Authored by BlueAngel on
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Why Do I need Testing? is an article describing why one should have testing to be certain that you are no longer in need of supplemental or continuous Oxygen therapy. This article is very succinct and to the point. We do thank the RT's at Rotech for their educational material that is made available to the general public.
WHY DO I NEED TESTING?
The Importance of Testing Before Discontinuing Oxygen
People often question their need for continuing to use oxygen. When considering discontinuance of your oxygen, it is extremely important to perform appropriate testing to determine the best thing for your condition. Just as a physician would never discontinue a diabetic’s insulin without first checking blood sugar levels or high blood pressure medicine without first checking blood pressure, oxygen should never be discontinued without first checking your blood oxygen levels.
“I don't feel like I need it.”
Just as with high blood pressure, you can’t always go by the way that you feel. Some people may experience few or no symptoms such as shortness of breath and still have a low blood oxygen level. Even though these symptoms are very important to watch and consider, you can’t make the decision to discontinue the oxygen based solely upon symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to have your blood oxygen level checked.
“How do you check my blood oxygen level?”
There are two ways your blood oxygen level can be checked. The first way, known as an arterial blood gas or ABG is by taking a sample of blood from your artery. The downside of this test (besides the pain from the needle) is that it only shows your blood oxygen level at the moment the blood is drawn. Most people with heart and lung disorders have a blood oxygen level that will vary depending upon what they are doing. So an ABG may show an adequate blood oxygen level while you are resting (which is usually when it is measured) but does not reveal what your oxygen level is when you are active or sleeping (which is usually when your level is low).
The second method, called oximetry, is done by placing a small probe on your finger. This probe is attached to a small device that records a continuous measurement of your blood oxygen level. The advantage of this method (besides being painless) is that it allows your physician to see exactly what your blood oxygen level is doing at all times such as when you are active. In fact, to get the full picture, you should be tested at rest, during activity, and during sleep as blood levels may vary significantly at these various times. If this test is normal, then your physician will probably discontinue the oxygen, but it is a good idea to repeat oximetry in one month to make sure it is staying OK (Sometimes your oxygen level drops after being off for a while). It is very important that your oxygen never be discontinued without first performing this test.
If your blood oxygen level is low, failure to use the oxygen as prescribed can result in stress to the heart and has been shown to result in shorter life expectancy.
“What happens if I just quit using the oxygen?”
If your blood oxygen level is still low and you don’t use your oxygen, studies have shown that life expectancy is shortened and quality of life is diminished when compared to those who use the oxygen appropriately. Symptoms such as shortness of breath may increase and your activity tolerance may decrease.
A low oxygen level stresses your entire body but especially the heart. The pressures inside the heart increase, and with time the heart may enlarge causing it to function poorly, a condition known as cor pulmonale. Other organs including the kidneys, brain, and muscles are affected as well. So going without the oxygen means more than just putting up with the shortness of breath, it can affect your entire body.
“If my doctor does not discontinue it, can’t I just have you pick it up?”
Your oxygen was prescribed for you by your physician and thus for us to discontinue its use requires your physician's approval. The only other option is for you to sign a release of liability. This releases us and your physician of responsibility for any consequences of your decision to go against your doctor's wishes by not using the oxygen.
“How can I be tested?”
We will contact the doctor for you. Upon the doctor’s approval, arrangements will be made to perform the test. The transition to using oxygen can sometimes be difficult. If you have encountered problems in using your oxygen, speak with your respiratory therapist and he or she can offer solutions to most of these concerns. We want the best for you and your situation. If we can be of any further assistance in answering your questions, always feel free to call us.
© 1998, Greg Spratt RRT, Rotech Medical Corp. Revised 7/98
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