Final test for transplant and i'm scared

[PaDude]

I've taken all the transplant center test, from stress test through colonoscopy and have pased all with flying colors.  Now, because the cardiologist heard a wheeze in my lungs, i gave to go for a pulmonary finction test.  Having been a smoker who quit only a few short months ago i'm worried that a failure on the PFT will put an end to my hope of a transplant.  I should add that the wheeze the cardio heard was probably from my allergy which was acting up and i was not medicating.  Oh, and i've neveer had shortness of breath or any other breathing related issues.

Has anybody else been in this position and help tell me what to expect?

[Cordelia]

I've not heard of the test, what exactly they going to do? I don't understand.

Hope it goes well and doesn't intefere with a possible transplant     

[Rerun]

I've not had that one..... amazing... I thought I'd had them all.

Just do it.  Get it over with.  That is all you can do.  Let us know what they do.

                 

[okarol]

Did they say if the pulmonary test requires injected dye? Be careful if that's the case.
Hopefully they are just being cautious and you'll come through just fine. good luck!

[PaDude]

Did some digging and found it it's being required by my HMO.  Seems they want it to see how long i'll need a ventilator after the possible transplant ( i have a few friends and relatives who are possibles - won't test them until i'm on the list).  Still nervous not knowing what to expect and if the test can end my hopes for a transplant.

[MooseMom]

I think it's important to understand certain things about the pre-tx testing process.  They don't put you through these tests with the sole view of excluding you from the list.  Obviously, if they find you have cancer or if you have something that they feel will kill you during surgery, then you won't be listed.  If they find something that puts your health in danger, then they will want you to have it treated/cured so that THEN you can be listed.  But also, they want to know if you will need any special support during surgery so that they can provide it.  If they are made aware through the testing procedure that you have some respiratory problem that might be exacerbated by a particular anesthetic, for example, then they will want to know that so that they can avoid this particular drug.  So, it's not that they are looking for ways to prevent you from being listed, rather, they want to know if you may have any special need they need to address before you are subjected to the trauma of surgery and the post-tx drug protocol.

Maybe this link will give you some reassurance..

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003853.htm

Let us know for when your test is scheduled.  I think that perhaps you can feel a little reassurance knowing it was your HMO and not your doctor who is recommending this test.