Does This Sound Like IPF ?

[Kat24]

My Mom is 89 and in basically good health.

She is B12 deficient...gets B12 shot every month.  Recently found to have a Folate Deficientcy..takes 1mg Folic Acid 2x day.

She never smoked, no asthma, no bronchitis, no cough, not short of breath, did have slight pneumonia about 18 years ago.

She goes to her primary care doctor every month for her B12 shot.  He does the usual BP, Weight, listens to lungs and Pulse Oximeter.

Last visit her pulse oximeter level was 86%.  He sent her to have her blood gases drawn and it was 55%.

That night he had her on home oxygen 24/7 !!!  She has had chest xrays done every so often because she does have CHF but it is under very good control with meds.  Really never a problem.  She went to Pulmonologist....1 visit....she could not use the machine that begins with an "S" because years ago she had Bells Palsy and ever since then has not been able to draw on a straw or really blow out
candles.  

His immediate diagnosis was IPF !!
He said he would not give her any meds cause some do more harm then good, for her to just stay on oxygen 24/7 !!!

Does this sound right??.  I don't think it does...but I'm not a doctor.

Thanks for any input.

[grannymac08]

A related discussion, Curious, too! was started.

[National Jewish]

A second opinion consultation for your mother would answer your question.  A pulmonologist at a university medical center is most likely to have the greatest experience in evaluating people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

[Ellis7]

Her oximeter reading should be in the 90's, so sounds like she does need auxilliary oxygen.

Low blood oxygen levels could be due to a lung problem like IPF, or could be due to the diagnosed CHF. Controlling the CHF per the following guide might help; diet, exercise, etc.

Here's a link:
http://www.advocatehealth.com/system/services/heart/treatment.html
Congestive Heart Failure: Patient Guide
Excerpts:
"Treatment

Diet
Fluid Limits
Daily Weights
Exercise
Oxygen Therapy
Medicines  
..................
Oxygen therapySome patients need oxygen treatments as part of their congestive heart failure care.Flow rate is the amount of oxygen necessary for your treatment.Your flow rate should be __________________.  Safety rules
Never use oxygen near an open flame.
Keep away from anything that can cause a spark.
When you are short of breath at night follow these three steps: Use your oxygen equipment
Prop yourself up with pillows or sit up in a comfortable position
If unable to get relief, call for help.
Be sure you know how to use your oxygen equipment."
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