Another stupid question from me!

Okie, I hear everyone talking about going to a pulmonologist. Is that a requirement for everyone or is it if you have lung problems or sleep apnea? I have no lung problems at all and do not see the need to go to a lung specialist if you dont have problems to address. Can someone fill me in on this pre-requisite. I will do it if I have to for surgery, just dont see the point if I dont have the diagnosis to support it.

I did not have lung problems or sleep apnea and didn't see a pulmonologist. It was not a pre-requisite for me. Hope this helps!

Hey Girl, I didn't see a pulmonologist either. When you see the surgeon they will tell you eveything you have to do before they can submit paperwork for your approval. Talk to you soon. Tonya Waters

Hey, I think it just depends on the doctor you go with for surgery, I too dont have any problems but I did have to see one.They wanted to check how my breathing was, to make sure I would be able to breath again on my own after surgery. Trust me, I didnt want to see one, but I did it so I could have surgery. Heck, I have to see a cardiologist tomorrow, because the doctor wants me to and my surgery is on friday.. talking about crazy.. I also believe it could also be what your insurance wants to see too for them to make a choice on covering the surgery.. hope this helps..

I did see a pulmonologist - but it's because the doctor wants to make sure your lung capacity will be okay for the anesthesia (sp?). It helps them to know how your lungs will do when you're entebated. (sp?) It wasn't bad when I saw them, they did an ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) and I had to breathe into a machine for a while to check my lungs....It was a "breath" if fresh air for me.... (couldn't resist!)

D'Lynn I saw a pulmonologist for a sleep apnea study that was required by my surgeon. I learned I had sleep apnea and was placed on CPAP. I began using the CPAP machine about 1 week prior to surgery and finally came off the machine about 5 months ago. If you have sleep apnea, you are at risk for complications AND using the CPAP made all the difference in the world as to how I slept (and felt during the day). Your surgeon or PCP will determine what type of study you need prior to surgery. Good luck.