Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- home:tests:lung [11.11.2011] – [Imaging] paulalbert
+++ home:tests:lung [10.12.2018] – [Patients experiences] sallieq
@@ Line 74: / Line 74: @@
 Another problem with imaging tests such as chest x-rays is that they do not provide data objectively.
-<blockquote>Trying to distinguish between inflammation and fibrosis is one of the confounding things about lungs. Our understanding is that it's rather difficult to determine whether opacities on chest x-rays are inflammation versus fibrosis. Actually, more sophisticated thin-sectioned, high-resolution computed tomographic scans (HRCTs) are usually used to try to determine whether it's inflammation or fibrosis, but even then it may be indeterminate. See this recently published article.
+===== Working with physicians =====
-If you remember, we do say in our patient recovery DVDs that chest imaging may get worse on the MP but improve later.  The reason we can expect chest imaging to worsen is because when the lungs are have an immunopathological reaction, inflammation will be worse - and that will likely be evident on any imaging.
+<blockquote>Clues to what your doctors are thinking about your pulmonary function might be found in their clinic notes which they dictate after each visit. The clinic will provide them if you ask.
-Something to think about: Some people put a bit of planning into preparing for their chest imaging so they get the pictures done on one of their good days. While on the MP, this is possible by adjusting dosing or making clinic appointments to avoid the worst immunopathology days, since immunopathology comes in cycles related to antibiotic dosing.
+You said, "I have never read a radiologist report about my chest x-rays as they are taken and evaluated in the pulmonologist's office."
-It looks like you were in the middle of your antibiotic dosing cycle when your chest x-rays were made. Most people can expect more immunopathology mid-cycle of Phase Three. If you look back in your posts, you had also skipped around on your every-other-day dosing of the short-term antibiotics. That might have affected your immunopathology level, and thus how your lungs looked.
+Under the new HIPPA law, you have a right to have a copy of those, and all, test results. You may contact the clinic's health information office and ask them to send you a copy if you want one.
-I know fibrosis is a scary thought, but many patients on this forum have fibrosis and are doing well. It is possible to function quite well, even with pulmonary fibrosis - after you kick the disease. I am one proving this is true; I am in better physical shape than I was a decade or two ago. But it took a couple of years on the for me to feel like my lungs and physical abilities (stamina, strength) were really improving. Up to that time, my symptom resolution revolved around getting rid of intense pain, getting rid of insomnia, cognitive deficits, digestive problems, etc.)
+Since you are already on the MP, there is little reason to undergo frequent testing. If you wait until you are further along, your tests will improve and the doctors won't have reason for concern….
-I suggest the bottom line is this: Whether your lungs have more inflammation or fibrosis, how much time and money to you want to expend toward tracking that down, and how does that change your treatment options.
+Imaging is an unreliable indicator of the degree of sarcoid inflammation. I am not sure why it is still embraced by the pulmonologist community - maybe because it is the only thing they can understand.
-//**Belinda Fenter**, MarshallProtocol.com// </blockquote>
+//**Trevor Marshall, PhD**//</blockquote>
+===== Patients experiences =====
-===== Working with physicians =====
-<blockquote>Clues to what your doctors are thinking about your pulmonary function might be found in their clinic notes which they dictate after each visit. The clinic will provide them if you ask.
+<blockquote>
+I have great news! I passed my "flying test" (15%  test) I just returned from a Pulmonary Function Test and have significant improvement! The technician was very surprised to see me because he thought the last time I was tested (May 2006) was my last. He said that last time he saw me I had one foot in the grave and spiraling down fast. However, I am now able to fly without oxygen and there has been a 30 percent improvement in my oxygen diffusion from my lungs to my blood. He said this is unprecedented. Never in his 30 years of conducting pulmonary test has he seen an improvement in anyone as far gone as I was! The technician is a very somber, straight laced guy and he was doing flips around the room (well... mentally, not physically!) I am so happy.... I am going to get well!!!!
-You said, "I have never read a radiologist report about my chest x-rays as they are taken and evaluated in the pulmonologist's office."
+My DLCO is now at 45% (up from 30% in May 2006 on 6L of O2.)  The technician predicted that my DLCO would be at 60% by the results of my flying test and my skin color.  I remember Dr. Marshall stating that one's DLCO may not accurately predict how well one can breathe while going through the MP...and not to be dissappointed if it is not as high as one would expect...(I remembered that so was not disappointed!)
-Under the new HIPPA law, you have a right to have a copy of those, and all, test results. You may contact the clinic's health information office and ask them to send you a copy if you want one.
+I am thrilled to share this news!  My sincere gratitude to Dr. Marshall and his team of health professionals and all MP members who keep in touch with their encouragment.  May we all continue to improve our quality of life!
+Cheers! Sue
+//**Sue Lyons**, MarshallProtocol.com// </blockquote>
-Since you are already on the MP, there is little reason to undergo frequent testing. If you wait until you are further along, your tests will improve and the doctors won't have reason for concern….
-Imaging is an unreliable indicator of the degree of sarcoid inflammation. I am not sure why it is still embraced by the pulmonologist community - maybe because it is the only thing they can understand.
-//**Trevor Marshall, PhD**//</blockquote>
-===== Patients experiences =====
 <blockquote>
@@ Line 138: / Line 139: @@
 Happy MPing,
-Saj
+//**Saj**, MarshallProtocol.com//
 </blockquote>
+{{tag>tests}}
 ===== Notes and comments =====

home/tests/lung.txt · Last modified: 09.14.2022 by 127.0.0.1