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02 level falls walking while on oxy
Lung Health | Last Active: Feb 27 1:23pm | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
I first heard the term mild pulmonary arterial hypertension by looking at a recent echo report on the clinic patient portal - the cardiologist (EP) did not mention it. When I asked, they said they didn't address that issue and I'd need to see a lung dr. So I self-referred - he first thought maybe I had asthma causing this and prescribed an inhaler which I tried for a month and it didn't seem to make a difference. So next I knew I was prescribed oxygen during exercise and at night connected to my CPAP and he wants to do a right heart cautery to more definitively diagnosis. I was SHOCKED. I'm not at all sure this is the problem. Also just recovering (2 weeks ago) from an ablation for Afib. Yesterday I saw my primary for a severe sinus infection that has been going on for a month and she says she doesn't think I need to do the procedure because it is mild and she thinks it could be age related (I'm 81). I am thoroughly confused now. Have not used the oxygen during the day but am using it at night - can't tell a difference. I ordered a wearable O2 ring that I am going to use and track my O2 24/7 and see what it really is.
Replies to "I first heard the term mild pulmonary arterial hypertension by looking at a recent echo report..."
Regarding "pulmonary arterial hypertension" there are various levels/groups of pulmonary hypertension - depending on cause (see link below). It is important to have correct diagnosis to determine if there are medications and who should treat it. For example, I have pulmonary hypertension group 3 - caused by my pulmonary fibrosis so I have a Pulmonary Specialist in Interstitial lung diseases for that not a Cardiologist.
Right Heart Catheterization is the gold standard for determining if one has pulmonary hypertension and degree. If your transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) mentioned pulmonary arterial hypertension then it is understandable why they are talking to you about a right heart cath. It is a serious disease. I am surprised your primary provider would voice an opinion as not qualified. You do not want it to get worse! I would look for a pulmonologist experienced in treating pulmonary hypertension (they all do not!).
Unfortunately, one has to find the Specialist with the right subspecialty. My first local pulmonologist signed off on a report that was confusing and said I had both restrictive lung disease and COPD which is an obstructive lung disease. But five more pulmonary function tests at different provider all say I don't have COPD!
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-hypertension/symptoms-causes/syc-20350697
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meant to say "right heart catheterization" (can't figure out how to go back and edit a post)