So, today being the first day of summer break, I started it off with pulmonary labs at the UM. I guess maybe I should have given myself a day off before doing that.
I was at the UM as requested and processed through admissions. I was then instructed on how to get to the 4th floor for testing. The normal spirometry was done.
Then the 6 minute walking test. Now, understand I have had these before. One last fall, where in 4 minutes I was below 90%. Another this last spring where I did not go below 93% oxygen. So, to my surprise, after 6 minutes of walking I was at 80% and my fingertips were blue again. At least now I know what blue fingertips mean….I need oxygen. As soon as they put me on the oxygen I went up 100% immediately within a minute. So, I was instructed to do the test again with oxygen. I immediately dropped to 89% and stayed there the whole time even dragging an oxygen tank behind me. The technician said I was at the border of 90%. The doctor will have to decide about any further action.
Here I was thinking I have been on meds for a while now, feeling good, looking good. I should be able to breeze through this. WRONG!
I know I am not a doctor. But, this is bad. I am worse than when I took this test last September. I am suppose to be getting better. I feel better.
Next round is blood work on Friday. Then the following week has me seeing a sleep study expert to see if my oxygen problem is sleep apnea related or just scar tissue related. (I think I already know the answer to this one. But the sleep apnea machine is cheaper in the long run.) Then it is back to the main doc the very next day for consultation.
It looks like I might need to order a tank for hurricane season to have in the event we lose power this summer. So far, I only use the oxygen at night. It looks like I really need it when I am walking. How depressing.
I was looking forward to walking in a 5 K this fall. I guess I set my hopes to high.