For those of you who don't have cystic fibrosis or don't know anyone with the disease, PFT's are the equivalent of taking a final exam that means a high percentage of your final grade. In other words, my blood pressure may be good, my weight may be fine and my lungs may sound clear but it's the pulmonary function test that usually determines a good appointment versus a bad one.
When doing a PFT, you have to take a deep breath and then blow as hard as you can for several seconds and then breathe back in. Each patient does this 3 to 6 times or until he or she is completely out of breath. The doctors then use these tests to determine the amount and the rate of air that you breathe in and out over a period of time.
I have prepared for this test since the day the IV's were removed from my right arm back on March 27th. I have been going to a trainer twice a week, adding another aerosol once a day on weekdays and have been gaining weight to the best of my ability. I'm doing treatments three times a day now and working out 7 days a week (sometimes twice a day). I'm even taking practice PFT's with a new portable device.
I'm working hard as I'm motivated to stay strong not only for me but for Andrea and the kids.
Who couldn't be motivated by these 3?
A few months ago, I weighed between 165 and 170 and my doctor was adamant that I gain more weight. Today I weigh between 175 and 180.
The test has me on edge this week but tomorrow I'll put on my game face and show the doctors at the clinic that over the last few months I've been making CF stand for Can Fight.
Regardless of how my appointment goes, I know one thing for sure.
"I have cystic fibrosis but it will never have me!"
I've never been more sure of that.
Thanks for reading.
Andy
Update: Andy's PFT results were a 78 which was 6 points higher than last time. No IV's! Great news!
