Does anyone have COPD? - ThinnerTimes

GrammaCeeCee · 05-24-2008, 01:11 PM

I'm just wondering how hard the "breathing" exercises are right after surgery?

I have emphysema with a lung volume of 43%. That's actually the only part that "scares" me about having the surgery. But I had both hips replaced last year and did just great.

Thanks for any info.
Christie

5-5-08 First seminar
5-27-08 First appointment with Dr. Callery
291/286/155
Highest/Current/Goal

Claire-in-Texas · 05-24-2008, 01:44 PM

Ahhhh, it's always a pleasure to see people here who are closer to my age!!!! You go, girl!

I am confident that your surgeon can answer the breathing issues for you. He wants a successful surgery as much as you do - and you have the best!

The very best of luck to you!

fisher1000 · 05-24-2008, 01:54 PM

I've got pretty severe asthma, and my breathing was fine after the surgery, even with the spirometer, which I did as instructed.

Since the surgery, my asthma's been MUCH improved...to the point that I've been forgetting to use the daily inhaler, and NEVER use the rescue inhaler anymore. (The asthma's not gone--but it's SOOO much better!)

Good luck--I'm sure you'll be fine!

-Mike

MiladyB · 05-25-2008, 12:31 PM

The breathing 'exercises' are pretty much self controlled so they aren't hard. You get an incentive spirometer or sometimes known as a respirex that the doctor will want you to use. You suck in on it like drinking from a straw and make the balls go up or whatever kind of moving part it has. You can set a goal for yourself in how many balls go up or how high the sliding part rises. The deeper breath you can take in the better. The big thing is to do it often (10x's every hour) and to try to increase the depth of your breathes each time. Those are the big things. Now with the COPD you are more prone to developing some problems after surgery so you will have to be attentive to how you feel and be vigilant at moving around and doing the breathing exercises.