I just got a call from my surgeon's office and they said i have to have a pulmonary function test done, because my spirometer test came back negative or someting?? What happens with a PFT? And if i don't pass will they cancel my surgery?????

I just got a call from my surgeon's office and they said i have to have a pulmonary function test done, because my spirometer test came back negative or someting?? What happens with a PFT? And if i don't pass will they cancel my surgery?????

I had one of these done. I highly doubt they will cancel your surgery. They need to do it to make sure your breathing is good and your lungs are working good. If they aren't they will do what they can to make it better for you...an inhaler maybe.

You will do some breathing tests by breathing into a machine. The tests are kind of strange but nothing to worry about and it doesn't hurt. This tests how your lungs work. If it all looks good that is all the testing you will need. Mine showed that I was a little off the charts (not sure the medical terms). I then had to use an inhaler and do the tests again. This time they were fine. That showed that during my recovery I would most likely need to use my inhaler to make sure my lungs were working at their best.

I also had to have blood gasses done. Basically they take blood but it is usually taken on the inside of your wrist I think it's through an artery or near an artery. I was so nervous about these bc I have worked in a hospital in the past and have seen these done. I got myself all worked up but in the end it didn't hurt bad at all and it was nothing to get worked up over. Not trying to scare you I just want you to know so you aren't surprised when you get there.

I'm not sure if this is standard all over but this was my experience. Good luck!

THANK YOU SOOOO VERY MUCH! it has been heck going through the approval process and getting all these tests done. Now they say i need this one as well. I really need this surgery bad and i will be devistated if they cancel my surgery. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. YOu have made me feel a bit more at ease. THANK YOU!!!

I had one of these done. I highly doubt they will cancel your surgery. They need to do it to make sure your breathing is good and your lungs are working good. If they aren't they will do what they can to make it better for you...an inhaler maybe.

You will do some breathing tests by breathing into a machine. The tests are kind of strange but nothing to worry about and it doesn't hurt. This tests how your lungs work. If it all looks good that is all the testing you will need. Mine showed that I was a little off the charts (not sure the medical terms). I then had to use an inhaler and do the tests again. This time they were fine. That showed that during my recovery I would most likely need to use my inhaler to make sure my lungs were working at their best.

I also had to have blood gasses done. Basically they take blood but it is usually taken on the inside of your wrist I think it's through an artery or near an artery. I was so nervous about these bc I have worked in a hospital in the past and have seen these done. I got myself all worked up but in the end it didn't hurt bad at all and it was nothing to get worked up over. Not trying to scare you I just want you to know so you aren't surprised when you get there.

I'm not sure if this is standard all over but this was my experience. Good luck!

One more question, did they ever mention it MIGHT postpone or cancel your surgery when your results were" off the charts?"

No, not at all. I wasn't "off the charts" as in crazy off the charts. It was more like on the computer there is a line that your breathing/lungs should be in when you breathe into the machine...mine was not quite where it should be on the line. It's hard to explain. So it wasn't that I was way off. I used the inhaler and then I was right where I needed to be.

I really don't think they would cancel your surgery unless you have a lung problem or something. I have asthma so that is why my tests came out the way they did. Do you know if you have asthma? Are you a smoker?

Not a smoker. i smoked in high school but that was forever ago. When i did the stress test, i couldn't finish it . and was like wheezing like crazy. i was never diagnosed with asthma...but maybe. I run out of breath fast and easily. and i just thought it was because i gained so much weight.im praying its something they will "treat" and not have to postpone or cancel my surgery:(

No, not at all. I wasn't "off the charts" as in crazy off the charts. It was more like on the computer there is a line that your breathing/lungs should be in when you breathe into the machine...mine was not quite where it should be on the line. It's hard to explain. So it wasn't that I was way off. I used the inhaler and then I was right where I needed to be.

I really don't think they would cancel your surgery unless you have a lung problem or something. I have asthma so that is why my tests came out the way they did. Do you know if you have asthma? Are you a smoker?

did you run out of breath easily? Or what kind of symtoms if any did you have?

Yes I am sure it is just the asthma.Do you use an inhaler now? I really think you will be ok and be able to have the surgery. Think positive thoughts!

I also had a stress test and did fine with it. Even though I am overweight I enjoy exercise and I do/did before surgery, exercise on a regular basis. I might suggest to you to start walking slowly just to strengthen yourself for recovery. I strongly believe I have had such a good recovery bc I was active bf the surgery.

I did used to run out of breath easily with my asthma, especially when I worked out. About a year ago I started working with a trainer and he really worked on deep breathing and strengthening my lungs. This helped so much! I no longer need to use my inhaler when I work out. My asthma now only acts up when my allergies act up.

Thank you for all your advice. I will definately start walking as much as i can i know it will help in recovery. Thanks for taking time out to share with me