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Patient Humor: Doug's Ode To The Incentive Spirometer

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: December 4, 2024

I never imagined this... But, thank the heavens for the fun and humor of patients in our online support community.

Doug Fults (Heart Valve Surgery Patient at Cleveland Clinic)

Doug Fults, who recently had a successful mitral valve repair procedure performed by Dr. Marc Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic, just posted... Yes... A poem titled, "Ode To The Incentive Spirometer". As you may know, the incentive spirometer is a medical apparatus used for measuring the volume of air inspired and expired by the lungs. The use of an incentive spirometer after heart surgery has many benefits for patients.

Doug's Ode To The Incentive Spirometer

Here is Doug's poem that was posted at his Heart Valve Journal:

'O Inspirometer, how I love thee!
You expand my lungs to once again breathe freely
... Demanding nothing in return beyond a steady exhale.
You reward me with a productive cough, of dislodged phlegm
... Accomplished with minimal effort.
You ease the pain of coughing
... Buffering my exploding exhales like a big fluffy cushion!
'O Inspirometer, I am forever in your debt.

I am still laughing out loud. Thanks so much for sharing Doug!

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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