I've had bad headaches plus low blood... - Lung Conditions C...

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I've had bad headaches plus low blood sats at night for several weeks now (78% -85%). Will this get better?

butter-fly profile image
14 Replies

The nurse didn't seem too bothered when I told her. But I've heard recently is not good The sats go up during the day to anywhere from 90% to 95%. Any advice?

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butter-fly profile image
butter-fly
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14 Replies
stone-UK profile image
stone-UK

Hi

I would speak to your GP with a view to a full oxygen assessment.

Acceptable levels at rest are 88/92%. Far above what you are saying.It is a simply blood test for long term oxygen therapy .

Foe ambulatory 91/92% is acceptable.

butter-fly profile image
butter-fly in reply to stone-UK

Made apt with GP. Thanks!

Kath-Hope2Sleep profile image
Kath-Hope2Sleep

Butterfly, do you mean your sats are low on an evening or during the night when you're sleeping. Daytime headaches + low 02 sats during sleep are a sign of sleep apnoea. You can see lots of info on the BLF's site about this (I have sleep apnoea myself). blf.org.uk/Conditions/Detai...

butter-fly profile image
butter-fly in reply to Kath-Hope2Sleep

Headaches on waking up during the night but don't think it's apnoea as it' s a fairly recent thing, a few months. But thanks and who knows. I'll mention it to the doc anyway.

Kath-Hope2Sleep profile image
Kath-Hope2Sleep in reply to butter-fly

You're welcome, and certainly worth a consideration. Good luck with getting to the bottom of this.

peege profile image
peege

No it's not right. Give the BLF helpline a ring in the morning for advice on whet to speak to your GP about. Costs same as a local call, click on red balloon, top right for the number. All the best with sorting this out, peeg

knitter profile image
knitter

Hi butterfly, I have been waking several times a night short of breath and with a headache too, I haven't got an oximeter so I don't know what my SATS are.

The headache usually wears off during the day, I think I will buy an oximeter to check

Best wishes J

Offcut profile image
Offcut in reply to knitter

amazon had some for £14.00

peege profile image
peege in reply to knitter

it would be a good purchase Knitter. Mine was £18 via Amazon, free postage. Very useful for checking and if you find it's dropped you can deep breath to bring it up or a prompt to see the GP.

Recently my GP doubled my Seretide to 500 2xdaily and it's stopped my nightly s o b

Good luck Butter-fly

butter-fly profile image
butter-fly in reply to knitter

I don't think the sudden onset of headaches is a good indication for anyone esp if you have copd. so an oximeter must for us is I think.

Doctors can advise, just explain your symptoms, the doctor may suggest a 24 hour fitment to monitor, cardiac and blood oxygen levels which will indicate more accurately if you require further treatment or tests.

Good luck.

butter-fly profile image
butter-fly in reply to

Thank-you! I didn't think such a thing was available for home use!!

in reply to butter-fly

Its fitted at the hospital and removed by the hospital, you wear a box around your waist with sensors fitted on your chest, back and on your finger. Its at your GPs discretion if you are referred to be fitted for the 24 hour monitor. You best option is to discuss your symptoms with you doctor. Good luck.

butter-fly profile image
butter-fly in reply to

Already made an appt. Thanks.