Question:
How do I improve my pulmonary function test?

I had an abnormal ekg and took a stress test, which I assume was ok, but my pulmonaryfunction test is giving me grief. I've done it twice,and must do it again or no surgery. I don't know what to do to improve it. Help! I'm 9 days from surgery!    — Karen H. (posted on February 15, 2003)

February 14, 2003
Sorry Karen, I don't know what to tell you. One thing I do know is that if your lungs are not up to surgery, you don't want to have it. You should ask the therapist this question when you go back for your test. Do stop smoking if you smoke. Good luck, I am sure this is very frustrating for you.
   — SarahC

February 15, 2003
hello, i know how you feel i was affraid because i smoke. i saw the pulmonary dr. 2wks ago and everything was fine my suggestion to you is practice breathing. deep breaths and hold it then blow it out your lungs will be trained to contract and release. another thing the dr. sprayed me with a substance which tasted like primatine mist. maybe you should go to the drugstore and bye something like that it opens the airways in your lungs. i know primatine mist is no longer sold but they have comprable types over the counter. ck with your dr. 1st or read the label make sure it wont be harmful. i have not been scheduled yet i have plenty of tests to go and i feel like its slow moving but it will be here soon. i wish you luck.
   — Maureen A.

February 15, 2003
As someone who's had Asthma for many years, I can definitely identify with you. My pulmonary function tests are never good! Assuming you don't smoke, you may have to see a Pulmonary Specialist before surgery to try different brochodialators or a combination of them to get your lungs in better shape for this surgery and for you. Let the doctors do their job, even if it means one small delay in your surgery... this is what they do and your health now and post-op is their number one concern.
   — thumpiez

February 15, 2003
hi there :) i wasnt anticipating any breathing problems after surgery cuz i dont have athsma or anything but something i did, in addition to quitting smoking for my surgery, was i bought a bag of small balloons and i would blow them up constantly to give my lungs a real good work out, it may sound silly but it works! :) i had no troubles at all with breathing and the nurses were pleased with my "blowwing exercises" that ya have to do while in the hospital. best of luck to you and do try the balloon thing, it is a good work out for the lungs!
   — carrie M.

February 15, 2003
I am with Sarah, if you don't pass the required tests...why would you risk the surgery. Those tests are necessary to determine if YOU are one of those 1 in 200 that die from this very serious operation. I understand the frustration cuz when I went thru all the tests, I just wanted clearance to get this done and I was one of the lucky ones to boot, but there are quite a few people that have problems afterward and then it is too late to go back and rectify it. You will ask yourself WHY if you were a high risk, WHY didn't someone advise against it. Please do your breathing exercises like the docs tell you, quit smoking if you smoke and do everything they tell you to a T. Best of luck!
   — Stacy B.

February 15, 2003
I'm the one who wrote. I have never smoked, and I was only diagnosed with mild asthma when I had a serious respritory infection. Dr. wants me to try it again with my inhaler. I have doubled it to 68(technician was new and I was holding the tube wrong in my mouth at first) and I don't know what he wants. No one will tell me anything. I certainly don't want to risk anything after surgery, but I sure wish someone would tell me what all that means, and what is normal.
   — Karen H.