Low Oxygen Levels

[rebekah]

I went in for my EP test for my tachycardia about 2 weeks ago, but I had to reschedule since my oxygen level was low (it was 90) and the doctor didn't feel comfortable performing the procedure. He wanted me to go to the hospital for oxygen, but I had class later that day and just didn't want to go, especially with the crazy flu going around and me being so immunosuppressed. I did get some oxygen during my last Rituxan infusion on Jan. 17th because of the low levels, but nothing since. I saw my pcp and rheumy last week and my oxygen was 93 and 94, which isn't terribly low. I feel like I'm acting nonchalant about this even though I know it's not good. Has anyone had this issue? Could it just be from the lung involvement with wegs and should improve over the next few weeks as Rituxan kicks in or I should listen to my doctor and go the hospital for oxygen? I've never had this low oxygen issue before, but I certainly don't want to cause any addition health problems to my already long list.

[Dirty Don]

Lists of meds and aches and pains and symptoms is what we live by now...sheesh. I've had terribly low oxygen at the onset of disease. It improved relatively rapidly as treatment extended. My lungs were pretty darn clear after about 3 months. It does take a while...be patient, go get some oxygen if you need it, can't hurt. May even feel better and thus allowing the doc to do his thing comfortably.

[JeanMarie]

I'm with doing what the doc said--go get some oxygen

[pberggren1]

My O2 Sats range from usually 92 to 97 at rest. Of course when I am active, especially climbing stairs, it goes below 90, even below 80 sometimes. The lowest I have ever seen it was 50, but that is when I had a bad lung infection and had just come off a bad coughing spell.

[Debbie C]

Rebekah,are u having a hard time breathing, do u use an inhaler or anything like that for your lungs ?
I have one of those machines they put on your finger to measure your h2o and heartrate. Mine usuasllt measures around 98 but my heartrate is mostly around 103 ( too high ). If your doc. thinks you need it before you get the test,I think you should get it.
It's that great cold Ohio air you are breathing now

[Debbie C]

Nice pic Don !!!

[windchime]

Hi Rebekah,

I currently have low oxygen stats also. They became more noticeable after my bronchoscopy in November. My resting O2 levels are 92-93, but it I walk to the kitchen or do ANY activity it drops to 85 and I then pant. I recently had the Pulmonary Hypertension work up and it isn't that so it's back in my Pulmonary Doc's court. They have ordered oxygen for me (a concentrator for home and portable bottles for on the go) and it helps a lot. This is not where I wanted to go, but I also like breathing so it was a reasonable choice for me. If the Pulm doc comes up with anything at my appt on the 12th I'll let you know. Have you had shortness of breath? Do you have a pulm doc? If so I would make an appt with them as they will be the ones to monitor this situation. Good luck and keep us posted.

[mishb]

Breathing is a particularly good idea - great even.

I'm with the others.........if things are feeling right, and you need it, go and get it.

[rebekah]

Oh, yes, I'm sure this cold Ohio air certainly isn't helping. I have been having fatigue and shortness of breath, but that's from my high HR and lung involvement. I go a few steps to the bathroom and my HR jumps up to 150... I've never had a problem with low O2 until this month. It's also weird all the pulse oximeter readings at the doctor's are low, but my blood work last week showed my CO2 was 25 (normal range is 22-30 mmol/L). I'm not sure what to believe. I bought 2 different pulse oximeters at the pharmacy and had to return both because neither worked properly so I'm shopping for one to keep track of it at home. My insurance doesn't cover portable oxygen unless my levels go below 90, and I don't want to find out how much it'll cost without insurance, but another hospital bill isn't ideal either. I don't know how long I'd have to stay there either.

[windchime]

My resting HR lately is about 90 and it jumps to 120-130 with any activity. So putting two and two together I'd say they're related. I also have the fatigue which can be indicative of the low O2 levels. Before they would prescribe O2 for me I had to take the 6 minute walk test. Basically you have a pulse oximeter on your finger and you walk a predetermined route. They look at the Pulse Ox every 30 seconds and record it. If it falls too low you flunk, like me. Then insurance will pay for O2. It is usually covered under durable medical equipment. And you're right you don't want to pay cash. I have a pulse Ox for home and use it a lot. Mostly to confirm what I suspect and that is to get the oxygen on for a few minutes or use it when I'm doing thing around the house.

Usually when they take your O2 levels at the docs office you've had a minute to sit there and the O2 levels increase. I usually always come in at 92-93 at the docs office. I don't know what going to the hospital to get O2 entails. Does this mean a visit to the ER? That's a really pricey O2 tx if that's the case, however if you are ever in dire need don't hesitate. Your cardiologists can do the 6 minute walk test, mine did then referred me back to my Pulm doc. Hope some of this is helpful. Your best bet is talk to your pulm doc.