Itd Idea Works For Me. Lowers Hr!

[Simmy]

Hi all,

During my research I came across oiresource.com which discusses various methods used to alleviate some of our symptoms. Included amongst them is a device called ResQGARD Impedance Threshold Device, made by Advanced Circulatory Systems - http://www.advancedcirculatory.com/ResQGAR...ct_Overview.htm. It is a small, non-invasive unit which applies inspiratory impedance when used to breathe through. It is claimed that "it enhances the negative pressure (vacuum) in the chest, which pulls more blood back to the heart, resulting in increased preload and thus, enhanced cardiac output on the subsequent cardiac contraction."

It has been rather difficult finding a direct distributor, but I have some leads if you should desire. I've not yet purchased the device, but since the theory behind it is nothing more than creating a resistance when inhaling, sufficient to enhance negative pressure in the chest, I decided to experiment with other methods capable of producing the same results. To my astonishment, it works.

To emulate the inhalation resistance I simply pucker my lips, as if to whistle, but instead of blowing out I inhale. While tightening my lips in such a way that incoming air is forced through a tiny opening, I inhale deeply and strongly, fighting the resistance, for 3 to 5 seconds and then exhale normally. If it sounds like an elephant charging, you're doing it properly.

I experimented with this idea last night - I climbed a flight of stairs and hit 137bpm, as usual. Normally I'd immediately lie down for relief, but this time I stood in place and tried this breathing method. Immediately after the first breath, instead of my HR continuing to climb, I observed my heart rate monitor and saw it actually begin to drop. After 4 or 5 more such breaths, my HR returned to the lower 80's - while still standing!

To confirm my unbelievable results, this morning I stood up, twice. The first time I stood and just breathed normally and, of course, my HR immediately rose from 66 supine to 115 standing, and continued its upward climb for a couple of minutes. I then rested for half an hour. I then stood up again, but this time while using the resistance breathing method. Confirmed! My HR went from 68 to 95 rather quickly and then settled into the 80's. Even after 10 minutes in a vertical position it never topped 95bpm, although the lightheadedness was not greatly improved.

My question is, has anyone else tried this method and what were your results? Has anyone actually used the ResQGARD?

Thanks,

Simmy

[juliegee]

Hi Simmy,

I've never heard of, nor used ResQguard, but the premise is interesting. Throughout the day, I find myself doing similiar breathing like you describe. I used to be an avid weight lifter and I call this my "weight lifting breathing." When weight lifting, I used to inhale sharply when lifting a heavy load, then exhale slowly. Now, I do it all day long- when walking up stairs with laundry, etc. It works and slows my HR.

Do you actually carry this gadget around all day? Cumbersome! Just do the breathing. I do.

Julie

[yogini]

Funny, I was thinking it reminds me of the breathing they teach you in yoga - you're supposed to constrict your throat and make a noise while inhaling. I wonder if the device offers something extra than just doing it yourself. What does it look like and how much does it cost?

[Simmy]

I've not yet purchased the device, as just two days ago I discovered it exists. It is a rather small and portable unit though, so carrying it around all day shouldn't be a problem, if indeed it works well. I also have no idea as yet as to the cost, but you can learn more about it, including what it looks like, by clicking on the link I provided. The Yoga method of breathing you mentioned sounds quite similar in concept.

I believe the only advantage to using the device rather than manually restricting your inhalation is the fact that the device is "pre-programmed" with the proper amount of resistance so you don't have to guess. It also has a port one can use to add oxygen, if needed.

I have my first appointment today with a POTS "specialist". I'll be discussing it with him and let you know what his thoughts are later.

[Guest tearose]

I am never giving up on a new treatment if I can logically and scientifically understand it and it won't hurt me.

After 17 years of POTS...I have done it all.

Breathing, biofeedback, meditation. Massage, supplements, heck I still try, I use what ever I can.

If I hear one more magic cure I just don't know if I should cry or laugh.

I refuse to purchase another machine.

As for breathing like you describe. You don't need the machine once you learn how to breath correctly. The real issue as I have experienced it is that my body and probably those like me, have no way of keeping the tone, the strength, the learning that our bodies need.

It is like when you are trying to hold the fluid in your bladder. You try and try and may even be successful but then one day, after you do what you have been doing, all of a sudden out runs the entire contents of your bladder.

There is no predictability. My body just doesn't get it forever. I keep trying but it just doesn't. As long as we keep a positive attitude, we should try anything that may work. We just need to not feel bad if and when it doesn't wind up to permanently work!

tearose

[yogini]

Ah, yes! I've seen this before. I think someone posted about it a while ago. It looks like just a piece of plastic, so it doesn't seem like it would cost much or weigh much. If you get it, tell us how it goes. I do lots of breathing exercises and biofeedback. I think they help a lot to keep my system calmer.

[Katja]

the company also makes a related product called ResQPOD. If you Google it, you find a lot more information. It sounds promising. If you buy one, let us know how it goes!

[EarthMother]

I second Tearose's observations as these also are what I have experienced on my long healing journey.

As for the device, I wonder if a cocktail straw wouldn't do much the same thing. Heck what about the whole cocktail?! Ahh yes, through the years the only thing consistent has been the wonderful effect that humor has on the nervous system.

Cheers,

~EM

[jump]

OK, I'm going to start carrying a straw in my purse, and after I go up a flight of stairs or have to stand in line I'll breath in through it and see if it works. If it does I'll let you all know - maybe we'll start a new fad.

jump

[Simmy]

Hi guys,

Had a great experience with my doctor yesterday. He actually knew what POTS was! Nice to finally see a doctor who is understanding, knowledgeable and was willing to sit down and talk (and listen) for over half an hour. His initial diagnosis is I have some sort of Dysautonomia, probably POTS, but might be electrical issue. He hooked me up to a 48 hour Holter monitor and I should have more information next week.

He also observed my heart rate monitor going from 75 on his table to 126 instantly when I stood up and confirmed it by hand. However, about 15 minutes later he had me stand up again, but this time my pulse only went into the 90's. It's certainly intermittent.

As for the ResQGARD, he knows of it, says it does work, but also said (like you have) that much the same can be accomplished with breathing techniques. Your idea of using a cocktail straw is simple, yet brilliant. Let me know how that works for you.

For now, he recommends what y'all have - at least 2 liters of fluid daily (preferably Gatorade), more than 5 grams of salt a day, breathing properly, leg exercises and raising the head of my bed 10 degrees... and, as tearose said, anything else that seems to help.

I'm not crazy. Yay! I guess I can cancel my appointment with the Happy Dale funny farm

[abnel]

I revived this old thread to see if anyone persisted with the the breathing method described by Simmy and other members or purchased the Impedance Threshold Device?

I am still trying to find something, anything, that will help with my breathing and was wondering whether anyone has had good results with this device or a method similar to it and whether it's helped with their breathing?

FYI... no one will prescribe me any meds for breathing until I have done first lines of treatment (forinef, then probably midodrine if that doesn't work), which is why I am still looking for alternatives at this stage..

[ramakentesh]

The device is being evaluated in a study at the moment. It works for reasons that go beyond faulty breathing (which is a consequence rather than a cause).

[abnel]

Thanks for replying to my post. On discussing this recently with another Potsie I was told that the device helped her OI symptoms, but as she did not have breathing problems specifically she can't say if it would help with SOB.

She told me Vanderbilt University is currently undertaking clinical trial on the effectiveness of ITD to treat OI - details as follows: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00962728?term=orthostatic+itd&rank=2

[Noreen]

that's very interesting, lotusflower.

tks for posting.

[Dizzysillyak]

Old thread on resqgard ..

[RichGotsPots]

I continued the discussion here because I didn't notice this post before http://forums.dinet.org/index.php?/topic/20029-wow-the-resqpod-is-an-impedance-threshold-device-itd-that-provides-perfusion-on-demand-pod/