Question about breathing test score

[lisaohgee]

My mom FINALLY went to her ALS specialist yesterday (she was refusing to go for awhile). I apologize in advance because I don't have much information, but I was hoping someone could help me out.

She needed a feeding tube probably a month or two ago. They did the breathing test on her and her score was 36, apparently 50 is what is needed to make the feeding tube procedure easier.

can someone explain to me what the score means in terms of her actual breathing? And maybe help me understand how the insertion of the feeding tube will work? THank you.

 

[Miss]

My understanding is that the FVC above 50 is important in terms of the insertion of the feeding tube - because you have to be anesthesized. It doesn't impact the ability of the tube to work. It just makes the insertion procedure more difficult.

 

[lisaohgee]

Thanks Missy. Do you know what this means in terms of her needing breathing assistance?

 

[sadiemae]

When it goes under 50, Medicare will pay for BiPap, which she should be on now.

 

[Miss]

Get the BiPap and see if you can get the doctor to write the prescription for a suction machine. You will need one.

 

[BarryG]

Lisa, the FVC score is calculated by taking a person's gender, age, weight and height and comparing what their pulmonary capacity is to what it should be. So if she has a score of 36 percent then her breathing capacity is 36 percent of what it should be for someone of her age and body profile.

I agree that she should be on bipap, they started me at 65% for sleeping.

 

[Pat Paine]

Lisa,
Get BiPap ASAP. She will be able to sleep and breathe so much better. My last FVC was 52,
but I did get the BiPap through my HMO and Medicare when it was 64. I just wish they paid for a battery back up.
Insertion of the fdgtube is less risky,if the FVC is 50 or over. Wishing you the best.
Pat

 

[joelc]

PEG on Low FVC

I got a PEG with a low FVC. It when fine.

 

[pmbenb83]

Eric is now down to 41% and the BiPap with respiratory backup works great. The doctor said that as he gets lower, they will change the numbers to help. He decided against being vented and the PEG. He can still eat and drink anything that he wants. He is very lucky in that area.

Definitely get the BiPap as soon as possible.

Take care.

 

[bhughey]

I went on bipap in2008 when i was told and i still eat with giving some types of food. mine is set at 10/6 what does that mean?

 

[Al]

Inspiration pressure is 10. Exhalation pressure is 6. The numbers are related to cm of water in a tube if my memory is right..
My numbers are 20/10 so you've got a ways to go yet.

AL.