My oxygen level drops to 80% at night after COVID!

[RandyM]

I had COVID on Nov. 3. It lasted about 2 weeks then I felt better. But, a week later I got hit bad. I felt like I was suffocating every night. I had a pulse ox meter that read from 80%-88%. I had a low grade fever. I couldn't take in a deep breath because my right lung felt stabbing pain. The lower lung sounded like a crackling fire when I tried to breathe.

I ended up in the hospital for 5 days with hypoxia and pneumonia. The docs said I had long COVID and it could take weeks, months, or even years to recover. The ER was full with patients with the same symptoms after COVID. During sleep my Oxygen still drops and I have to sit up quickly and inhale deeply to feel better.

Has anyone else had this happen to them after they had COVID? 😧

[Caspiana]

Hello Randy. I know someone who had Covid. Was fighting fit and now walks with a cane. Long Covid they say. She is trying to get physically stronger with exercise and a good diet. I'm not sure what else can be done. Perhaps your doctor has better advice. Also, please take precautions, getting Covid again could be very, very bad the second time.

Best wishes.

Cas 🙂👋

[RandyM in reply to Caspiana]

Yes, Cas, I am very scared to get COVID again! I have a compromised immune system and older, but not ready to die. I have heard of people getting COVID again and then neurological and other issues affect them. The docs at the hospital said it could take months, or years to get better! I take 2 decongestants twice a day and it seems to draw up some mucus but it always comes back again. I have a pulmonary consult at the end of Feb. I hope Medicare will allow me to get oxygen. That helped when I was in the hospital. Thanks for your comment. Best regards.

[jackdup]

what do you use to monitor your oxygen while you are sleeping?

[RandyM in reply to jackdup]

My son got me a pulse ox with alarm for me to wear on my finger. I can't use it because it alarms all night! It is set to alarm at below 94%! I wanted to change it to below 89% but no option. So I use a portable one to put on when I get wake up short of breath at night.

[jackdup in reply to RandyM]

ok thank you

[jimmymumu]

I spoke to my COPD nurse about low oxygen when I'm sleeping. She explained that it's natural for it to drop as your system doesn't need as much when your asleep. As long as it comes back up I should be ok. Mine takes around 10 minutes to get back into range. If you're still unsure have a chat with your doctor

[RandyM in reply to jimmymumu]

Thanks for your comment jimmumumu. 10 minutes is a long time to get back to feeling better! My doc is going to do a sleep evaluation the end of Feb. He thinks a CPAP may help. During the day, I don't feel too bad except when I exert myself, like changing my bedding. 😊

[Hidden in reply to jimmymumu]

I was told the same thing by the nurse when in hospital

[jimmymumu in reply to Hidden]

It makes sense too.

[jimmymumu]

Good luck with the sleep eval.

As for how you feel on exertion, sometimes it's the little unexpected things that really show how COPD affects us, mine reminds me of how hard it is to shower. Keep on fighting and doing as much as you can but know when to rest.

[Alberta56]

I can only hope that you will soon be feeling better. Try to take a little light exercise when ou can, perhaps in a chair.

[RandyM in reply to Alberta56]

Thank you for your advice. You are right. Some exercise is better than none. For now I have 2 dogs that keep me busy wanting in and out the back door. 😊❤️🐶

[Alberta56 in reply to RandyM]

I thought it was cats who always wanted to go in and out. 😹😹😹🐶🐶🐶

[RandyM in reply to Alberta56]

LOL Alberta56. I guess it could be some cats too! They love to prowl.😂😁

[Alberta56 in reply to RandyM]

They like being awkward.😼😼😼

[jimmymumu]

Is there an update to this and how are you doing now?

[RandyM]

Thanks jimmymumu for your interest! I had 2 more episodes of feeling suffocated at night. My pulse Ox read 82% and it took about 10 minutes to go to 85% then 90% with deep breathing. I even went outside in the cold air to deep breathe. It was very late at night and I didn't want to go to the hospital again. Those 2 episodes, I didn't take Mucinex. I will take 2 tablets every night right before bed and it should help. I feel like there is a thick mucus cork blocking my bronchial tubes and I can't get it out. Last night was the second time it happened and I had a fever of 100.5. I took the COVID test and it was negative. I hope I can get Medicare to cover oxygen for me at least at night. My Doc. appt isn't until Feb. 16. I'm not sure if I have COPD or Long Covid. 😥😬

[jimmymumu]

It really sounds horrible, i hope you get something sorted out soon. Have you tried a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head? Inhaling the steam can loosen any mucus. Good luck

[RandyM]

Thanks jimmumumu for that suggestion with steam and towel. I tried it and it seemed to clear my upper airways of mucus. My sinus drained quite a bit after that. It did help my breathing. I even tried putting a little Vicks vapo rub in it and the menthol seemed to help too. I'm glad you mentioned that idea. All my best to you and hope you can get some relief of your issues too.😊❤️👍