HELP

[Guest guest]

Joann,For me, the 6 minute walk test can be an almost useless means of determining your pulmonary needs if not performed correctly. To begin, the results can vary greatly simply based upon how one is feeling the day the test is performed. Besides that, it is very important to receive proper instructions before conducting the test. I have received a variety of instructions for the 8-10 walking tests I have had to date. Until my last two (one performed at an IPF network center and another in a Pulmonary Rehab center), my other walks could have been as easy as a stroll in the park for although the tech did take into consideration the distance covered and what percentage that was over what it should be, there was no attempt made to repeat the tests

placing me under greater stress to meet the distance requirement. As a result of each of these earlier tests, there never a need for me to be on oxygen. Yet less than two months later (PFT's almost identical), when performing a 6 minute walk with the proper instructions to walk as fast as you can, it was determined my oxygen level had dropped into the 80's within the first two minutes of the exercise. This resulted in having to perform a second walk test during which time I received various amounts of oxygen as needed. From these latest tests it was determined not only should I be on oxygen when sleeping but whenever I performed such simple tasks as grocery shopping as well. As to an oximeter, I strongly suggest replacing yours, using it often and not leaving home without one.

Mike

[Guest guest]

>

> Joann,

>

> For me, the 6 minute walk test can be an almost useless means of determining

your pulmonary needs if not performed correctly.  To begin, the results can vary

greatly simply based upon how one is feeling the day the test is performed. 

Besides that, it is very important to receive proper instructions before

conducting the test.   I have received a variety of instructions for the 8-10

walking tests I have had to date.   Until my last two (one performed at an IPF

network center and another in a Pulmonary Rehab center), my other walks could

have been as easy as a stroll in the park for although the tech did take into

consideration the distance covered and what percentage that was over what it

should be, there was no attempt made to repeat the tests placing me under

greater stress to meet the distance requirement.  As a result of each of these

earlier tests, there never a need for me to be on oxygen.  Yet less than two

months later

> (PFT's almost identical), when performing a 6 minute walk with the proper

instructions to walk as fast as you can, it was determined my oxygen level had

dropped into the 80's within the first two minutes of the exercise.  This

resulted in having to perform a second walk test during which time

I received various amounts of oxygen as needed.  From these latest tests it was

determined not only should I be on oxygen when sleeping but whenever I performed

such simple tasks as grocery shopping as well.   As to an oximeter, I strongly

suggest replacing yours, using it often and not leaving home without one.

>  

> Mike

>

Hi, I have been on oxygen for a little over a year and my walk tests have always

shown me to be in the mid 80's. over the past 2 month's I have for some reason

lost over 30 pounds without trying. I did a sleep study 2 weeks ago and for my

sleep apnea the Dr has changed me from a c-pap set at 14 to a bi-pap machine set

at 19/14 again with oxygen. When I went into to get the new bi-pap machine last

week the tech took my bpo and it was 94 we did the 6 minute walk and it again

continued to be 94. He said I needed to make an appt with my Pulmonary Dr as

oxygen prescription requires an 88 to continue. Maybe I don't need it anymore. I

have IPF and the deep CT scan showed 2/3 in rt lung and 1/2 in the lft lung. The

biopsy showed that it was IPF. I will be thrilled if I can get off the oxygen.