Breathing tests for feeding tube.

[mickmac]

Hi all

I'm due to have a rig tube inserted in the next few weeks and wanted to ask what sort of breathing tests are done beforehand. I know my breathing is a bit worse but I don't have any actual numbers. Are there loads of different tests and do many people fail them.

Mick.

[Gillette]

Hi Mick,

I am due to have a PEG fitted on Monday. I don't know the names of the breathing tests but they were not onerous and probably took a maximum of 30 minutes overall. If they are concerned about your breathing and/or coughing, they may offer you a Cough Assist machine and/or a Non-Invasive Ventilator (NIV).

I was told that I need to be comfortable using the NIV before the PEG is fitted as I will have to use it during the procedure.

Obviously things may be different for having a RIG fitted but I thought what I've said may be helpful.

[Terry]

Hi Mick;

I doubt that they will do any breathing tests if you're having a RIG opp because they are not sedating you and they have access to your breathing at all times.

When did you last have breathing tests?

Love Terry

[mickmac]

Probably six months or so. I've neglected my breathing a bit.

[Ellie]

Hi Mick,

Did someone mention your breathing in relation to the RIG procedure?

As Terry said, the RIG procedure can be done even if your breathing is quite poor (a Nippy / NIV / BiPAP can be used during the procedure if necessary)

Breathing tests come in different forms - the simple SNIP test, which the physiotherapist does in Beaumont MND Clinic, takes only a couple of minutes, gives an accurate snapshot of lung function. And there isn't a pass or fail result, just numbers.

Hope the procedure goes well for you.

Love Ellie.

[Catsparkle]

I had some as a pre peg screening last week . In one i breathed in deeply and out completely into a tube in my mouth like an inhaler. They took blood from an artery (wrist or earlobe) cos it shows blood oxygen levels more accurately than veins. I had a thing like a vicks inhaler up one nostril, they closed the other and i had to sniff and the last one was a finger clip attached to an oxygen monitor watch i had to wear overnight. Everyone was super nice

[Sueb]

Hi Mick

When Steve had his Rig fitted they just did bloods especially blood clotting, it took them 5 goes at this! Steve doesn’t like to give his blood away! and arterial blood gasses.

Sue