Last week a rep from Breathe Technologies met me at Dr Marks office and did a demo of their new non-invasive ventilator.
He said I'd have to do two 6 minute walk tests. One on regular oxygen and one with the ventilator.
I laughed at him. I KNEW I couldn't do it. Well, I lasted 45 seconds (on 8 liters) for the first test.
Recovered for about 5 minutes and changed to his tank (the ventilator needs a specific canister that I'd need to change to)
There are three settings and I needed the highest to walk but I did it! For 6 minutes! On 4 liters!
My SAT rate stayed at 99! It's never on 99 unless I am staying totally still on 7 to 8 liters.
The ventilator weighs just about a pound. It needs a specific "pillowed" cannula and the tube right under the nose is double the size of a regular one and is UGLY, but I can breathe with it.
I instructed Ann to tackle the guy for the machine but she refused so we're waiting to see if I can get insurance approval. If not the machine is $5500 and I'll have to sit in my wheelchair at a major intersection and beg if I have to in order to collect enough money to buy one.
I might even be able to go to physical rehab again! My muscles are SO weak now from not being able to move without being out of breath and cramping all over.
