Question:
My dr is sending me for pulmonary clearance has anyone else had to do this?

It is due to something that showed up on my stress test but they did not tell me what. I am somewhat nervous. I have to go get a chest xray and then go see the pulmonary specialist.    — alynn (posted on June 15, 2004)

June 15, 2004
Every patient who sees my surgeon has to have a pulmonary workup. For some that is just a chest xray and an exam. For others it is a sleep study as well as other tests. This is actually one of the most important preop visits. Sleep apnea, if you have it, is the most important thing to know about before having anesthesia and surgery.
   — Carol S.

June 15, 2004
Hi Alisha, Don't worry to much about having to see the pulmonary specialist. It was required by my insurance company before undergoing such a long procedure. Don't be surprised if you have to have a pulmonary funtion test along with your chest exray. This too was required for my insurance. Good luck, and don't worry to much. See you on the loosing side!!! Steph
   — steph40928

June 16, 2004
Yep! Par for the course. I had to go to a Pulminalogist as did everyone I know who has had this surgery. Trust me, your doctor will not send you to anyone who is going to hurt you. This is for your own good and it will not hurt a bit.
   — cindirella

June 16, 2004
hi, i had to go have the pulmonary function test. it wasn't *hard*...but it did give me a headache...but it was only one portion of the test that gave me the headache, and really it was like a "brainfreeze" headache...it went away in a few minutes. it's good to know that your breathing is good enough. i think it's done for the anesthesiology department as much as anything else. it wasn't too bad.
   — kelly S.

June 17, 2004
My surgeon required this of all his patients. It wasn't a difficult test, but a long and annoying one. I smoked for 15 years prior to the test...so I was really scared!! But I passed with flying colors. Don't stress over it, you sit and breathe into a machine for what feels like 10 days.
   — RebeccaP

June 21, 2004
I had to go through the pulmonary clearance also. I smoked for 32 years so I was terrified but passed with flying colors. I also had some things come up on my stress test and that scared the heck out of me. They sent me to a cardio vascular surgeon and they found out that what the problem was from me being so large and the machine cast shadows that looked like blockages. Everything turned out ok. I know how you feel and wish you all the luck in the world and my prayers are with you.
   — strmybreeze