Being A Retainer of CO2...

Just to emphasise being a CO2 retainer...it's extremely important not to alter your own oxygen levels on your cylinders etc...and you can't have really long plastic tubing either...none of this taking yards and yards down the garden path malarkey!

It's confirmed by having 'blood gases' done...that's a little nick in the artery of your wrist...can make you hop about a bit...doesn't last long though and I've had plenty done.

Being a retainer means the levels of carbon dioxide exceed the level of oxygen in your system...that is a quote directly from my Consultant...I'd never heard of it before until she told me...

Also being a retainer is life threatening...just to keep us on our toes...if the levels of CO2 rise rapidly then you can go into a coma which can lead to death...a bit like a deep sea diver experiencing the 'bends'...

Headaches on waking...nightmares or night terrors...a feeling of being 'spaced out'...abnormal drowsiness... may all be symptoms of CO2 retention.

Please remember I'm no expert...what I've learned is straight from my Consultant...if you are in the slightest bit worried, see your Doctor and ask for advice...

It is extremely important to have the information about being a retainer somewhere visible...a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace for instance...it ensures that ambulance people and Emergency ward staff know not to give you too high a dose of oxygen which would do more harm than good...

And remember you can be a retainer even if you aren't receiving supplementary oxygen...so any concerns please ask your Doctor or Consultant.