Re: PFT test

[Guest guest]

PFT-pulmonary function test--normally takes about an hour--because of wait time

in between the various tests it took a little over an hour.  This one did not

seem as stressful as the first one I had done.  My pulmonologist ordered the

first one three years ago because she could not believe the peak flow meter

reading...., I asked for this one because I wanted to see if there was any

change since having been on xolair.  She was in agreement since it had been so

long.  You cannot have any caffeine, or use any inhalers or take any asthma meds

five hours before the test.  I will know more about the results after I see the

pulmo a week from Monday.

 

From what I understand it tests the amount of diffusion of gases, what the total

lung capacity is for taking in air, how much air the lungs are expelling-capable

of expelling.  There are three different tests and the first one is repeated

after a nebulizer albuterol treatment which determines how much meds help open

up the lungs.  That as much as I understand the tests. 

 

Adah, I'm curious about your experience with the pft. I considered them to

border on torture! Finally learned, just before I quit altogether that I could

refuse to go on with the test since I was so dizzy and felt so bad for quite a

while afterward. In fact, I can remember leaving the building still feeling

" looped " and certainly should not have been driving right then.