Aldosteronism's effect on COPD (Lung Function)?

July 18, 2011

My puppies decided to do a pulmonary test this morning! They loosened the

connection on my concentrator causing the 4L oxygen flow between my concentrator

and bi-pap machine to cease! (That's my wife's story and she is sticking with

it!) When I changed the hose over to the canular I realized there was no

airflow so I engaged my Oximeter and was surprised to find o2 level was 93-94

(they tell me it needs to be >90)! I don't know how long I had been with suppl.

O2 but I watch it for an additional 30 mins. and it never got below 93 and up as

high as 95. With suppl. O2 ir ran 96-97. I went without again while on the

computer and it stayed at 95 for over 30 mins. It went down to 90 when I

climbed the stairs and immediately rebounded to 94 when I sat down.

Not long ago it would have gone down into the low 80's and mostlikely not gotten

as high as 90 w/o suppl. O2.

Dr. Grim, Is this an indicator of my lungs improving since I got the excess

aldo. under control ~3mos. ago? I also have noticed I am getting a lot better

times on my bi-pap which could also be a sign I'm breathing better. I know you

spoke of this when you first learned I was on O2 and had COPD and OSA but I

didn't realize changes might be so soon or " visable " ! I'm going to do some more

looking but am hoping you can enlighten me or point me where to look. (I have a

6mo. follow up in a couple weeks and am preparing and will give the Doctor a

headsup if appropriate!)

- 64 yo morb. ob. male - 12mm X 13mm rt. a.adnoma with previous rt. flank &

testicle pain. I have decided against an adrenalectomy at this time since

Meds. are working so well. Current BP: 130/77

Other Issues/Opportunities: COPD w/ft Oxygen, OSA w Bi-Pap settings 13/19, DM2.

and PTSD

Meds: Duloxetine hcl 80 MG, Mirtazapine 15 MG, Metoprolol Tartrate 200 MG,

Metformin 2000MG and Spironolactone 75 MG.

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