CO2

[greaterexp]

My carbon dioxide level has been slightly elevated for a couple of years. My PCP suspects my breathing is probably a little too shallow.

I’m wondering if anyone else has had this issue.

[erash]

My CO2 also elevated. I see a pulmonologist because I do have weakness and restrictions of my intercostal muscles. I asked about blood gases to determine more accurately CO2 levels. He said, no need—CO2 is not reliable from serum.

Idiot, that’s why I asked for blood gases!

Anyway I use The Breather device and follow Yoga Tune Up to increase muscle expansion. And I think that helps. I will post links.

[erash in reply to erash]

The breather protherapysupplies.com/Shop...

[erash in reply to erash]

Ytu youtu.be/nfhqL2Ytq0w(Not working as expected?)

[greaterexp in reply to erash]

Bless you for the links!

[erash in reply to greaterexp]

Often it’s thought that breathing issues due to muscle weakness are more end stage MS but they now know these problems can occur early in MS. Just like all other muscles, we can increase strength and decrease spasticity.

Most people with MS don’t die from MS but they can die from respiratory failure. If I can do anything to prevent or delay that, you better believe I will.

[Iona60 in reply to erash]

Thank you for posting this. I need to start using my breathing thing again.

[mrsmike9 in reply to erash]

Please do!!

[greaterexp in reply to erash]

Thank you for pointing this out. We all may need to ask our doctors to monitor our breathing and try to be proactive about keeping our respiratory muscles as strong as we can for as long as we can. We don't get our "druthers," as they say, but I'd rather die by being hit by a Mack truck than by respiratory failure.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

Good post, lots of wonderful information, greaterexp and a great reminder to exercise our lungs and everything else for that matter, so we don't loose our capabilities! Keep Smiling

I am happy to see that you are breathing better, erash