Failed pre-op breathing tests

I'm so in the pits.  After my long battle with my insurance company my second appeal was finally approved and I got my May 21st RNY surgery date.  Yipee was short lived!  I failed my breathing pre-op test at St. Francis and the gal that did it said I did great!  This morning I get a call from Dr. Oh's office and they informed me that my breathing capacity was at 47% nearly in the severely restricted range.  So now I have to see a Pulmonary Specialist to HOPEFULLY get clearance for my surgery.  Dr. Oh's staff (they have been great) called all around and were able to get me an appointment in Tacoma on May 20th the day before my scheduled surgery - usually it takes months to get in to see a specialist - THANK YOU DR. OH'S STAFF!!
If I pass - I get my surgery on the 21st - if I don't - God I don't even want to think about that, but I can't get it off my mind!  I start my 14 day liquid diet today and with this added stress of maybe surgery, maybe not - I feel like I'm going BONKERS....

Did anyone else out there fail this breathing test and have to see a specialist?  Any idea's as to what this could mean?  Were you able to get the surgery anyhow?  Geeze, I'm not even a smoker and all my other tests, EKGS, blood tests, chest x-ray were fine.

Thanks,
ragadolly

 Donna, don't panic! Yes, my pulmonary function studies were horrible! I have had lifelong asthma and sleep apnea diagnosed 3 years ago. My pulmonologist told me that much of my restricted breathing was due to my obesity. The size of an obese abdomen makes it difficult to breathe deeply. I can't imagine that they would cancel surgery, since losing weight only improves your breathing. The pulmonary doc will probably want to do a sleep study if you haven't done one already. I would try to get into the pulm. doc sooner if you don't want your surgery delayed. My pulm. doc approved my surgery readily. The pulm. docs at Southlake Clinic are very good! You might be able to get in there sooner if you tell them your situation. After you have your surgery, make sure you use your incentive spirometer. It will help to prevent pneumonia after surgery. Hang in there! I know you will have your surgery!

Hi Pam,

Thank you for your reply - it just really freaked me out.  I kept telling my family doctor that I was short of breath and the plain tests she always did on me came up fine.  When my tests came back at 47% that sounded so bad thought I was going to croak!  Couldn't even think of the right questions to ask!  What you say definitely makes sense and I hope it is just because I'm too darn fat.  Just knowing other people have gotten this news makes me feel better - and I will check out the Southlake Clinic now. 

Thank you Pam,

Donna/ragadolly

Keep your chin up.  I too have severe lung issues (I have only 1) I lost my left lung in an accident i*****  My PLF levels are low as well and when they retested me my Pulmonary Specialist said no worries, reduced function is due to obesity which WLS will help. 

My thoughts and good luck wishes are headed your way!!
Michelle

Thank you for your reply Michelle.  Both yours and Pams replies have put me greatly at ease.  It is probably due to my fatness!  - At least I sure hope so.

Donna/ragadolly

Don't think of it as fatness, Less Petit sounds better.

Good Luck!!

I used "square breathing" to help my lung function. I learned it initially to help asthma, and know others use it for meditation and averting panic attacks, but it does help lung function.

1. Square Breathing:

• Breathe in to a count of four.
• Hold to a count of four.
• Breathe out to a count of four.
• Again hold to a count of four.

I do it for a minute or two, several times a day.

Thank you for the breathing tips!  I started doing it just like you said and I can't believe how hard it is - I have to sit down while doing it because I get dizzy - but I can sure see how it should help with the breathing.  I will definitely keep it up and hopefully by the time I see the pulmonologists my breathing will be better.

Thanks again,
Donna/ragadolly

It should help post op as well, since they usually give you a device to force you to breathe deeply after surgery. The meds and oxygen with surgery can encourage shallow breathing, increasing the chances of pneumonia in the hospital, and the better condition your lungs are in, the easier your recovery is. Good luck!

Hi, Donna - Unfortunately, I don't have any great words of wisdom for you on this, but just wanted to know that I'm sending out good vibes for you on this and hope that everything works out and you are able to get the surgery done on the 21st.  I'm so glad that Dr. Oh's staff has been so helpful to you.  Keep thinking positive!!