chang12 years ago

The respiratory function of lungs is bringing oxygen to the blood stream, also removing the carbon dioxide from the body after the life giving oxygen has served it's purpose.

Gas transfer happens at the alveoli and in some patient they are unable to transfer sufficient for a safe life that does not damage the bodies major organs, at this time oxygen therapy is used to keep life supplied with more oxygen than the lung provides.

For some patients that are named "retainers" they experience difficulties at gas transfer which removes carbon dioxide from blood and breathes out through lungs, if patients are found to be retaining carbon dioxide (blood tested) they are limited on amount of oxygen that can be given safely as treatment.

Hidden in reply to chang12 years ago

Thanks Chang for taking the time to enlighten me! Yes I was found to be this when had arterial gasses done,I wonder if this was anything to do, with being a past smoker for a number of years?

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elian12 years ago

I'm a CO2 retainer Wendells and, until recently, was on 1litre oxygen/per minute. In February of this year I was given a BiPAP machine which blows air+oxygen into the lungs to stop them collapsing whilst at the same time withdrawing the excessive CO2 (carbon dioxide) from the system. It's an amazing machine and is working so well for me that my respiratory consultant decided a few weeks ago to take me off the +oxygen at night, then a week or so after that (plus an overnight TOSCA test) I was told that I could come off supplementary oxygen completely.

I've felt quite well since these steps were taken and would strongly advise any CO2 retainer in favour of the BiPAP machine. Do ask your doctor/respiratory consultant to explain the situation to you in detail, if you have any doubts.

Please don't worry about it

Hidden in reply to elian12 years ago

Thanks Elian,so happy for you,that things have worked out well,great to hear.

I have to see my repiratory spec. in another month, and will definetely ask him about the Bipap.Will post how I go! Thanks so much for your input, much appreciated.

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RichardAT in reply to elian10 years ago

Hi Elian, that is very interesting. I have had retention mentioned with regards to me occasionally, I intend to ask my consultant about BIPAP at my next clinic with him. Take care, Richard

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jabber12 years ago

I'm also a CO2 retainer, and also on 1 litre oxygen per minute. I've been on oxygen for 5 years now and the BiPAP machine overnight for 4 years. It was a real life changer - my CO2 levels went down significantly after just 1 week. The face mask needs some getting used to, and maybe some experimenting with different designs and sizes, but I feel so much better than I did during the first year that it's well worth sticking with.

So there's no reason why you shouldn't have oxygen if you need it - your CO2 levels will be monitored regularly. Also, I endorse Elian's comments - if you haven't been offered a BiPAP machine I would certainly ask about it.

Hidden in reply to jabber12 years ago

Thanks to you also Jabber,I have been so delighted with the feedback.I will definetely be asking about the machine.I was feeling somewhat confused being told I fitted the criteria for home 02,then being told I could'nt have it due to being a retainer. Feel much happier now,& will follow things through.

Good on you for persevering,& may you continue to feel better.

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