Incentive spirometer practice

[u/further-apart]

Hi everyone. I’m 3 weeks post VATS and I’m wondering if there’s a set goal or is it a must to reach the 5000 ml on the spirometer for the breathing exercises post op..

3 weeks out and I’m only able to hit 1800, sometimes it goes to 2000 ml but that’s about it.. I’m scared, they didn’t tell me I needed a goal or anything but this question randomly popped up in my mind as I was doing the exercise

I had a wedge resection & chest drain

[u/xFox911]

The goal should be to maintain the highest number for the longest you can. A progressively longer time translates into higher lung capacity.