OXYGEN SATS DIFFER ?: my oxygen sats... - Lung Conditions C...

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OXYGEN SATS DIFFER ?

MINNIEthecat48 profile image
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my oxygen sats tested with my pulseoximeter, my doctors , my nurses and the respitory teams were all the same 89 to 91. After half an hours rest prior to my arterial test they were 91. I then had the arterial blood test and my sats were 97% ?????.

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MINNIEthecat48
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Hi Minnie, I'm no expert but I think the word 'rest' is the significant factor. I have a similar situation, in that my sats can drop quite a bit on exercise but come back up very quickly at rest. Last September I had a walk test where my O2 dropped to 78. About an hour later they did the blood gases test and the result was excellent. It's comforting to get a good result from at least one test. Perhaps you have the same situation with a drop of 02 on exertion.

O2Trees profile image
O2Trees

That is a big difference Minnie. The pulse oximeter measures blood that's in there capillaries but its the arterial one which is most important so be pleased :)

You could call the BLF helpline for further explanation on 03000 030 5555.

Offcut profile image
Offcut

I recover quickly but am exercise intolerant? I can show 95% at rest and drop to 79% going up my stairs but as I recover quickly they will not give me O2. With the air in some areas being a little mucky that can not help?

Be Well

joyce741 profile image
joyce741 in reply toOffcut

offcut I think you find if your sats go up quite quickly on their own you will not get oxygen, but my sats go down to 75 sometimes but take to long to go up so they put me on oxygen to help my should read between 88 - 92 on rest. I'm at the stag the I need oxygen most of the day and on a bipapat night, gets me down at time , but hay ho such is life. keep well.

MINNIEthecat48 profile image
MINNIEthecat48

Thanks getting back so quickly. All the above are resting sats. I fall to 83/85 on exertion but recover quickly. Doctor has recieved letter stating I need Oxygen, he is referring me to a Respitory Doctor at the Respitory Team. 10 seconds before arterial exstraction I was asked to breathe in and out deeply so as they could find my pulse. Surely this pushes up my oxygen sats ?.

It would push them up a little maybe but only briefly. If your blood gases and arterial sats are good then you will probably be prescribed Ambulatory Oxygen, for when you're walking, exercising etc. i'm sure your doctor or respiratory nurse will discuss the situation with you.

onamission profile image
onamission

I have the same problem my levels never move the physiotherapist at the PR group said this is not unusual and had had this put on my records

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