have a copy of the graphs both before and after the inhaler was used, but not sure how to read that either. I'm getting in to see a CF doctor sometime in the next months, but until then it would ease my mind for me to know how I'm doing.
My scores are:
Pre-drug Reported
FVC 3.11
FEV1 2.36
FEV1/FVC 76%
MVV 67.58
 
K

katethekid

Guest
I had a pft done during my application for disability since I can't work anymore. The doctor wouldn't give me the results personally, I ended up getting them from my lawyer. I have no clue how to read the results though. I tried looking up how to read it on the internet, but it's gibberish to me. So I have a few questions... what is the final PFT value you want to look at? Is it the "MVV" or the FVC? My lungs do pretty well, it's my pancreas that's the problem. So why they sent me for the test no one knows, but I would like to know how my lungs are doing as I haven't seen a pulmonologist since I was probably 12. What are your scores and what value is that on your test results. I have a copy of the graphs both before and after the inhaler was used, but not sure how to read that either. I'm getting in to see a CF doctor sometime in the next months, but until then it would ease my mind for me to know how I'm doing.
My scores are:
Pre-drug Reported
FVC 3.11
FEV1 2.36
FEV1/FVC 76%
MVV 67.58
 
H

Havoc

New member
FEV1 is the gold standard, typically. Although FEV 27-75 is important to monitor small airways. Personally, I do not like to use % predicted as any kind of benchmark as things like weight changes or the value set used can be misleading.

The best way to interpret PFT's are to compare your latest score to your last score.

For example, if your last FEV1 was 2.80L/min you'll know that your numbers are down based on the latest 2.36L/min.

The reason you were sent for a PFT for disability is that they usually look at 3 factors, pulmonary function, burden of treatment and how many times you were hospitalized for exacerbations in the last 2 years.
 
H

Havoc

New member
FEV1 is the gold standard, typically. Although FEV 27-75 is important to monitor small airways. Personally, I do not like to use % predicted as any kind of benchmark as things like weight changes or the value set used can be misleading.

The best way to interpret PFT's are to compare your latest score to your last score.

For example, if your last FEV1 was 2.80L/min you'll know that your numbers are down based on the latest 2.36L/min.

The reason you were sent for a PFT for disability is that they usually look at 3 factors, pulmonary function, burden of treatment and how many times you were hospitalized for exacerbations in the last 2 years.
 
K

katethekid

Guest
Okay, we were wondering why I was sent for the test. I don't know what my last PFT scores were, I'll have to see if I can get them from my old pediatrician. Thanks for the help.
 
K

katethekid

Guest
Okay, we were wondering why I was sent for the test. I don't know what my last PFT scores were, I'll have to see if I can get them from my old pediatrician. Thanks for the help.
 
L

lilmac1177

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><em>Originally posted by: <strong>Havoc</strong></em> FEV1 is the gold standard, typically. Although FEV 27-75 is important to monitor small airways. Personally, I do not like to use % predicted as any kind of benchmark as things like weight changes or the value set used can be misleading. The best way to interpret PFT's are to compare your latest score to your last score. For example, if your last FEV1 was 2.80L/min you'll know that your numbers are down based on the latest 2.36L/min. The reason you were sent for a PFT for disability is that they usually look at 3 factors, pulmonary function, burden of treatment and how many times you were hospitalized for exacerbations in the last 2 years.</end quote>
<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; color: #3366ff;">wow! things must have really changed in applying for SSI/SSDI since i applied in 1995 or so... the doctor they sent me to knew absolutely NOTHING about Cystic Fibrosis!!! when he first walked into the room, i just happened to cough and he says "sounds like you have bronchitis!" um, what?!? there was no PFTs, it was nothing more than a general examination. i was denied of course, so my uncle who is a medical doctor wrote a lengthy, detailed letter to the Social Security Administration explaining just what CF is, what i go thru and maybe even what he thought of my "determination" exam; he faxed the letter to the SSA and within 24 hours i was approved. thank Goodness for my uncle!
 
L

lilmac1177

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><em>Originally posted by: <strong>Havoc</strong></em> FEV1 is the gold standard, typically. Although FEV 27-75 is important to monitor small airways. Personally, I do not like to use % predicted as any kind of benchmark as things like weight changes or the value set used can be misleading. The best way to interpret PFT's are to compare your latest score to your last score. For example, if your last FEV1 was 2.80L/min you'll know that your numbers are down based on the latest 2.36L/min. The reason you were sent for a PFT for disability is that they usually look at 3 factors, pulmonary function, burden of treatment and how many times you were hospitalized for exacerbations in the last 2 years.</end quote>
<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; color: #3366ff;">wow! things must have really changed in applying for SSI/SSDI since i applied in 1995 or so... the doctor they sent me to knew absolutely NOTHING about Cystic Fibrosis!!! when he first walked into the room, i just happened to cough and he says "sounds like you have bronchitis!" um, what?!? there was no PFTs, it was nothing more than a general examination. i was denied of course, so my uncle who is a medical doctor wrote a lengthy, detailed letter to the Social Security Administration explaining just what CF is, what i go thru and maybe even what he thought of my "determination" exam; he faxed the letter to the SSA and within 24 hours i was approved. thank Goodness for my uncle!
 
K

katethekid

Guest
Wow they have come a long way lilmac. Though the doctor they sent me to was so ignorant about CF it was scary. She looked at my scars on my stomach and asked what surgery I had. When I told her about the pancreatic stints, whipple, etc she thought I had had pancreatic cancer. Which is a usual assumption I'm used to, but all she did was look at my skin for scars and check my eyesight and my ability to walk *smh*. You'd think they would have us go to a CF doc or a pulmonologist or something, not a small town doc who worked out of a storage building lol.
 
K

katethekid

Guest
Wow they have come a long way lilmac. Though the doctor they sent me to was so ignorant about CF it was scary. She looked at my scars on my stomach and asked what surgery I had. When I told her about the pancreatic stints, whipple, etc she thought I had had pancreatic cancer. Which is a usual assumption I'm used to, but all she did was look at my skin for scars and check my eyesight and my ability to walk *smh*. You'd think they would have us go to a CF doc or a pulmonologist or something, not a small town doc who worked out of a storage building lol.
 
S

stephen

Guest
Everyone should always get a copy of all their test results. They are important to have to be pro-active concerning you health.

I've always asked for and gotten copies of all test results including PFTs, blood analysis, sputum sensitivities, and EKGs. You should have them for your personal records, and to bring to other doctors you might see in the future.

Not only should the doctor have given you a copy, he/she should have gone over the results with you.
 
S

stephen

Guest
Everyone should always get a copy of all their test results. They are important to have to be pro-active concerning you health.

I've always asked for and gotten copies of all test results including PFTs, blood analysis, sputum sensitivities, and EKGs. You should have them for your personal records, and to bring to other doctors you might see in the future.

Not only should the doctor have given you a copy, he/she should have gone over the results with you.
 
S

static

New member
Your lung function is a little under 60%.

I too applied for disability a while ago with a slightly lower lung function and was declined. Since then I went through DoR and obtained a part-time job which keeps me more motivated to keep myself healthy.

At least your one step ahead of the game and got yourself a lawyer. The doctors that do the SSI/SSDI check-ups usually don't have a clue what you are really going through, they just check the boxes where applicable.
 
S

static

New member
Your lung function is a little under 60%.

I too applied for disability a while ago with a slightly lower lung function and was declined. Since then I went through DoR and obtained a part-time job which keeps me more motivated to keep myself healthy.

At least your one step ahead of the game and got yourself a lawyer. The doctors that do the SSI/SSDI check-ups usually don't have a clue what you are really going through, they just check the boxes where applicable.
 
J

JustDucky

New member
I didn't have to see their doctor when I applied for SSDI....I was allowed to see my own pulmo for evaluation and he did all of the appropriate testing, notations. Scary that their docs are clueless regarding CF especially if you are trying to get disability based on CF complications. My application was accepted due to severe myopathy of my diaphragm and severe lung disease, not CF because I wasn't dx'ed with it yet.
Hopefully you get approved, if you are denied, appeal it, keep the application open. Your lawyer will guide you through this process, at least that is one less thing for you to worry about <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Jenn 40 wCF
 
J

JustDucky

New member
I didn't have to see their doctor when I applied for SSDI....I was allowed to see my own pulmo for evaluation and he did all of the appropriate testing, notations. Scary that their docs are clueless regarding CF especially if you are trying to get disability based on CF complications. My application was accepted due to severe myopathy of my diaphragm and severe lung disease, not CF because I wasn't dx'ed with it yet.
Hopefully you get approved, if you are denied, appeal it, keep the application open. Your lawyer will guide you through this process, at least that is one less thing for you to worry about <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Jenn 40 wCF
 
K

katethekid

Guest
Thank you all for your help. I am in the final stage of my disability application right now, waiting to go before a judge. So far I've had 6 trips to the ER in the last year for bronchitis and pneumonia. My biggest problem is I collapse in pain from my stomach a few times everyday, which I can live with, but not work with. I was constantly getting sick when I was working even part time at less than 25 hours a week, just too many germs out there. Thank you for the support and I agree ssi should really get some dr's who know about CF.
 
K

katethekid

Guest
Thank you all for your help. I am in the final stage of my disability application right now, waiting to go before a judge. So far I've had 6 trips to the ER in the last year for bronchitis and pneumonia. My biggest problem is I collapse in pain from my stomach a few times everyday, which I can live with, but not work with. I was constantly getting sick when I was working even part time at less than 25 hours a week, just too many germs out there. Thank you for the support and I agree ssi should really get some dr's who know about CF.
 
C

CFkitty

New member
You need to list your job functions (or general job functions) and explain how your situation negatively affects your performance. Simply saying "I get sick a lot" doesn't tell them anything.

The most important thing to do in your application for disability benefits is to document how your particular issues prevent you from gainful employment. The first question you'll have to answer is "how does your disability prevent you from doing your regular job?" The second will be, "how does your disability prevent you from doing any job?"

For example, do you cough a lot and interrupt meetings or have difficulty answering phones or giving speeches? Are you sick frequently and miss work due to hospitalizations? Do you have chronic pain or medication side effects that prevents you from concentrating/driving/operating machinery/etc. that is required as part of your job, or part of getting to and from work? Do your treatments take up large chunks of time to perform and interrupt your required job activities?
 
C

CFkitty

New member
You need to list your job functions (or general job functions) and explain how your situation negatively affects your performance. Simply saying "I get sick a lot" doesn't tell them anything.

The most important thing to do in your application for disability benefits is to document how your particular issues prevent you from gainful employment. The first question you'll have to answer is "how does your disability prevent you from doing your regular job?" The second will be, "how does your disability prevent you from doing any job?"

For example, do you cough a lot and interrupt meetings or have difficulty answering phones or giving speeches? Are you sick frequently and miss work due to hospitalizations? Do you have chronic pain or medication side effects that prevents you from concentrating/driving/operating machinery/etc. that is required as part of your job, or part of getting to and from work? Do your treatments take up large chunks of time to perform and interrupt your required job activities?
 
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