Low SATS reading.

Apart from having RA, I have many other conditions, one of which is asthma. Just recently I have been very short of breath. I also have cellulitis and an ulcer on my leg just now & a nurse is coming in twice a week to dress it. 2 weeks ago she took my obs & was worried when she found that my oxygen levels (SATS) were very low at 81. Mine are always lower than average but even then are around 94. She rang my GP who dialed 999 & an ambulance arrived in 3 minutes. The paramedics stayed for an hour checking me out & during their time here my sats rose to 95 & an ECG didn’t show any problems so between us we decided that I didn’t need to be taken to hospital. My husband then bought me one of the gadgets that are put on the finger to do a sats reading so that we can keep an eye on it at home. Over the days it seems to go up & down all the time. Today it has been worrying as it has gone as low as 77 & meanwhile my pulse is around 105. We know it is working properly as my husband & son have tried it & get normal readings. I know you are not doctors but I wondered if any of you have ever experienced anything like this & if it could be connected to RA?

[rab1874]

Not so good,hopefully things sort themselves out stay safe xxx

[oldtimer]

It could possibly be connected to Rheumatoid Disease but it is something that needs a diagnosis urgently. You should be in touch with your medical team about it and they should be investigating to find the cause. It is much more likely to associated with your heart and if you are getting episodes of very rapid pulse this needs investigating and treating.

[DiHi]

Lucky you having nurses coming to you for your ulcers.I’ve had trouble with shortness of breath for about 4 months.Chest clear-went to Harefield hospital last week for a special heart CT scan-reading the telegraph news while waiting, there was a piece about how cortisone raises the likelihood of bad heart problems! As RA sufferers we take/inject/rub-on so much steroids,it puts us in an even more vulnerable position.stay safe

[jenn72]

It could be a few things especially if the blood maybe isn’t in your peripheries say if your cold or have poor circulation? RA can affect the lungs so maybe they’ll further investigate? The fact your Sats are coming up again is a good sign. As long as they do come up to above 95 reasonably quickly. I’d keep a journal and let your doctor see what going on xx

[pippin_fort]

Have you got nail polish on? Also the best readings come from the middle finger on your dominant hand. I was also told by a respiratory nurse that the most accurate devices are the ones with a light on the front. My oxygen levels currently go up and down too but I have had Covid , pneumonia, pleurisy and a pulmonary embolism. I have severe asthma too.I would follow it up with your GP and get referred to a respiratory team, Good luck.

[Hidden]

Hi pippin_fort (I love your Trumpton name btw), no I haven't got nail varnish on. However I saw my GP yesterday and she measured my sats and they were fine. She then went on to explain that because one of my conditions is an "essential tremour" my finger is moving inside the little gadget that measures my oxygen and because of that it is unable to accurately read my levels. What she did was to hold my hand between hers, one at the top and the other at the bottom and that stopped the shaking. So in future I will get either my husband or son to hold my hand like that when I take it.

The nurse came to change the dressing on my leg today and she thinks that I have another infection in the wound which is worrying. She has ordered more tests for me and to hope that the results of the swab soon show something. She thinks I need bandages but they don't do that unless it becomes absolutely necessary because once a person starts to wear them it is for life and I really don't like the thought of that.

I am so very sorry to hear just how ill you are pippin and it is a wonder that you are able to write to me with all you are suffering with just now. Please keep your spirits up, one day it will all be over and you will feel better again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.