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Originally Posted by hc85 I know some emphysematic patients who have lived five or so years on 16% or less lung function. As an asthmatic, I have even seen those numbers during an exacerbation. I myself only breathe at 45% of my function. Get him to stop smoking and maybe things will improve! |
I am not taking this lightly, but, it does give me hope that we dont have to be terrified of him going below 23% (meaning that getting below 23% doesnt necessarily mean death soon)--I did, however, speak to his P.A. after I posted this. She said that if he did not quit smoking, that we are looking at 1-2 years max. I am not counting on him quitting, as he is not that strong willed. He has quit a couple of times over the last 3 years--only for 6 months---but he became aggravated and started back again. His lung function was at 30% in May 2002---so, as she said, if he is losing 7% every 1 1/2 years, it will likely mean that he will lose 3% this year, (which will put him at the 20% that the dr said that most are dead at 20%), if he fails to stop smoking. I would still like to hear from others and their knowledge/experience.
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