Unusually Raised Oxygen Saturation???

[Phil40]

My 80 year old Mum with end stage COPD seems to have O2 saturation of low 90’s which she hasn’t had for a long time.

She was in hospital a few weeks ago with a flare up; seems very frail since she was discharged although less confused. Her appetite is not so good, she has lost some weight too.

She has had LTOT for years but I don’t think it was ever established if she retains CO2 and I think I have read that CO2 retention can make O2 saturation levels not very indicative of good health.

She doesn’t really seem much better which I would hope was the case and does less and less.

She does not seem to be coughing much either, which seems good though.

I am not an obsessive O2 saturation watcher as I know that on it’s own as with most tests it gives only one piece of the picture.

Has anyone come across a similar situation? I guess there is always the fact it is simply the progression of COPD, but I guess I hope not.

Regards to all as ever,

Phil

[Phil40]

Ok, I have just seen that I have asked the same question a couple of months ago and didn’t remember! Doh!

So I have been reading previous posts etc and I am beginning to wonder if Mum is or has: a) become a CO2 retainer; b) has some sort of anaemia because if the red blood cell count is low then the oxygen saturation levels can look higher but there is actually not enough oxygenated blood cells carrying oxygen around; or c) something else??

I have some symptoms to look out for though and will speak to Community Matron Monday regarding this.

I have the gut feeling that things are not right with her but the trouble is she will not say anything because of her citizenship in the state of Denial; motto; ‘Si non est, illud potest esse’ (if never spoken it cannot be) Long live Denial!! Oh bum it doesn’t work it’s still there.

Anyway asked a question and answered myself. Just ignore me.its late.

[mrsmummy in reply to Phil40]

Probably best to check with her respiratory nurses, the ones who ordered the oxygen for her, as they have the specialist knowledge and will be able to test her O2 levels and reassess her need.

[Phil40 in reply to mrsmummy]

Thanks Mrs.Mummy I will indeed ask about this.

One of the many things that made me angry was when I found out that the oxygen concentrator she had been given in the previous area where she lived, and consequently brought here with her, was unregulated, no one had ever checked up on how she was using it nor explained to her what she was supposed to do with it. She had never had blood gases checked. She had been left to it and it was only when the Pulminary rehab nurse was horrified at the lack of care and explained who I should talk to about the unregulated prescription medication it actually is that I started to get appropriate care in place and the GPs started to listen!!!

I joke not; left to her own devices with an oxygen concentrator for 3 years.

Grrrr

[mrsmummy in reply to Phil40]

That is appalling!

[Phil40 in reply to mrsmummy]

I am happy to report that it is a different story today with a very diligent Community Matron keeping on top of things and leading the care that is in place now.

But it was a long hard slog. As I kept ranting to all as I remember!!!