Re: Question about heart rate

[Guest guest]

Sunny,

I would be concerned about your heart rate also. Has the doctor suggested an echocardiogram? Your heart seems to be working very very hard to get oxygen to your body. This is a concern that I would bring to my doctor asap. Have you gotten any feedback from the doctor concerning your overnight sats? I would think that dropping to 81 should bring an immediate prescription for oxygen to be used at night at the very least.

I understand that insurance won't pay for oxygen when you stay above 90 (Medicare has the same types of guidelines) but I'm curious about what they had you doing at the office when they were measuring your sats? Did they do a full 6 minute walk? You and I have around the same lung function (about 40%). It always fascinates me how differently our bodies react and cope with these illnesses. I've been on oxygen for almost 3 years now and without it I wouldn't be conscious for very long. LOL

We talked here a couple of days ago about 24 hour oximeter test. Yours is a situation where it might really be valuable. If your doctor does not want to do that I would keep a detailed diary of your sats using your own oximeter and get it to him. I suspect you are probably dropping below 90 on a regular basis as you go through your day. The way our sats respond in the controlled environment of our doctors office if often very different from the way the respond in our every day lives.

Beth

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2009 12:22:27 AMSubject: Question about heart rate

I forgot I also have a question. My heart rate after a very short walk around the Pulmo doc's office was 186. Doc questioned whether I had been checked for an enlarged heart in the last few years. Is this a symptom of IPF? Does anyone else have this? I have been paying attention to that number on my O2 meter now and almost any activity elevates my heart rate really high. Any thoughts are welcome. And Jack I will be at the picnic and I am bringing Haggis.

Sunny, IPF 09, Idaho