A bump. Actually a pretty big one. Bets started talking about it being another nose-dive, but Bob was concerned that someone would think he was tripping her.
Over the past few weeks, she has been exhausted and apparently in need of more oxygen. Unfortunately, the prescription limited that action. She had a urinary tract infection, and that also took her down a little. Made an appointment with Dr. Raghu, the lead pulmonary Prof. at UW. He was surprised at the results of the breathing and walk test by the Respiratory therapist.
April Oxy needs were 2 ltrs resting and 4 walking. That recently moved to 3-4 resting and 6 walking. Reality found that she often needed 5 resting and 8 walking. New prescription is 5-6 resting and up to 15 when walking or moving around the rv.
Dr. Raghu also sent her immediately to the ultra sound unit to get her legs tested for blood clots, because her oxy levels often dropped below the 75% level. They are also looking at schedules for the UW heart unit for a possible heart cath since the last was done in January in Spokane. This might happen next week.
Of course Bets took all of this in stride, and Bob was in panic mode. Normal.
Lincare has been great. Called within 15 min of our arriving back at the rv and asking if we need the new stuff that night. We agreed to the next morning. Friday am they showed up with a new (and quiet) concentrator that will go up to 10 ltrs, and a new portable valve for the tanks that can get up to 15 ltrs. They are looking for a double tank cart so that when she walks, there is less chance of running out of oxygen.
What does all this mean for the immediate future? Not sure. But, Violet is sure snuggling close to Bets. We think she might sense an issue. Life is sure full of challenges.
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