How to pass pulmonary breathing test for surgery surgery clearance?

[mitseyjuju]

2 weeks ago, I failed pulmonary breathing test.I've smoked 44 years, and been told I have COPD. What can I do to pass same test in 2 days? Thanks for any help! I was also told my lungs are of an 80 yr old, I'm 62.

[Ergendl]

Hi, Mitseyjuju. I'm not sure that I can help you, but I'm sure someone will be along soon who has more experience about breathing tests for surgery. I suspect that the cut off points in the tests have been set to ensure people accepted for surgery have a better chance of a successful operation. All the best, M.

[CornishBrian]

On an webinaire last year, the head of the Respiratory department said that to look at just one result of a lung function checking was utterly useless.... so forget your lung age. He explained that if some one asked you how your car performed on a long journey and you answer "MPH", it would mean nothing....thats the same for our lung function results. The only suggestion I have is get as much traffic and pollutant free air into your lungs as you can. If you live in a highly populated area, go to a park but before you go, go to the British Lung web page and watch some of their breathing techniques videos and practice them at home and in the fresh air. Stay well away from traffic fumes, bon fires, smokers etc. Good Luck.

[rubyred777]

Don't think there's to much you can do in two days. Maybe two mos. Exercise would help, and breathing exercises.

Thats such a short time span, there's not much you can do. Maybe someone else will give you an idea. I would like to see it myself.

Good luck

Rubyxx 😊

[mmzetor]

two days don't seem long to improve things maybe some one can help you , good luck take care

[maccas]

Hi

I am 57 year old lady with severe COPD and lung cancer. I went through all the pulmonary breathing tests and surprisingly passed them all which should have made me suitable for lung surgery. However the surgeon at Harefield was not convinced he did a Mediastinoscopy on me prior to lung surgery. A couple of days before I was due lung surgery he informed me that my other lung would not cope during surgery as I had ran into difficulties in the mediastinoscopy and he had grave concerns I would not get off the operating table or my hubby would have a choice of switching off machine at some point. I was disappointed as I had passed all the necessary tests. So I think what I am trying to say is do not stress yourself out about the tests just take your time with each one Take a deep breathe and blow as hard as you feel able. I always chewed gum prior to any test it helped keep my mouth moist and I didn't cough prior to the tests.

For info, I think he made the right call not to operate as that was two years ago and I am still clinging to life with all my might and still not ready to give up yet! I reached by two year goal I celebrated my Ruby Wedding Anniversary this weekend thT was a big achievement for be.

Good luck with your tests x

[y_not in reply to maccas]

Happy Anniversary!

[maccas in reply to y_not]

Thank you x

[speedy17]

Hi i got told i had the lungs of a 99 year old I'm 69 also I've got copd. Only see my nurse once a year. Also i am still working

[Catnip]

Forget about the surgery. You need to stop smoking for a start, and to take daily exercise just to help yourself. If you have COPD, both are a necessity, anyway. You will stand a chance of living a longer, more active life... Otherwise, you will end up using oxygen on a long-term basis and being unable to walk for any distance.

[Grasso97]

Try not to worry about lung age, I don't know why doctors frighten people with all this nonsense . I am 62, have a lung age of 80. I have bronchitis and late onset asthma..Today I pushed my 2 year old grandson about 5 miles to town and back, yes I was pretty tired after, but I don't know many 80 year olds who could have managed it. Try not to worry too much, get as much exercise as you can manage.x

[Dragonmum]

Speedy, your post made me giggle - you really have a great attitude and you'll never let the baxtards grind you down!!!! Goes for you too Grasso97.

[y_not]

Well! We started smoking at the same time ... 44 years ago! Like you, I'm a 62 year old.

I stopped 4 years ago and just managed to slow the rate at which my lungs are dying! Your lungs simply won't get better - that's COPD for you!

The only advice I can offer is stop smoking because, if you don't then no operation is going to really help because the cigarettes will still get you!

Good luck.