Re: DLCO etc.

[Guest guest]

Gwynne

I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota--near the Mall of America

Jan

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Put most simply, diffusion is the movement of oxygen or carbon

dioxide across the membrane of the alveoli. I thought this was a

good description of the DLCO (Diffusing Capacity of Carbon

Monoxide) test:

Diffusing Capacity Measurement: A diffusing capacity test can estimate how efficiently oxygen is transferred from the air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) to the bloodstream. Because the diffusing capacity of oxygen is difficult to measure directly, a person inhales a small amount of carbon monoxide, holds the breath for 10 seconds, and then exhales into a carbon monoxide detector. Usually done every 4-6 weeks as part of PFT's.

If the test shows that carbon monoxide is not well absorbed, oxygen will not be exchanged normally between the lungs and the bloodstream either. The diffusing capacity is characteristically abnormal in people with pulmonary fibrosis, in those with disorders affecting the blood vessels of the lungs, and in some people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

My PFT's average out to about every 6 weeks. The

longest I've ever waited is 3 months, but the DLCO

I have tomorrow will be the 1st one I've had since

November. I usually have it every 2 months.

,

If they do your endoscopy like mine yesterday, it's

no big deal. I never knew what hit me, but I was awake

again almost immediately. Ah, medical technology.

I hope GERD doesn't turn out to be the big booger

for you that it was for me, and that any damage

is minimal and treatable with medication.

Jan, I'm so glad you were able to go inactive on the

list. You're numbers are astounding, but even more

amazing to me is what you're capable of doing

physically. I couldn't do any of those things. That's

just wonderful. BTW, where do you live?

Irene, I'm relieved that your chest pain is better.

Peggy, I'm glad the shots seem to be going ok.

Hope today you get plenty of rest after yesterday's

ordeal. Two 6MWs! yuk

My biopsy in 2004 was a VATS, which apparently is

less invasive. It was really not that bad. I had a very

good surgeon, and my down time wasn't long or too

awfully painful. It gave me the diagnosis of UIP/IPF.

I'm glad I had it in my case, but I think it depends on

the person, your age & history, the doctor, the

circumstances, & the potential for treatment or transplant.

Hugs to all,

Gwynne IPF 7/04 listed for tx 3/07 Texas