Hi Ling
I did have a 6 minute walk test which showed very little drop in oxygen level. But I also had a videodysphagia (laryngoscopy) study which showed laryngeal obstruction and vocal cord destruction, suggestive of chronic infection due to NTM and coughing causing flaccid response, abnormal closing of vocal cords during inhalation & hyper responsive action (larygospasms) to the nerve ending surround the structures. Edema a erythema of superglottic structures with mild cobble stoning of posterior pharynx. Vocal cord abnormal partial adduction on inhalation, moderately severe narrowing of supra-glottic area during this phase.
In other words , the dyspnea was not due to actual lung structures exchange of oxygen, but the structural changes in larynx and vocal cords causing throat to close during inhalation eliciting a response of feeling breathless. The brain is also involved as it sends a message that something is amiss in the normal respiratory cycle causing me to feel like I'm not getting enough oxygen.
I was sent home with Diaphragmatic breathing, ILO/VCD Release Breathing technique and pursed lip breathing exercises and suggestion of referral to speech therapist who specializes in this area.
I already can see a difference in my breathing and energy levels, as well as my mental well being. Not to mention I am glad to be rid of that heavy oxygen concentrator that I was carrying around. I realize not everyone will have this type diagnosis, and they may require oxygen due to actual lung damage.
As a side note, I received a call from a Brinsupri Support Program Case Manager who informed me that the prescription is in the authorization phase, and I will be followed by an educator who will track my progress on Brinsupri.