low blood oxygen

[Doeyditdot]

Hi

I hope someone may be able to help me with my latest issue

I have had multiple infections over the winter resulting in low blood oxygen and fast pulse rate and scarily drs have told me I should go to hospital for further testing

Anyone from uk will know that the hospital is the last place I want to go as the chances of catching something more serious is a real possibility

Drs think it’s all down to asthma and COPD which I listened to initially because I had been struggling with sinusitis and chest infections finally after 4 lots of antibiotics I now feel better but blood oxygen is still low along with fast pulse

I have been SI daily since last May and have had real improvements to my symptoms I am wondering if there is a possibility that the low blood oxygen is down to anemia?

any wise words would be appreciated and of course any advice on what to say to dr would help a lot

Thanks ☀️

[Hockey_player]

What is your blood oxygen? How is it being measured? What is the normal range for the measurement?

[Myoldcat]

Well low oxygen and fast heartbeat are both symptoms of iron anaemia... have you been taking iron supplements along with your B12 injections, and have you had a recent blood test for iron? That could be the simplest answer.

[Doeyditdot in reply to Myoldcat]

Thank you

I don’t take iron only methyl folate and D3

I haven’t had low iron show up on blood tests but have had enlarged cells noted previously

🤔

[FlipperTD]

Scientist, not medic.

Please be aware that the 'clip on fingertip' pulse oximeter monitors are useful but not infallible. Ideally, [technically] they, or you, ought to be cross-calibrated by comparing the result obtained with an arterial blood gas. [You probably don't want one of those.]

The easiest way of finding out if it's down to anaemia is to get a full blood count done. That'll tell you. It will also give a good indication of iron status [Hb & MCH] although actual measurement is better.

[Doeyditdot in reply to FlipperTD]

Thank you

I will mention it but to be fair dr isn’t really interested 😩

[Rainycats]

I have drops in blood oxygen into the 80s and rarely even upper 70s following exertion or related to orthostatic intolerance and POTS (when I have to stand still for too long). I assume it is related by B12 deficiency, and maybe more specifically the macrocytosis caused by it. But my pulmonary function test was normal and it isn’t something that started suddenly after illness, and it predates injecting for me. If you have asthma and COPD and have been suffering chest infections, it seems wise to investigate further, especially if your doctors are advising it.

[Doeyditdot in reply to Rainycats]

Thanks so much for your reply ☀️