At last the end of a scary week spent... - Lung Conditions C...

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At last the end of a scary week spent mostly on a bipap machine to reverse acidosis and high blood co2

Kelda profile image
9 Replies

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

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Kelda
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9 Replies

O dear you haven't had a good time lately have you , I'm glad you are feeling better , I don't have what you have got , but I relate to the mask as my husband has to wear one for sleep apnoea , and he can only tolerat it for around 1hr , glad you have a positive outlook as its needed with our lung problems keep well

Regards

Jan

I hate those arterial tests, OUCH!! Not a good time for you,but glad its getting better.Keep positive,Wendells x

richardcrossroads profile image
richardcrossroads

well done I have been fighting an infection now for months,30 meter well I struggle at that normally

next months weather looks to be better

peege profile image
peege

Phew, what an awful time you've had. I hope you've got some support around you.

I take my hat right off to you, you're amazing to have coped and come out the other end so positive. All the very best to you. P

So glad you are feeling better - when you are at rock bottom, it feels like things will never get better! Brilliant - you have done brilliantly! Take good care and hope today is a good day too. TAD xx

Sorry you've been feeling so bad but uplifted that you're feeling so much better. You're feeling positive and a big heart is shining through - well done :-)

Good luck,

Chris

ginachron profile image
ginachron

The mask is awful, in fact I couldn't continue with it for very long when I got home. It helped in hospital after struggling to wear it to discover that the co2 levels were poor probably due to the o2 being set too high. I was being advised to wear it over 12 hours! I can really sympathise with anyone having to keep it on. I had the machine at home for quite a while but in the end I stopped using it since I felt much worse being unable to sleep with it on. I hope you keep on improving and feel more positive now. Don't lose heart. Gina x

KingoftheCocktails profile image
KingoftheCocktails

Try and cheer up now with a look at my blogs

The KOTC Humour Show

Your daily tonic

Richard

Kelda profile image
Kelda

Thank you for all your kind thoughts and comments. It really helps to know that you're not the only one to go through it all. ( and to be able to have a moan sometimes, without feeling bad about worrying your nearest and dearest!) This site is truly great. ;-) X

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