I had a oxygen level test on the blood in my artery, then a chest x-ray, cuz my o2 was 75% an hav 2 do a sleep test, what does it all mean?

[Michalean]

[Nanny49]

Obviously don't know for sure, but my husband had to have a sleep test because of low oxygen levels and they found he had sleep apnoea. Now uses a CPAP and things are much better. He doesn't fall asleep at the drop of a hat any more and best of all - no more snoring! Hope it's as simple for you.

[Hidden in reply to Nanny49]

I used my CPAP last night for the first time. At least I tried to use it! I was totally shattered but just couldn't get over to sleep with the mask on. After about one hour I removed the mask, switched the machine off and went to sleep without it!!!

I will try it again tonight, but I don't think it is something I will ever get away with.

I have it until Friday morning (to try it for four nights) when I then return to hospital to let them know whether I would like to use CPAP or not.

Thérèse

[Nanny49 in reply to Hidden]

It does take some getting used to! My husband spent the first week pulling it off during sleep but he persevered and now has the full face mask machine as he found he couldn't get his breath with the small mask when he had hay fever. I do hope you get used to it, but realise this is not for everyone. Good luck

[Hidden]

I can tell you my experiences of my husband but I would advise that you ring the helpline - click on the red balloon - the nurses will be able to explain with much more clarity.

My husband suffers with severe COPD. He had a very serious drug reaction about fours years ago and was hospitalised. In the hospital he was given a blood arterial gas test. At which point his was I think 82 and he was put on oxygen until it came upto over 90. At a recent walking test for pulmonary rehab. the nurses noticed that his oxygen level was dropping to 84 on exercise. Apparently 87/88 is the magic number! Below those oxygen levels can cause damage to other organs. He was given oxygen for ambulatory/exercise. He has also been referred to the sleep clinic - apparently many sufferers of chest illnesses suffer with sleep apnea which you are not necessarily aware of, it maybe that your oxygen levels are dropping very low at night or that you momentarily stopping to breath and waking with a start which will mean you will not be getting good quality sleep.

I hope that some of that information is helpful but as I said before please ring the helpline. Take good care, TAD xx

[Offcut]

From what i understand there are 2 types of sleep tests on that they give you a wristband with a finger monitor to see what happens to your O2 at sleep. the other you go to a sleep study unit and they do something similar but more in depth. I am waiting for the home test again as the first one failed I fell asleep downstairs and by the time I went up to bed and put it on I could not sleep. My wife has confirmed that I have stopped breathing a few times when I am asleep. I do wake gasping for air on occasions too. I have not slept well since 2008 when I had lung failure due to a severe infection.

Be Well

[Sohara in reply to Offcut]

Oh offcut do please be careful ,do you have night oxygen?

[Offcut in reply to Sohara]

No O2 at all my gp until recently blamed everything on my heart conditions. But every time I have been put on a bed in hospital I am put on O2 which makes me feel human again. I am waiting for PR again maybe they will get things in the right direction?