Last Monday I felt like I had hit rock bottom after a bad arterial blood gas test; low O2, high co2, and acidosis. I had already been wearing a bipap mask at night, but it was so uncomfortable that I struggled with it and I admit that I forgot to put it on a few times. In short I hated it. I have been having these painful arterial blood tests regularly for what seems like an age, well before Christmas anyway, and the last one I had had wasn't too bad, but last Monday everything had reversed again and I felt dreadful. They wanted me to stay in hospital, but I asked them to let me try a different mask at home. They allowed me a nasal mask, which is still uncomfortable, but manageable. I knew this was serious this time and tried to wear it for at least 8 hours a day/night, but was still very anxious that it might not be working.
Yesterday I tried to go for a short walk, knowing that I would have to walk into the hospital and to the clinic, however it was awful. All I could manage, without stopping was about 20-30 metres. Needless to say I didn't sleep much last night.
Today I'm delighted to say, was a good day. Not only was I able to walk into the hospital ok, my blood/gas results were much better. No acidosis, my O2 levels have improved and my co2 levels have also come down a bit. It's by no means perfect, but I'm back on the right track and have some hope again. I am getting used to the bipap mask, although I still don't like it much, it's worth it.... Now I just need to work on my fitness again, but I feel positive about the future and fully intend to enjoy as much of the summer as I can...
Good luck to you all, I hope you feel well and can smile and appreciate the sunshine. XXX