Has anyone experienced oxygen level going down to 73 or resently 71? I was told at the hospital that 10 more min n I would have fallen back to sleep n died. Mon my o2 was 71 n I pushed my Oxygen concentrator up to almost 4cwhich brought me up to 80 ..drank lot of water n stayed at 92 Mon n tues n better today. If I go to the hospital I can't get an I.V. my arm swells n burns within 10 min. And I.v. has to be removed n they keep trying. I tell them over n over I can only have a pick line. It takes a while cause some doctors have to show that they can do it's it cant be done. Tired of fighting Drs egos. Sorry . so I stayed home . people were texting to press my lifeline. But when u are alone it's hard to go to hospital. I monitored my oxygen constantly. Thank you n love to hear back . i am sure I'm not alone ty .well they wouldnt let me show the photo of my arms . but anyone else have a problem with getting I.v.?
Low O2 levels: Has anyone experienced... - Lung Conditions C...
Low O2 levels
Hi Pinky, you poor thing, you sound as if you are going through it at the moment. I hope today is a better day for you. I was sad to hear you say you are alone, is that usual, or just when you got sick. It must beso frightening. I am often awake so i will follow your posts and look out for your posts.
Take care, wishing you a good day❤️
Thank u Sheila I appreciate feeling like someone cares n I'm not alone . I am ok ...better than Monday. I slept with mask on last night and switched to tubes n liquid O2 at 3 n steady at 97. Everyone I knew said go to hospital . but when u are alone it's very difficult. I knew from past experience of O2 Going down to 73 to push up oxygen. I might be playing Russian roulette but I leave it up to my higher power. Someone was suppose to help me today n I haven't heard back From her . not easy asking for help ..and even harder not getting it ty
Well it sounds as if you have learned what to do when you start to have a problem. Sometimes it seems as if we know more than the health workers. Still it is taking a chance staying at home when you know you should be in a hospital, it worked out this time , but why don't you have a plan for if it happens again.
Maybe you could have a little bag packed so you are ready to go without too much effort. Iknow when we are sick it is hard to do anything.
Shame that your friend let you down. Did she at least call you with an explanation? Do you get scared, i think i would. That is why i would need to have everything together.
I have only been hospitalised once since i got diagnosed three years ago with COPD . Then i had started turning blue but was very lucky that there was an ambulance near me. It is really scary.
Anyway sorry for rambling on and on. Get a good nights sleep.
Sheila1kerry
U are right I should have gone to the hospital. I have a lifealert button. I did pack a bag and was ready to go . but by the time they got here I was better n they looked at me like I was crazy. Once before when o2 went down I did press my lifealert n emt came n begged me to go to hospital because my Bp was 70/50 .but they wouldn't take me to where my pulmonologist works. So I stayed home.. I feel u are right that we know more about what to do than the doctors who take care of us . I like the idea of a cruise ship rather than flying to a hotel for a week because the ship has a fully equipt hospital. I didn't tell my children that why I chose a cruise. If hernia pops or anything happens I know I can be taken care of in the same place
Thank u Sheila that is so kind of u. I already feel less alone. My oldest son is 43 N loved in New York with his wife n 2 fantastic grand kids they have me . I have a bond with my grandaughter Penelope cause she is 10 N I only got sick n put on oxygen 3 yrs ago. I'm afraid my gson Felix who is 6 won't know me the way his sister does. I'm Grammy Ammy from miami!! I want to be the fun crazy Ammy. And I'm afraid I Wong be around to watch them grow up. My other son is 41 single n a rock climber surfer .totally a very different person than his brother. He travels all over the world fixing the wind mills that produce energy..he is high rigger n knows fiberglass from fixing surf boards. He work as a medic on the search n rescue team in Yosemite park. He is not family oriented . but I am having cataract surgery Nov 1 N I told them it's hard having no one around to even drive me to the hospital. I have no family support n that sucks . my oldest said he will come for u 1st surgery..I was shocked. Maybe I hit a nerve when I mentioned his wife has parents sister cousins aunts etc. Living minutes away so they are clueless how lonely it feels not having that support. And my youngest asked me when my 2nd surgery was . I was in shock..even though he was a medic he never has offered to come n help. Maybe they realize life isnt a dress rehearsal u don't get a second chance. ..when I'm gone it will be to late to say what's wanted to n realized u should've helped more. We are going on a family vacation on a cruise in Feb..minus my youngest son. Its about family being together but he looks at it like a ship polluting the ocean . omg ..really!!!
Hi Pinky, sometimes it pays to speak up. I do make the mistake of assuming people will know what i want or need, which is such a ridiculous thing to do. ( especially when i then have the cheek to get upset with them for not knowing)
It is great that they are going to support you for the ops. We all need a bit of help and support, when you get sick you sure find out who your friends are, it also shows you who in your family will stick by you.
I hope all goes really well for you.
Have you ever thought about moving closer to them? Or is it not an option to move? I know you should not have to move as they are fit and well, they should come to you. Sometimes we have to face reality though and make other plans so that we are safe and have people nearby who will know what to do. ❤️
They have asked me to move back to New York but Cant n won't deal with the weather there. I moved to Fla when I was 44. .so been here 13 yrs. They could definitely visit more..but if u have sons u must except that the wife's family becomes a priority over the woman who birthed that man! They are so busy all the time they wouldn't visit that often . n my daughter in laws sister lives around the corner. N parents near by. I don't want them to worry about sharing their time. I like my privacy n living alone since I lost my pep n vigor! But they had promised to share holidays n that hasn't happened since my mom past away 3 yrs ago. But I always say ..it's free to ask
Just tell them you need them and the time has come to step up, surely they can come stay for a few days to help out x
That's what I did last Fri on the way home from the eye surgeon . I had a total melt down .and left a voice message on my son's home on one n I was hysterically crying . that they never have to worry about being alone n it's about times they put someone else first n stepped up to the plate. Didnt heard from them the entire weekend. I text My son n asked don't u listen to your messages at home he said no. He lies!
My heart goes out to you Pinky, I once knew a girl who was having number 9 baby and when I said why 9 she said they will look after me when I am old ... well made me laugh for days although we should not insist our kids care for us it is rather nice when they are there when we need them. I think you need to get in touch with a group who offer help like this and tell the rest to sod off ..... there is no point getting distressed and having to beg, and having been a home carer for the elderly I can tell you that most of the old folk I have met rely on their friends and neighbours and most definately not family ..... Keep that chin up and know that we are here for you whenever you want to vent or talk about stuff, at least we understand each other lol xxxxxxxx
I have a policy that pays for caregivers . but I have been very unlucky . I have had 2 that stole . 1 Never showed up . another quit after a month n another was suppose to not let me walk alone n make sure I don't pull tubes out. She was on 12am to 6 am . I called for her many times..I get up and look and she was fast asleep wrapped in a blanket 2He's into her shift. So if my sight is compromised I don't want not to see what's going on. I have helped my sons in so many ways n when they needed me to babysit I was always there. And I have supported them . I think children owe their parents some respect n understand their needs when they have no one . most countries show a lot more respect to their elders than people in America .I birthed them n will not be dismissed . and finally there is a light at end of the tunnel ty
Well you certainly had a rough deal with carers so maybe speak to your sons wife maybe she will be more understanding when you tell her you now actually NEED their help like you gave yours all those years ago.... good luck Pinky and chin up xxxx
Hi Pinky, carers? How can they call themselves carers, that is terrible of her to fall asleep when she is being paid to look after you.
Your family should help you, that is what family is supposed to be about. As you said you helped them when you were fit and able, now you need some help. I have always been independent as well but when you get sick you have no choice but to seek help. You should not have to ask, maybe if they understood how much you are struggling they would gladly be there.
Sleep well ❤️
I agree . but I had a choice because my son didn't have enough vacation says.my choice was to have my son come help me with surgery or they will come thanksgiving. So since I haven't seen them since Feb it was a no brainer . I I miss my gkids. My Penelope had cancer at 3 N needed a bond marrow donor n was blessed to find a match. Now she is 10 N having surgery on nov9 for a suspicious mole that her team of doctors dont like the look of. N my son is having a procedure the same day later on. So Nov sucks for all of us trying to juggle everything. So I will ask a friend n I won't have to spend holidays alone. I having seen them since feb! Her parents get to them anytime they want. But u got to pick your battles. I just want to my Penelope n Felix . they give me energy! Thank u .
You are so thoughtful about other people. How sad that so many close to you are having health problems as well. You sound like a strong lady, i am sure you will get through it and come out smiling.
Being sick takes it out of us but we can get out strength back. I am taking high doses of vitamins at the moment and it has given me some energy and i feel a bit better in myself. We just have to keep fighting and keep trying.
I hope everything works out well for you. Xxx
Sat in the doctors surgery feeling rubbish and even nodded off ... oxygen levels went down to 50 !!! doc suggested I DRIVE to hospital .... 5 mins away .... the hospital was raging as I could have passed out in those 5 mins ..... they rang doc and had a go .... so 70 is not good either ... go to hospital and get some help .... never mind force feeding yourself the stuff !!
Wow that's crazy you could off passed out and stopped breathing what's wrong with that Dr.
Hi Pinky
All concerns should be put to your doctor/consultant but if your not happy don't be frightened of getting a second opinion?
With regards to oxygen levels. I think constantly monitoring them will cause you concern and possibly unnecessary worry? They do fluctuate considerably depending on your activity.
I have asbestosis which is a restrictive disease (as opposed to obstructive) when I am active ( getting dressed, having a bath, or even coughing my O2 drops to around 69/70% when I'm using oxygen at 4 l/m. But after a few minutes just sitting and resting it will climb back to around 89/90%
I have just done the 6 minute walk test at hospital and after 3 mins of very slow walking they stopped it as my O2 was 67% and heart rate at 160 BPM.?
You have to just adjust things and do them slowly in stages, without becoming to obsessed constantly monitoring O2. As I said at beginning talk to your doctor
Stay Strong
Plumbob
Hi, plumbob I've removed asbestos from 1986 till 2002 smoked 3 packs a day I have copd and emphysema and asthma and I am on oxygen 24/7 I try to make the best of it do pulmonary rehab today's my last day I graduate but I still have to work out everyday I still have to take a nebulizer every 4 hours and my 14 pills in the morning the three inhalers and inhalers at night and some through the day and pills constantly prednisone I'm over it but I'm alive and I will fighter
Thank u . the pulmonologist I use now is my second one. The first had 1 staff member n never contacted my oxygen company. But my doctor only worked in the office 3 mornings a week so that didn't work for me. I switched to the doctor a friend used . and at 40 she just had a double lung transplant. She's very nice . she wanted me to have all this blood work n tests . had them didn't do them. No energy to keep a lot of appts. But the 1st doctor made a great find . she was sure it was just copd n she was right. Seems I was born with a Hole in my heart n I was never told that. So they did this procedure n also found an anurizim n put a mesh in. The doctor who did the procedure said I was lucky because within 4 yrs I would've had a stroke!! Unbelievable.not my time. She was a good doctor but not accessible. And I check my O2 levels so I know if I can go without the tubes for awhile
Sounds like you've had a rough time of things Pinky ?
As I've said to a few people on here. Please tell your consultant everything and don't he knows all your symptoms. he can only make a diagnosis on what you tell him !!!
If your not happy with the consultant always ask for a second opinion - It's your life!!
Stay strong and positive
Take Care
Plumbob
hi you poor thing Pinky . Hope things are getting better for you. Must be scary. Sorry I cant offer any help.
You Keep fighting Betsy - I'm a bit further down the line to the point of practically house bound and just doing the basic things (getting dressed etc.) is absolutely exhausting but like you I'm a fighter and won't go quietly 
Good luck with your graduation and hope you 'pass out' (not physically though LOL)
Take care and keep sucking it in
Plumbob x
Thanks so much plumbob x my graduation went fine when I 1st started it I barely made it past the door and was out of breath had to sit down yeah I work out a little bit and it makes me feel a little better and I get out of the house to go and see people who struggles with the same struggles I have I to get depressed and Phil like I hold my husband back but he doesn't feel that way and I'm glad but I will keep fighting and I will keep breathing in and out is the most important thing to get that carbon monoxide out
Reading both of yours stories makes me feel less alone n handicapped. I was a runner very active .a bit hyper . now I did I a 180 so different. Glad for days I can get out to do 2 things every couple of weeks. People think I am lazy. They don't understand n I shouldn't have to explain myself. Ty for sharing
pinky
Pinky you shouldn't have to explain yourself to anyone only the people who have this disease know what you're going through and maybe a few doctors that actually care just do what you can do that's all you can do and keep fighting maybe they'll find a cure before it's too late for us have a great day
Thank u for the upbeat n positive feedback. I got out today to pick up prescriptions ..but I got out. N I went out Fri nite to hear my friend Bev sing. There is a show here called The Voice.n a friend of mine won the 1st round 1st show n Christina Aguilera picked her . great to see a good performer n friend win. Great I was able to go.
Hi, pinky glad you made it out of the house to get to see your friend in action positive thoughts and keep the good work up
Betsy Rose
Pinky your never alone !! There is always someone to talk too whether on HU or elsewhere and ignore the ignorance of people who think they can judge you without knowing the facts
As I alw
Hi Pinky,
Like you ,my oxygen levels drop to the low 70's even into the 60's at times. It's usually after any sort of movement or exertion I found, eventually, that it wasn't too much to worry about . It can be a bit frightening at first but I found that sitting quietly and doing some pursed lip breathing /diaphragm breathing for a few minutes soon brings the levels back up. I am on oxygen 24/7 at 4lpm and used to monitor my levels all the time . All that did for me was to worry me unnecessarily. I am told that it is better to use breathing techniques rather than upping your concentrator. If you increase your oxygen flow you may be at risk of increasing your levels of carbon dioxide and believe you me you really do not want that to happen . I speak from experience with that . It was a blue light job and I very nearly didn't make it ! Your best bet is to talk to a respiratory nurse /technician and to be guided by them. I found that most GPs are not sufficiently expert in respiratory matters but there are now community respiratory clinics and my experience of them is excellent.
I don't if what i've written will help in your particular circumstances but I wish you the best .I hope that all that you read on this site gives you some help and comfort. There are plenty hereto support you
Best Wishes Chris xxx
You are absolutely right Chris about the purse lip breathing and not turning your oxygen up on your own I did that by myself and thought it would be alright and then they explained it to me and I only monitored my oxygen levels when I was doing pulmonary rehab and then if I can do some housework and I get really short of breath or busy I'll throw one on my finger and start doing some pursed lip breathing with my oxygen on sitting still trying not to freak out try to have a great day
All information is welcomed . when I woke and I was away it was 73. The doctor in the hospital said if I fell back to sleep I would've died! So that isn't so? When it was 73 I pushed O2 to a little over 3. I use a water bottle n u need to push it past 2 for Oxygen to get thru bottle n tube. I had liquid O2 on 2 today. So I am decreasing it. t do u mean too much carbon monoxide? 60 Would scare me. It is nice to speak to people who "get it".my kids who are 43 n 41 Don't understand the lack of energy n staying in bed till 3 . I like to stay up at night.I don't understand how I would consume carbon monoxide .looking forward to heAring back .best wishes
Chris / Rose
If you have an obstructive disease it is important Not to turn oxygen level up because as you stated it can increase your carbon dioxide to serious levels .But with restrictive diseases like mine it is ok as the oxygen is struggling to get out of my lungs and into my body as a result the carbon dioxide doesn't increase.
I have talked to some nurses who were not aware of this fact ?
Obviously anyone who is unsure should talk to their consultant before adjusting oxygen levels !!!
Take care
Owen x
Mine goes down to those sort of levels on exercise. My last 6mwt I managed 74 and a shuttle test I went down to 71. It too about five minutes to get back to 90. Aside from being out of breath I was perfectly OK. I don't know if it makes any difference but I have pah from multiple embedded clots and not copd.
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