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Breathing Function Test


Gamblerpl

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I'm new at this so I'm just jumping right in. I have a Breathing Function Test on 10/27/04. Does anyone have idea what I'm suppose to be registering on the spirometer... you know the little breathing thingie... I may have called it something it's not, so keep me straight!!! I'm really tring to keep a positive attitude about all this, but am so worried about my breathing and what's going to be expected. Guess ole Doc figured if he didn't tell me, I'd work harder! :lol: But I'm getting discouraged at my progress or lack there of!

We have just moved into a brand new building with everything being new, including desk, book cases, chairs, the whole nine yards. Needless to say there are a lot of odors that get to the throat and lungs and cause the old broncs to close up (a little asthma here :( ) and it's hindering my breathing. I have to work and be in this building.... so does anyone have any ideas how I can bring up the breathing? Are inhalers allowed? I don't use one except when I have broncitus, usually the only time I have asthma problems!

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Paula,

I was so worried about my breathing tests as well. They said I passed but barely. Now I have to use a breather almost everyday but it is sure worth it. I used two...aerobid (steroid) and atrovent (bronchodialator). After a few days I am back to normal. I think the radiation did me more harm than the surgery, as far as the breathing goes. I have a wheeze now that I did not have prior. I am not sure what the minimum range for the inspirator is but the higher the better. Keep doing it several times a day and maybe it will increase your capacity. Maybe Doc Joe will answer your question...he has some great answers.

Nina

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Paula,

If I were you....

You mentioned having bronchitis and now suspect allergies. And you mention that you use an inhaler only when you have bronchitis flares...

You have a pulmonary function test to see what your pulmonary function is :wink: so that the doctors can better treatment plan your cancer and how they will proceed.. (that would be one of the reasons, anyway). If you do not yet have a pulmonologist, get one. If you have an allergist/immunologist, use him/her. If you do not have either of these docs, then use your primary doc to get permission to use an inhaler or inhalers to get your lungs in the best possible shape that they can be.

It is my understanding that you are a lucky candidate for surgery. You will need all the help you can get. If you will be having this test done by a pulmonologist, then that doc will be able to guide you with the treatment that will give you the optimal success. Based on your med history and your PFT, this doctor may prescribe oral medications, including antihistamines or steroids to reduce the inflammation in your airways. If there is an infection, then antibiotics, of course. You would be given inhalers to use as needed or on a daily basis.

I would try to get a jump on it now by visiting my PCP or specialist... to see exactly what they would recommend.

I hope that this makes sense to you.

Good luck! And keep asking questions!

(You may not get the right answers, :? but keep asking anyway)

Cindi o'h

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Paula,

The Respiratory Technician who is doing the Pulmonary Function Tests is supposed to tell you what you should and shouldn't do before the tests. I was always instructed to NOT use any inhalers prior to testing because it would skewer the results. And also, one of the things they did was test the PFTs before a bronchodilater and after to see if there was any improvement. Call the place where the tests will be done and ask. What they expect for one of us may not be safe for another.

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Paula,

Good luck with the surgery. The pulmonary function test is to make sure you'll have lung power enough to breathe alright after the surgery.

The incentive respirometer is to build up lung capacity for the test, and for your own good. I had one of those welded to my hand after my surgery. Called it "Uncle Willy".

XOXOOXXOXOXO

Prayers always,

MaryAnn

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Paula, it depends on how much lung your surgeon is planning on removing. Generally, if you are going to have a lobectomy most surgeons will want to see a test called the FEV1 higher than 1.2 liters. That is the amount of air you can blow out in one second. If you are going to have a pneumonectomy they may want to see 2 liters. If you are close and can have just a wedge resection, they may be able to get away with lesser lung function.

One thing I always try to do, especially if you are/have been a smoker, is get your lungs "trained" to pass the test. Some people who are close with some "tuning up" (i.e. quitting smoking even for a little while, steroid medicine, inhalers and exercise) can improve their numbers enough to make them eligible for the surgery. If its an issue then it would be good to see a pulmonologist for a little lung tune-up. And if you have a little asthma, by all means inhalers are allowed. Remember, this test determines if you get to have the best cancer treatment so you want to score as high as possible.

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Thank you all for your advice and kind words! It really helps to have opinions of others that know what we're going through.

Thank you Doc Joe for taking your time to help. I went to my primary care Dr today because of the trouble I've been having with my breathing in our new office and he ran a PFT to see were I was and what was going on. The FEV1 was .88 :cry: pre drug and 1.08 post drug. Not good Huh??? He wouldn't say a whole lot, but did put me on Advair 250/50 and an Albuterol inhaler, and told me to take a copy of the test to UAB when I go on the 28th.

This is what I know about the surgery at this point... The surgeon said he was going to remove the upper right lobe of lung, taking 3/19 of my lung and I would have 16/19 left?? :? I listened to the tape again to be sure I have the fractions right, and that's what he said.... Does that make any sense to you? He said he'd go into more detail when he sees me on the 28th..

I was a smoker, but have quit, that's really really hard.. but I have a guardian angel that rides on my shoulder that keeps me straight. Sometimes I want to knock her off and lock her in the closet!!! But... she's there to help me so I won't abuse her!!!

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