Oxygen saturation

[whitrok]

Hi, I am new to the website. Was admitted to hospital with shortness of breath and chest infection and had been experiencing symptoms of low blood oxygen for some time. Was advised I probably have COPD. Info from hospital to GP was that I was saturating 96% on 24% oxygen. This does not sound too serious - or am I wrong. I was feeling Dreadful!!!

[libby7827]

I don't know much about oxygen use whitrok, but I do know that 96% saturation is good. However, if you were using oxygen to achieve that figure then I would have thought you would need ongoing oxygen therapy If it was only used during an infection though, it may be that you don't need it anymore. Did the gp take your sats at the surgery since your hospital stay? If so, and you haven't been prescribed oxygen then you must be ok. Sorry, that sounds a bit garbled - hopefully an oxygen user from the forum will be along to give you better advice! Libby

[whitrok in reply to libby7827]

Hi, Libby

Thanks for replying. The GP has not done my sats again but I have been prescribed Spiriva and Salamol. I'm just worried that my oxygen levels will drop again and I'll be back to feeling exhausted and headachy again. I am due for a lung function test at the end of May.

Kind Regards

[weeannie60]

hi libby i was in hospital beginning of march my sats were down to 66/75 on moving as i was short of breath i was put on oxygen therapy 16hrs daily they diagnosed pulmanory fibrosis but i did have copd before hand with oxygen my sats are about 94 which is good my doctor always has taken my sats doesnt matter what i go to see her for think your doc should be doing same after your lung function test they,ll be able to tell you more until then youll just have to play it by ear if you get breathless go to docs straight away hope this has helped a bit and everything goes well at your test tc and ill hear how you get on xx

[libby7827 in reply to weeannie60]

Hi, I think your answer's for whitrock, I know, it can be confusing! I agree though, I would see your gp and ask him to check your sats, anxiety about it is not good for copd as it make your breathing faster and more shallow even if you're not particularly conscious of it. Libby

[weeannie60]

oops sorry libby it was for whitrock dont think the brain is working lol hopefully she will see it xx

[whitrok in reply to weeannie60]

Hi, Weeannie and Libby. Thanks for the advice. I am so glad I found this site!

Kind regards

[Hidden]

Hi I was put on oxy when my sat level dropped more than 4% on exertion. Down from 93 to 88.prescribed oxy minimum 15 hours per day. Sats 94%.

At the stage I'm at, end of life palliative, my sat drops if I think about moving almost - eating and conversation are problematic. This with sats of 94%.

When at rest and at 94 I turn oxy off until it drops to 88 or thereabouts to prevent CO2 retention. My flow rate is very low 0.5 lt

I hope this is of some help even if it only gives you a comparison.

Good luck,

Chris

[whitrok in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. That does give me a comparison to work with. I am going to make an appointment with my GP and have things explained in detail.

Kind regards

Jean

[Hidden]

There is a BLF helpline, not weekends, who have a team of professionals who can also help.

03000 030 555 give them a ring.

Good luck,

Chris

[whitrok in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, Chris