O2 with excercise?

[anonymous]

OK, so at my appointment, I did a "stress test" and found my O2 sats drop to like 86% during excercise! I usually run on a treadmill, and would never have thought my sats got this low! YIKES! I usually feel a bit tight in the chest when I run, but am usually able to finish my program and lift weights after.

So, my doc suggested O2 when running. I really DO NOT want to do this. For one, I don't want to become dependant on it, and feel crappy whenever I have it off..... Second, I go to a well-known gym chain, and that is what motivates me, to have others running around me and lifting, and really "fit" people around me.... I aspire to that. If I wear oxygen, I don't think I'll want to continue going to a "gym" and would, instead, go somewhere others have health issues... like a pulmo rehab or a gym at a hospital. I don't think that will be as motivating to me, and also think I'll get very depressed, cause I'll feel I can't lead a "normal" life anymore (I don't mean any offense to those who are on oxygen and excercise at a gym or rehab, its just how I feel about MYSELF, no one else.)

So, what do you think? I'm trying to get a pulse ox through my insurance co. so I can monitor closely at EVERY workout, so I can see for sure.

But, what do those of you on O2 with exercise think? And, for those who aren't, what do you think you'd do? Am I being stupid? I just think I'll get really really depressed wearing oxygen. Especially since, before my appt., I thouhgt I was doing great.

Thanks for any opinions.
Sonia

 

[NoExcuses]

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[lovingBenandCambree]

Sonia,
I can't completely relate to you. Wearing oxygen is not fun and for me I feel as if though I am branded as oh that girl is sick. Anyway, I have mostly gotten over that. I don't wear it during the day at all and only while I exercise and sleep. I think it would be a disservice to yourself to not wear it while exercising. Your body will not become dependent upon it. I was concerned with that myself but my docs reassured me. I think that the first time people see you with it it will take them aback a bit but then when they see you kick butt on the treadmill they will think what a strong person you must be and be impressed with you. I also have an oximeter and I love it. It is great to know where i am at whenever I need to. Good Luck!

Emilee

 

[anonymous]

Emilee....
I would hope I could have that great attitude... I just know myself and think I would be discouraged from any activity if I had to wear it. Good for you that you are beyond that repressive thinking! I am envious! Its not so much that I think people would look funny at me, as much as how I'd feel about it. Like, as I put it on, I think I'd be bawling cause I had to wear it and I must be so sick, and no one else has to do this.... yadda yadda... poor me.

Anyway, I appreciate your response. Do you go to a regular gym and still feel "regular"?

 

[anonymous]

Hi,
Don't worry about becoming dependent on oxygen. Everybody on the planet is dependent on oxygen. Without oxygen we die. With too little oxygen, our body is hurt - first, and particularly, our hearts.

What you've found out is that you can't get enough oxygen on your own when you exercise. That if you exercise without the oxygen you're putting enormous pressure on your heart and can hurt your heart.

This is hard to hear I know. I remember only too well how my husband hated hearing this.

But you've got to exercise to stay healthy. A well-exercised body with strong muscles actually uses less oxygen than an unhealthy one. And a strong body uses oxygen more efficiently.

So I say "go for it". There are lots of portable oxygen options. My husband swore by liquid oxygen and a small Helios. Others like the little compressed oxygen cannisters. For running those latter ones could be worn in a backback.

No problem getting oxygen if your doctor writes a script. The fact that your O2 levels fall below 89 during exercise means that any insurance company would pay - even Medicare and Medicaid which are the strictest.

Go get them girl!!!

-LisaV

 

[lovingBenandCambree]

No, I do not go to a regular gym. I walk on a treadmill at my parents and I can totally identify with your hesitancy and feeling the way you do about oxygen. I always said well if I ever have to go on oxygen I guess I must be nearing the end, but I found that that is not true. I was on oxygen for 1 1/2 years continuously and it was very hard for me especially in the beginning and how it identified me as a person. I got better with it as time went on but never completely over it. Although, I did take my daughter to the park and other things where I always wondered if they felt sorry for me or my daughter because that is the last thing that I want people to feel. I wish that I could help you with the anxiety about it. I think it all just happens with time.

Emilee

 

[anonymous]

One of my favorite people on another board deals with questions like "why do you need that?" or just plain stares by saying in a casual manner.

"Oh, I just use it to inflate my boobs".

(She's flat chested.)


-LisaV

 

[anonymous]

ha ha! thanks for the smile, Lisa!

as far as wearing o2, i'm a bit concerned, cause i woulda never even checked it cause i always felt pretty good when running, and awesome afterward, but i wanted a pulse ox, and we had to check it for insurance purposes. i guess i'm just a little perplexed how it could be so low and yet i feel so great?

sonia

 

[Jane]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>amy</b></i>

Let me know if your'e able to get a o2 machine through your insurance company.



i was thinking about getting one, and i figured there was no way my insurance would pay for it.



let me know if you find anything out

</end quote></div>


Amy, Our insurance paid for a oxymeterand an oxygen-making thing (?-don't know name). No questions asked.

 

[LisaV]

Two useful sites:

Portable Oxygen: A User's Perspective ( <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.portableoxygen.org/">http://www.portableoxygen.org/</a> )
Nonin Medical oximeters -- really really small ones good to use when you are exercising ( <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.nonin.com/products/oximetry.asp">http://www.nonin.com/products/oximetry.asp</a> )

 

[anonymous]

Thanks, Lisa for the links. I do like the Nonin... they use them at all the clinics I've been to, so it would be consistent with their results.

Anyway, I will find out probably next week if BCBS will cover it. I think its going to be a fight though. URGH!

Sonia

 

[EnergyGal]

Hi Sonia

This is what I would do. I would start walking fast instead of running. If you de-sat only when you run then fast walking should be better. Did you run when you did a stress test or did you walk? There is probably a difference between the two exercises. I say hold off on the o2 if you can walk at a slower pace but go for a longer time. I would consult with your doctor first on this again.

I have been on oxygen twice in my life before each transplant. I would exercise with oxygen as I had no choice.

Getting a pulse oximter is really important. If your insurance does not cover this you can get it for about three hundred dollars. I have one from the company called nonin and I got their flight stat version. It is the same as the hospital version but it is less money. My insurance did not pay a penny. My transplant fund picked it up so I have two now.

They have great customer service. No charge for helping to repair mine.

Best of luck

 

[lovingBenandCambree]

Hey Sonia after reading that you live in Vegas it just occurred to me that if you did the test in Utah then you most likely won't need it while in Vegas. When I go to Vegas I am fine without oxygen due to the change in altitude. It is a huge difference. If you didn't do the test in Utah then totally disregard this. I hope this helps. It would be good to have an oximeter regardless. I love having mine.

Emilee

 

[AmyKins]

Lisa- I looked at the websites you sent..I REALLY want one of those little finger oximeters. The one I have from the insurance company is big ( & doesn't even work). Do you know if insurance offers those little ones or if people can buy them ( I wonder how much one costs). Thanks

 

[anonymous]

Hi, again....

I did do the test with a "brisk walk" in Utah. I usually run, so who knows how long it goes. However, I run in Vegas, so the doc even mentioned there may be a difference and that I must get an O2 monitor to check this and keep tabs on it.

Thanks, everyone for your input!

Sonia

 

[LisaV]

This is the information I have on<b> oximeters </b>(it might be out of date)..

Whether called Onyx, Nonin 9500, Flightstat,
Sportstat, Healthdyne 950, or Respironics 950, they are all exactly the same
units - just different silk-screened names.

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.aeromedix.com">http://www.aeromedix.com</a> sells a version of the excellent Nonin Onyx oximeter
called the "Flightstat" for $379. No prescription required. If you identify
yourself as a reader of The Pulmonary Paper ( <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.pulmonarypaper.org/">http://www.pulmonarypaper.org/</a> ), you can get one for $340 (plus
the $7.95 shipping). Also the sample mewsletter on Pulmonary Paper ( <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.pulmonarypaper.org/PPVolume16-4.pdf">http://www.pulmonarypaper.org/PPVolume16-4.pdf</a> ) has an add for a Nonin 9500 for $270

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.rei.com">http://www.rei.com</a> sells the same thing, called the "Sportstat" for $395.
You can also buy it over the counter at any REI retail store (outdoor gear).
No prescription required.

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.rmsupplies.com.sells">http://www.rmsupplies.com.sells</a> the Nonin 9500. No prescription required.
Cannot order via Internet - call Tom for current pricing at 1-800-882-8889

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.outletmedical.com/oxygen.asp">http://www.outletmedical.com/oxygen.asp</a> sells the Nonin Onyx for $359 +$13-
30 S&H. A prescription IS required.

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bayviewmedical.com">http://www.bayviewmedical.com</a> are friendly, helpful and sell the Nonin Onyx
for $360, shipping included. May be able to bargain to $350. If calling, ask
for Ken. No prescription needed,



Also you might be interested in <b>Oxy-View eye glasses</b> that disguise the nasal cannula ( <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.oxyview.com/">http://www.oxyview.com/</a> ) some folks who don't wear glasses get them anyway and just have plain glass put on.

-LisaV

 

[LisaV]

About insurance coverage for oximeters. That's covered in the Portable Oxygen site I had a link to.

Here's the actual html page ( <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.portableoxygen.org/pulseoxtwo.html#Insurance">http://www.portableoxygen.org/pulseoxtwo.html#Insurance</a> ) scroll down to the bottom of the page where there is a section called "Insurance Coverage"

Your doc needs to say that you need one because you have a need to:

* Monitor adequacy of arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation.

* Quantitate the response of arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation to therapeutic intervention

There could be a "fight" but then you do the letter of medical necessity thing.
Here's what one bluecross blueshield site says about getting respiratory equipment <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bluecrossma.com/common/en_US/medical_policies/fs377.htm">http://www.bluecrossma.com/com...cal_policies/fs377.htm</a> .

Insurance will pay for the little ones as well as the big ones.
Pulse oximeters, HCPCS Level II code E0445, with a diagnosis of Cystic fibrosis (ICD-9-CM 277.00, 277.02)

 

[anonymous]

Lisa,
YOU RULE!!! Thanks! I'm going to copy and paste what you emailed me in a letter to my CF clinic so they do it right. BCBS has already told them they will NOT cover it unless they have documents stating my O2 levels with excercise, etc.... Which, I did in Utah.
So, please keep your fingers crossed that BC comes through for me (for once).

Thanks again!
Sonia

 

[anonymous]

Fingers crossed.

When you get the script you can order from a variety of places including AeroMedix ( <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.aeromedix.com">http://www.aeromedix.com</a> ). AeroMedix has both a medical site (that will deal with insurers when you have script) and a nonmedical site (where you can buy without script).

 

[anonymous]

whoops.
that was me (LisaV) again.

Forgot to sign in....