Respiratory breathing tests

Or, basically, what Callistemon said . Sorry.

I've had several, for a still undiagnosed breathing issue.

If it's spirometry, you breathe through a tube into various things - bags, machines etc. You will be asked to hold your breath at times, and to breathe out as hard as you can at others.

It's non-invasive and painless, and takes about 20 minutes. Nothing to worry about at all.

I sat in with DH when he had one recently; it didn't take long, about 20 minutes and involved breathing out into a tube connected to a large machine which records breathing and lung function.
The technician was very good and explained everything carefully.

"I hope that you’re doing well Ashcombe."

Yes, thank you, FannyCornforth, although it's proved to be a long haul (9months since the operation day) with unexpected side effects, not all entirely physical. Within the last 10 days. I've told my DH that I'm starting to feel normal (he's running scared!!) again and able to feel joy in the pleasures of life. He has helped with encouragement all the way, as has my involvement in amdram where we have a lovely gang of folk attempting to stage a few episodes of Dad's Army, our Summer season offering.

Thanks again it’s good to know that Gransnet members can be so helpful.

I’m pleased that Ashcombe and I (DH really!) have put your mind at rest Redhead

I hope that you’re doing well Ashcombe

M0nica

I have had one in the surgery several times. I was just asked to blow into something like a breathalyser bag for as long as I could - and that was it.

I think that’s different to the hospital ones

I have had one in the surgery several times. I was just asked to blow into something like a breathalyser bag for as long as I could - and that was it.

Thank you both so much I have been panicking about this which makes me cough more! I imagined being there for ages and fighting for my breath even more I will look up the website mentioned.

I had a respiratory function test prior to my open heart surgery last year and I think it was fairly straightforward and didn't take long. The BHF site provides helpful information:-

www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/what-is-a-lung-function-test#

Hello. My DH has them at least once a year.
I’ve just asked him what they entail.
He says that they are absolutely nothing to worry about, and that you’ll be relaxed and comfortable throughout.
You are seated, and the practitioner will listen to various areas of your chest.
You’ll blow into a machine which monitors pressure and various other things.
He says that the whole thing takes about 15 minutes