Looking for some advice about O2 Levels

[anng18]

Hi Everyone,

My oxygen levels seem to be getting a lot worse with any form of exertion. I don't really understand what could be causing this. They got worse even after being on pulmonary rehab., although this could have been because they took the reading immediately after the walk, whereas I was given a minute or two after the walk during the assessment. I also missed 4 sessions as I had a chest infection.

They are dropping to 82, one occasion 79. They rapidly come back up into the 90s.

I have emphysema and my FEV was 30%, a year ago.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[oooodicky]

Hi angg18, after any exercise or exertion my o2 drop but goes back to normal similar readings to yours but if it drops below 80 I would get in touch with you’re community nurse for advice you might need oxygen to take out with yourself as I do, they don’t like it to drop that low take care, Richard

[anng18 in reply to oooodicky]

Thank you very much for your help.

[oooodicky in reply to anng18]

If you have got a sats moniter to check your o2 if you’re finger is cold clip it to your ear that’s what the nurse 👩‍⚕️ does. 👍

[anng18 in reply to oooodicky]

That sound interesting. I'll have a go!

[Ern007]

Hi, You mentioned "walk" - Had you a COLD FINGER? I also have noticed stats can show low SP02 and even a rapid/slow pulse and return to normal quick style.. I don't know why must be some sort of short lived flair as I have noticed with me what you posted for a few years.. just a guess but the rapid return reminded me I was the same 2 hours or so ago...

[anng18 in reply to Ern007]

It is possible that I have had a cold finger, as I try to take it quite quickly. I'll try testing with warmer fingers. I believe that it can make a difference. Thanks for your advice.

[Oshgosh]

Hi,the pulmonary rehabilitation I attended f you missed a session due to illness,they added it on to the end of the course.also had 1 session cancelled due to snow. 1 abandoned due to snow.

I thought It was never going to finish! Did they offer you the 12 weeks free gym. ? I took up the offer. Then I signed up for the gym. I don’t do anything about xtreme,but at least it’s keeping. Y muscles and joints going

[anng18 in reply to Oshgosh]

Thanks for replying. No I wasn't offered any free gym. They said you could attend the lectures if you had missed them, but not the exercise classes.

I'm still not sure if it did any good or not, but it was nice to meet some of the other people, attending.

[Oshgosh in reply to anng18]

It must depend on where you live.

If I want well I rang them,otherwise kept on on .had to go to A N E from the class as I passed out. Because of my “complexity” minor injuries insisted I go to A N E for the enzyme blood test.

Now the free gym has sanded I sign d up at the gym at GP referral rate.

It was good to meet others,but it was mainly COPD sufferers.

It was good as it taught me the principles of chest care/ clearance etc.

[Caspiana]

Hello anng18 , 😊👋

Are you on oxygen? If your FEV1 is in the 30's and was so a year ago, it is perhaps reasonable to think it may be a little less now than it was, causing increased dyspnea . Also, if you are having quite a few infections, this could also be the cause. The more infections, the more damage. Colder weather can also make our airways much smaller. Have you spoken to your consultant about this increased breathlessness? You may need a review of your medication. But you definitely need to talk to your doctor. It is so frustrating to be out of breath every time we move. 😒

Thinking of you,

Cas xx 🙋🐶

[anng18 in reply to Caspiana]

Hi Caspiana,

Thanks for replying. I was due for an appointment with the respiratory nurse, but cancelled, as I had an infection. I will book another one. I'm not sure if I'm entitled to see a consultant anymore, as very few people seem to meet him.

[SparkySW123]

Hello anng, you are in a similar boat to me - Emphysema etc. Mine drop on exertion but come back up again after resting. I've been told not to allow them to drop below 88 (took much strain on the heart) and therefore to use my oxygen when exercising if they do. Would suggest you discuss this to your health practitioner. x

[anng18]

Thanks Sparky for your information.

I've never really thought of myself needing oxygen, I just get puffed out, but maybe I do.

I'll ask when I get an appointment.

[Spacecat1]

Talk to rehab about your concerns and maybe your doctor or consultant. My 02 levels especially after chest infections I was told to use my niv machine during the day as well as all night. I find it helps especially at the moment my levels and breathing struggle during damp weather. Speak to your gp yet they should be able to advice you maybe change of meds may help.