http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/10/22/video-incentive-spirometer-instructions-directions/#comment-16011 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:55:37 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/10/22/video-incentive-spirometer-instructions-directions/#comment-16011 Janice: After my mitral valve repair surgery, I was very compliant about using the spirometer during the 8 days I was in the hospital (due to Adam's book!). I had no pulmonary issues while in the hospital, despite being asthmatic. However, I became more lax about using it at home. I developed a mild (but scary and painful) case of pleural effusion. It disappeared when I went back to hourly use of the spirometer. When I vacationed in Florida 6 weeks after my surgery, I began to experience the symptoms of pleural effusion again. I had brought the spirometer with me and, once again, when I increased my use of it, the symptoms were immediately alleviated. Lesson I learned: use the spirometer as often as recommended by your doctor!! Janice:
After my mitral valve repair surgery, I was very compliant about using the spirometer during the 8 days I was in the hospital (due to Adam’s book!). I had no pulmonary issues while in the hospital, despite being asthmatic.
However, I became more lax about using it at home. I developed a mild (but scary and painful) case of pleural effusion. It disappeared when I went back to hourly use of the spirometer.
When I vacationed in Florida 6 weeks after my surgery, I began to experience the symptoms of pleural effusion again. I had brought the spirometer with me and, once again, when I increased my use of it, the symptoms were immediately alleviated.
Lesson I learned: use the spirometer as often as recommended by your doctor!!

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