Failed lung function

[Flymetothebeach]

Anyone had similar....was supposed to have aortic valve replacement Friday. Had a message from hospital to say I failed yesterday's lung function test. Bicuspid valve now with severe aortic stenosis. Worried sick... surgery cancelled 🤢

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

That is very tough. Sorry you have had this happen. Did they give you any advice/ treatment for your lungs, see if they could improve enough?

[Flymetothebeach in reply to Kristin1812]

I'm waiting to hear. Having slept very little I realized in the night if they thought I was too bad they would do something now. Never been a good breather ...

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Flymetothebeach]

Good thinking! I hope you get more inf, soon.

[Chappychap]

I'm sorry to hear that, surgery cancellation is unsettling at the best of times and to learn it's because of the lung test must be doubly so.

Heart surgery can typically reduce lung capacity by 50-60% immediately following the operation, and even patients who rigorously follow the post operation breathing exercises will typically take 3-6 months to recover their full lung capacity, I believe that some patients who don't implement the breathing exercise programme never get back to their pre-operative lung capacity. That's why this breathing test is so important, you need a certain degree of lung capacity going in to the operation, as you'll be well down on that score after the operation.

The good news is that you can significantly improve your breathing test results. Quit smoking, weight loss, regularly exercise, posture improvement, and daily deep breathing exercises can all significantly boost your scores. People on this forum who have had the same thing have said they were given guidance on how to prepare for a future test. If the hospital doesn't advise you perhaps you could speak to your GP, or phone one of the specialist cardio nurses at the BHF?

Good luck!

[Flymetothebeach in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you dearly. Will do all of the above....smoking not an issue.

[anthonycrispin131038]

Ask GP and Cardiologist if you could have a new op called a TAVI I had one 3 years ago instead of open heart surgery because of other health issue

[Flymetothebeach in reply to anthonycrispin131038]

It has been ruled out as too risky .. they are going to try and sort my lungs. You feeling good and doing well?;