I was in congestive heart failure, so, yes, I was having problems breathing pre-op. Had problems post-op too. Could not master the dreaded spirometer.
Spirometer
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I was in congestive heart failure, so, yes, I was having problems breathing pre-op. Had problems post-op too. Could not master the dreaded spirometer.
N
Nancy jane
Ok. Ovie. And Lisa. U r up ! Will be thinking of u both. Home 3 days & had a breakfast out today. Beautiful day. It's all good on the other side Think only fun good positive thoughts. Feeling better every minute Amazing Thx to all who kept me pumped up. Much appreciated. And I know helped. You will want to let the group know ASAP & Try & get someone to do this part for u if u can It's hard to come back & check in without help. Hang on & enjoy the ride ! Nancy
I never even heard of one of these gizmos until I was post-surgery and I found it to be an annoyance. Yes, a helpful one, I suppose, but for heaven's sake, I wouldn't worry about it pre-surgery. I have no idea what my numbers were; they let me know they weren't satisfied with my oxygen intake so I walked more and yes blew into the thingie. But was glad to be rid of it as soon as possible. Don't care to ever see one again. 
Jkm7
Well-known member
My first OHS was emergency with no warning so I had no time to learn about anything. They gave me the spirometer after I left CICU (about day 4) and I had trouble with it at first but kept getting better. Do the best you can as it does help but it definitely is not something for you to worry about in advance.
My second OHS at same hospital, I knew what to expect and sure enough, as soon as I was moved to step down, they gave me a newer model spirometer. One of my nurses said to me that taking deep breaths frequently, as deep as you can, will accomplish the same thing.
It is important to take the deepest breaths you can and if it causes coughing, that will get phelgm out of your lungs which is a very good thing.
My second OHS at same hospital, I knew what to expect and sure enough, as soon as I was moved to step down, they gave me a newer model spirometer. One of my nurses said to me that taking deep breaths frequently, as deep as you can, will accomplish the same thing.
It is important to take the deepest breaths you can and if it causes coughing, that will get phelgm out of your lungs which is a very good thing.
Ovie
Well-known member
Awesome to hear things are going well Nancy!
Thanks Nancy! Glad to hear from you!
