Hypoxic for months

[Mbrn20]

I had a URI in Feb and it made its rounds in our cath lab. I however remained with SOB and DOE. I do a lot of conscious sedation so I have a pulse Ox available. My days were in the low 80's after pushing a bed, running around etc. I told my PCP my supervisor etc. lots of tests later (over 5 months now) I've continued to work and take call. I'm seeing a pulmonologist finally and have been started on ambulatory O2 . Now all of a sudden I can't do patient care. According to employee health. I was hypoxic for months now I'm better on O2....what gives? Anybody have thoughts, advice. Anyone on O2 doing what they love?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

These questions are best answered by your facility's occupational health nurse or HR department. My facility has a policy that anyone using a medical device must be evaluated by occupational health and deemed fit for duty. Several employees who have had to wear a walking boot for fracture management were removed from patient care duties while wearing the boot despite being cleared by the orthopedist for work due to liability and infection control concerns.

[Mbrn20]

Thank you! We are doing invasive diagnostic tests now....Rt and LHC to rule out pulm HTN , diastolic heart failure and eval for obstructive CAD. If those are negative....open lung biopsy....kinda worriedí ½í¸•

[crazin01]

Just curious how you heart cath went, if you had it yet? (I only ask, because I have pulmonary HTN, anywhere between stages 2-4, depending on activity level). I'm fortunate in that I don't need O2 yet, and my resting pulse ox is normally between 87-93, unless doing certain activities.

I'm sure you're employer is just covering their butts, to ensure they aren't liable for something, if heaven forbid something would occur. Anyways, please update with how you're doing, as you're able. Just cuz I'm curious and PH is sort of rare.

Good luck!!!

:-)