Just wondering......

[Lilian226]

Is the 6 minute walk test done to determine if the patient qualifies for oxygen? Lilian xxxxx

[Bevvy]

If it is for PR course then done for 2 reasons. 1 to see if possibly need oxygen on exertion? And 2 they will do a second walk test at end of PR course and compare the results. What they are expecting is an improvement following PR course.

[Lilian226 in reply to Bevvy]

Hi Bevvy, I'm just a bit worried. My walk test was stopped half way through this morning, due to drop in oxygen levels, the nurse said it went down to 80, it was just casual walking, I felt fine, no SOB. So I don't now know whether it is safe to exercise in case my oxygen levels drop or just carry on as normal. Lilian xxxxx

[Bevvy in reply to Lilian226]

They will want to talk through the results and probably check again in case it was just a one off blip.

It maybe they suggest ambulatory oxygen and this is to ensure your organs are ok. Whatever the outcome you will be encouraged to exercise because this can improve things physically for you.

Oxygen won't help shortness of breathe it isn't for that.

[bayleyray-uk in reply to Bevvy]

Before I was given ambulatory oxygen I had a full oxygen test and blood gasses a ten minute walk without oxygen then a rest and a further ten min walk with oxygen in hospital. On that I was decided I needed the oxygen for walking and exercise. Going back on Friday as I'm having probs maintaining O2 stats of 88 unless I'm sitting really still, hey ho.

[Lilian226 in reply to bayleyray-uk]

I didn't think I had a problem with oxygen. Can this be helped without having ambulatory oxygen. I'm probably just worrying about nothing. I do hope you can get stabilised. Do you just have to sit until the problem is sorted? hey ho. Lilianxxxxx

[Dipsey in reply to Lilian226]

When I did my first test my oxygen level dropped too and I was told I qualified for an oxygen assessment. I said I'd decide at the end of the pr course and didn't bother with it. I've learnt to control my breathing rather than using oxygen

[Lilian226 in reply to Dipsey]

I don't know if I could be so brave, I'm a bit of a worrier. I probably don't need it, my breathing was really good on the short 'walk'. Good for you that you're managing without it. Did you learn your breathing control at the PR? Lilian xxxxx

[Dipsey in reply to Lilian226]

Partly but when I do different kinds of exercise I try to work out how to breathe to make it work for me. For example to walk up hill more efficiently I make sure I stop before I get too breathless and that way it doesn't tire me so quickly

[Lilian226 in reply to Dipsey]

It takes a lot of effort doesn't it? I need something to get me going. I can always think of a good reason not to do something. That's why, for me, PR will be good, other people's get up and go, will encourage me. Haven't walked up a hill for a long time. Have a good night. Lilian xxxxxxx

[Toci in reply to Lilian226]

I used to feel exactly the same until I attended PR and someone came to give a talk about the importance of exercise and I will never forget them talking about the risk of 'suicide by sofa', in other words people who choose to sit and die. It sounds really harsh but it's true. If you don't use it you WILL lose it and quickly get to a point where it would be too difficult if not impossible to pull it back. It scared me because I realised that is what I was in danger of doing. I then found that once I started exercising I came to enjoy it. I hope this helps you.

Oh, and I also was assessed as needing oxygen and I do use it 24/7 now because I would never risk slowly but surely damaging my internal organs by allowing my oxygen to drop too low.

[Lilian226 in reply to Toci]

It does help, thank you Toci. I know there is a danger of reaching a point of no return, I won't do that but I know I could do more and will do. The low oxygen level knocked me back a bit when I did the walk so will now take it a bit steady until I start the PR. I hope you are well. Lilian xxxxx

[stone-UK]

Hi

The decision for me to use Ambulitory oxygen was taken at pulmonary rehablitation during my assessment she noticed my breathing difficulties, when standing and sitting after taken of my coat for blood pressure check.

Resulted in walking test, where sats dropped to 83% further test with 1lpm then 2 LPM . Which is what I used during the pulmonary rehablitation course, and since for exercise and walking around. Now on 4 lpm.

If your sats dropped to 80% they would look at your recovery time to see whether you would benefit from Ambulitory oxygen.

[Lilian226 in reply to stone-UK]

Yes, Stone, she said the recovery time was a little slow. I'm just a little concerned that I had to stop walking because of drop in oxygen, didn't continue the test, so do I now carry on as normal or take it easy just in case the oxygen level drops. I had no trouble at all walking. Is ambulatory oxygen just used when moving about? I might get an oximeter just to keep an eye on it. I wish I had a little bit of your knowledge Stone. Thank you. Lilian xxxxxx

[stone-UK in reply to Lilian226]

Hi

I would carry on as normal rest when breathless.

Mention your concerns at the start of the pulmonary rehablitation course, they will monitor you with a suitable oximeter that can be used when moving around.

I used one on my first day, it was a wristband oximeter with finger probe, it gives a more accurate result when moving around.

Ambulitory does mean walking.

[Lilian226]

I will wait Stone until I start the course, they will obviously have my details. Have a relaxed evening. Thank you Lilian xxxxxx

[lKeith]

Lilian226

Hi Lilian,

The walk test is to determine how far you can walk at the begining of the course, then again at the end to see if you have improved. If oxygen is needed it is a by-product and the physios will usually write to your GP.

Keith

[Lilian226 in reply to lKeith]

That's what I thought Keith, but I could have walked a lot longer so I don't know what it will be judged on at the end of the course. A cooler day today. Lilian xxxxxx

[lKeith]

Lilian226

Don't forget it's timed for 6minutes if you can walk further good for you but their time factor is key to measurements. So if you can do more they shouldn't be thinking of oxygen for you.

Keep well in the heat it should be dropping tonight.

Keith

[Lilian226 in reply to lKeith]

My walk was stopped half way through, I was so surprised, the nurse said the oxygen level dropped to 80. I was doing so well, I wonder if I will have to do it again? It's a lot cooler now Keith, should be much better tonight. Lilian xxxxx

[EnchantressPain]

Yes it is, they check o2 levels every minute to see how far down it goes and after you have sat down to check post exertion rate

[Ruach]

I have done PR 4 times at the hospital......... Now BOC run it..............

My GP recommended me for the BOC PR.........6 weeks ago. I had asked him about home oxygen, a nebuliser and mucus build up......

Had initial assessment with BOC resp nurse.................then after 2 weeks assessment at BOC PR centre.....Stopped because blood pressure was too high... 180.... has to be 124 or less for them to do walk test..Already on Ramipiril 10MG daily. No walk test no blood gas test, so no oxygen.

Got GP appointment same day and explained situation, put on Folpik 2.5mg daily...........

Back to GP 2 weeks after beginning Folpik ( today) Blood pressure now 140........DR happy with that and reluctant to increase dose.Explained about BOC needing 124 for walk test.

Dr is scathing about BOC and refuses to refer patients to them ( This is not the initial DR at the practice that first referred me to BOC).At every stage the BOC staff said it was obvious I needed oxygen but they could not tick the right box.

GP will refer me back to COPD team at the hospital.

Very happy with that.

The whole exercise with BOC has been confusing, distressing, and because I went to GP 6 weeks ago due to feeling much worse, BOC has just prolonged my feeling very unwell and hardly able to function and given me no help or hope...

[Lilian226]

I didn't know that BOC had their own PR. 124 is low for a prerequisite for the walk. Surely if your doctor referred you it was ok to go ahead and prescribe the oxygen which you needed. I was speaking to someone on this forum and he thought not enough attention was placed on blood pressure, this was not the BOC, but because his was high, he had a very bad experience! I expect BOC are just covering themselves. I hope it doesn't take you long to get back on the programme. and you feel better soon. Lilian xxxxxx

[Ruach in reply to Lilian226]

Yes, I think that BOC are being risk averse, taking no real responsibility...........They are there to make profit, that is their primary concern, not the welfare and well being of the patient.............Does not bode well for the future..........

At least I have a GP that is prepared to get me back into the NHS system rather than linger any longer waiting for BOC to prove themselves of any use or value.

[Lilian226 in reply to Ruach]

Good that you have a helpful GP, ours couldn't care less. I phoned the PR people this morning, I had a question, someone answered .....Oxygen...... something. I thought I had the wrong number so I wonder if it was the BOC? I had the 6 minute walk on Wednesday and yesterday received an email from an oxygen company, saying they were the best suppliers etc. The first I knew that I had a slight problem with low oxygen was Wednesday so how did these people get my email address and where are they getting my private information from, I find it quite disturbing. As you say, does not bode well. Have a good night. Lilian xxxxxx