Ditching home oxygen sure sounds like a good idea most of the time. It’s inconvenient and annoying.
Over 10 years, I’ve cared for more than a thousand people with low oxygen level.
One of the most common questions I am asked is, “Can you recover from low oxygen levels?”
The more chronic your condition, the more likely you will be to need oxygen therapy to live a normal life.
Amazing recovery from low oxygen levels is certainly a possibility, it just won’t happen without consistent effort on your part. NOTHING is impossible.
It’s understandable that your focus is getting your life back to normal. You don’t want to drag oxygen tanks around. In fact, you might be inclined to sit at home and wait to get better. I want to encourage you to get out there and live your life WITH your oxygen tank if you need it! (You may NEED it even if you don’t think you do!)
Your LIFE will becomes your exercise program when you insure safe oxygen levels while you get out there and LIVE!
If you push through your life WITHOUT needed supplemental oxygen you will cause yourself a whole lot of suffering.
It’s urgent that you prioritize your oxygen need. Below 92% IS harmful!
Even a little below 92% blood oxygen saturation is very dangerous.
IF you recover from low oxygen level, it will be from attending to your needs rather than ignoring them.
Gas laws are universal! This is not an “opinion”! Without AT LEAST 92% blood oxygen saturation there will not be enough oxygen PRESSURE in your blood vessels (pipes) to push the oxygen into your cells, tissues, muscles, organs, and organ systems. PERIOD.
Do not believe anyone who gives you advice that contradicts this truth. It will harm you!
So, can you recover from low oxygen level?
Sorry to ask a question with a question, but it is a question YOU should be asking …
“Can I die from low oxygen level?”
The answer to that question is, “Yes, you CAN die from low oxygen level!”.
Your situation might look different than the next guy, but there is no getting around basic fundamental gas laws.
If the oxygen in your blood is less than 92% saturated with oxygen, then the oxygen molecules can’t reach their destination using their preferred method of transportation, your red blood cells.
If you fail to meet your basic need for oxygen you will quickly deteriorate and quite likely suffer a life threatening event!
Here are a few “low oxygen level stories”:
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Yolanda just hated using oxygen. She had been hospitalized many times but just couldn’t bring herself to use it on a consistent basis. Finally, after one hospitalization too many, she came to terms with it. “I have to use this annoying thing, or I am going to die,” she said. As a long time smoker, she knows it’s for keeps. Robert didn’t think he needed oxygen except at night. “That’s what my doctor told me,” he said. The oximeter said he had an oxygen deficit with activity. Robert was also over exerting himself with exercise. “No pain no gain!” It wasn’t easy to convinced Robert that he needed to use supplemental oxygen with activity and even tougher to get him to stay at a nice calm pace. Robert began supplementing oxygen during activity, (and light exercise) and was so surprised to find out how much more energy he had to enjoy his family. He felt fine when his grand-kids got out of school! His usual nap time became routine fun with his favorite little people! Jane’s story was deadly. Read it here -> Deadly Low Oxygen Level Low oxygen level can cause vagal stimulation, which will suddenly stop your heart. Jane ignored her oxygen needs and suffered the ultimate consequence.
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It is important that safety come first!
When your oxygen level dips it can cause your heart to stop!
Did you get that?
Low Oxygen Levels Can Cause Sudden Death!
Before you worry about recovery, make sure you DO NO HARM!
The key to getting off supplemental oxygen is strength building, BUT that is NOT what you think it is!
Please don’t make the mistake of thinking that means to hit the gym!
“No pain, no gain” is NOT a helpful philosophy at this point in your healing process.
You need to know how to gain strength without hurting yourself!
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Chris became a Life Breath Club Member when he was fighting for his life. He was in and out of the hospital and doctors told him his only hope to live was a heart transplant, because his heart would never get strong again. Within a few weeks of applying the information Chris learned from the Life Breath Club he was feeling so much better that everything changed for him. He began walking, slowly at first but then for longer stretches with greater ease. Chris got back to work and travel within a couple months!
Anita felt like using oxygen meant giving up the fight. Oxygen seemed like a crutch more than a tool to Anita. She has been dealing with significant kypho scoliosis since birth, yet has accomplished more in her lifetime than a crowd of average healthy people could manage! Her dis-ability never dis-abled her! She is one of the most “able” people you will ever meet. When she convinced herself that supplemental oxygen was worth her time, she was shocked at the benefit she gained from using it! Within a week she had dropped 7 pounds! The pounds continue to melt away even though Anita has begun to put on muscle weight! Sleep apnea was something Anita thought she had under control, but once she dropped her blood pressure with all those pounds, her night time ventilation completely changed, as well. Anita discovered that seeking health has taken her on a journey. She is just grateful that she now has plenty of energy to navigate her options and get the care she needs! |
Education is your best defense.
Find out why how to address low oxygen levels and lose dangerous fluid weight.
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Many BLESSings,
Carrie Tucker, RCP
“The Life Breath Coach”
Heart Failure Solutions
PS– Remember everyday:
- Relax and Release tension
- Exhale Slowly
- Be active in a way that adds Joy to your life
Plus pure water ~whole foods~sunshine~and laughter
I am waiting for my results on an overnight pulse ox test (done at home). BUT … I am worried about the results. During the night I woke unexpectedly (I do this several times a night) and the reading was 71 (o2 sat) and 89 heart rate. After reading your posts and comments I am lead to believe that this is NOT a good sign. What do I do until I hear from my doctor??
Dear Sandra,
Waiting on your doctor won’t help. Your doctor can be a valuable resource, but the changes you make today will decide your fate.
The Life Breath Club is intended to get you focused on the simple things that will create HUGE healing!
“Increase Your Oxygen” is the Free ebook offered here by the Life Breath Coach. It’s intended to get you to up the anti with your commitment to better health.
Your health is already compromised! I encourage you to step up your action plan with the Masters Level intense study and action plan to address bad breathing habits.
You’ll find the opportunity here -> Life Breath
Enter “lifebreath” without the quotes for 25% off the purchase price. (This price will be going up soon, so take action today!)
Many blessings,
Carrie
the “Life Breath Coach”
I am 63 yrs old and have had RA for the past 6 yrs. Recently I was hospitilized after an unfortunate accident that left me me out in the cold, lying on the ground for about three hours before I was found and taken to the hospital suffering from hypothermia and pnumounia. I was sent home after seven days in ICU and two weeks of therapy. I am now on home oxygen set at 2 lpm daytime and 4 lpm at night with my C-pap as I also have sleep apena. I have never used oxygen before in my life and my breathing has always been normal. I purchased an oximeter and it shows my oxygen level to be at 98-99 at rest even without supplemental oxygen but drops to around 82 with activity. My doctor tells me that I have scarring in my lungs from the infection. Will I be on oxygen for the rest of my life or will my condition improve to where I won’t need supplemental oxygen anymore?… LINDA
Aloha Linda,
If you’d like to know why I think your lungs are fine and your problem is a weak heart, just send an email to thelifebreathcoach @ gmail.com and put “Strong Heart Strategy” in the subject line.
Make sure to include your phone number, time zone, and a few good times to call.
Many blessings,
Carrie
PS- There is plenty that can be done to facilitate your healing, but supplemental oxygen is a key ingredient to regaining your strength!
Hello Carrie,
My grandfather has lung cancer and is in the hospital with his O2 levels between 71% to 85% on 6 units/liters of oxygen… He have a DNR and does not want to be on a vent. I was wondering what I’m looking forward to in the future… How long can his body take such low levels? How fast is his body going to deteriorate? I just need some peace of mind so I know how and when his life will end and I can prepare myself.
Thank You
Lisa
Aloha Lisa,
The grieving process is never easy. My heart goes out to you.
Your grandfather’s oxygen levels are very low. I wouldn’t imagine that he can live very long with those levels, but there is no way to know how long he will last.
With sedation hopefully he will not feel anxious and panicked for air. With your family around him, letting him know that it is ok for him to pass over when ever he is ready, he can allow the process of dying so much easier.
I just want to acknowledge your ability to accept what is. Death is a part of life, after all we are mortal beings. However, it seems that many people have a tough time accepting the passing of a loved one. You are not only acknowledging the reality of the situation, but also attempting to prepare yourself for what’s to come. Good on you! Be compassionate with yourself. There is no right way to grieve. Just make sure you honor and express your feelings, and give yourself as much time as you need. There are many layers of grief. This article here on my blog might be helpful for you to refer to as you navigate your grieving process. http://www.heartfailuresolutions.com/happiness/grief-death/how-long-does-it-take-to-work-through-the-stages-of-grief
If your grandfather’s discomfort gets too extreme, keep in mind that a high flow oxygen mask might help his anxiety. There is no way to know how or when his passing will occur, but keeping him as comfortable as possible will help you all to be there for him as well.
Remember all the happy times. Hold on to those memories in your darkest moments. If I can help, please let me know.
Many blessings,
Carrie
My father-in-law was told that his O2 sat was ok at 88% because he lives at a high altitude (7,200 ft)? I thought 90% was the absolute lowest 02 sat that was acceptable?!
Aloha Blyth,
Shoot!!! I hate to hear stories like yours. This is basic pre-med kind of stuff. NO 88% is NOT ok. As a matter of fact, your insurance company is even willing to pay for supplemental oxygen when your level is that low!!! Anything below 92% oxygen saturation is TOO low! No matter where you are!
Your father-in-law needs decent care! Caregivers are heroes! I hope you can get him the care he needs!
“Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book” is the most important book you will ever read!
Enter your contact info in the right sidebar to receive your invitation to The Life Breath Club’s weekly meeting and get the ongoing support you need.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I am on oxygen 24/7 and i wouldlove to be part of a support group or SOMTTHINGso i can talk with others like me help
Aloha Mickey,
Learn how to breathe better!
“Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book” is the most important book you will ever read!
Enter your contact info in the right sidebar to receive your invitation to The Life Breath Club’s weekly meetingand get the ongoing support you need.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Can anyone please tell me, when oxygen levels decrease does the heart rate fall too? Thanks Denise
Aloha Denise,
If your oxygen level is below 92% it is harmful to your health.
If it falls lower it could cause vagal stimulation and stop your heart.
Please read this post for further explanation. http://www.heartfailuresolutions.com/oxygen/will-low-blood-oxygen-levels-kill-you
Let me know how I can help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hi I have been hospitalized 2x in the past 6 months for trouble breathing,ie. low oxygen levels.
I need oxygen at home to function and am not able to qualify.
I am extremely tired and can barely take care of my personal needs as I am so weak. I am not able to do much other than sit or lie down or go on computer for short time.
I am also morbidly obese and have become this way in past year. Something tells me that because of my weight ,this is why I am not getting proper medical treatment. I do not know what to do and have no life and have no desire to live like this much longer. Can you help please. Thank you.
Aloha Judy,
My heart goes out to you!
I believe that your weight may be the cause of your illness AND the reason you are not receiving care. Especially women are judged harshly for weight. In thousands of patient charts I have seen obese men described routinely as “portly” in the progress notes, and just as often a slightly over weight woman will be described as “obese”. It often clouds the perspective that health care workers operate from. Sad but true. I do sympathize.
Now you say that you can not qualify for oxygen, I am assuming that means that you are not below 88% oxygen saturation by oximetry. My advice here would be to get an appointment with a doctor who has an oximeter and make sure that you walk with the oximeter on and sit down and recover from your efforts before you allow them to take the probe off. You may show low oxygen levels after you sit. I’ve seen it many times.
If you don’t have immediate success with that, ask for a sleep study and see if perhaps they can identify low oxygen levels while you are sleeping. This is much more likely.
My suspicion is that you are dealing with early heart failure. Health building is the same whether you are vital or compromised, so just focus on nurturing yourself.
Read here:
Do you understand what causes diabetes?
Why is sleep so important?
If you wheeze do you have asthma?
Please stay in touch and let me know how I can help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hi I’m very concerned about my mom she is 66 years old She has COPD for a few years now.. she has lupus, takes prednisone for that.. She was recently in the hospital for pneumonia.. then went back for bronchitis emphesema.. My question is my mom wants to know if your oxygen level is low can your legs hurt you really bad… she says she cant move them.. The doctors tell her when you get home to mix 2 different medicines together which were itratropium and abertual.. she used that for month didn’t work.. why does her legs hurt all the time… Thanks please get with me.. Very concerned cathy
Aloha Cathy,
I need a bit more information to see the big picture with your mom.
Without anymore to go on, I’d have to answer your question with a question.
Does she use Statins to lower cholesterol? Muscle pain is a side effect. That may be the simple answer to her situation.
Dr. Ali says that every pain is some cells cries for oxygen.
“Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book” is the most important book you will ever read!
Good luck.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hello Carrie,
I left u a message sometime ago about my low oxygen.
I wanted to know if when i use my pulse 0ximeter is the number that first show up where my level are or the numbers it stop at.
I know i sound crazy but i know have home. Since i last sent u a message i have had a second sleep study i have found out i have severe apnea. The doctor told me to use the oxygen only at night until i get the cpap machine.
I also check my oxygen levels as much as i can. He said that when i get the machine some of my tiredness will most likely go away.
He still told me no over exertion since my oxygen still goes down. I want to make sure that i am doing all that i need to do in this situation.
Thanks so much Lucilla
Aloha Lucilla,
The big question is WHY would your doctor tell you to use oxygen only at night until you get your CPAP? Doesn’t he tell you that your levels dropping is a REASON to use oxygen 24 hours a day?
Please Lucilla, use oxygen 24 hours a day and try to do some light activity, making sure that your level stays above 92%!
All of the readings from your oximeter are important. Your oxygen level is always changing! If it drops below 92%, or won’t pick up a reading then your level is TOO low.
You get less blood flow to your extremities when your oxygen level falls too low. This is the reason that you may not get a good reading when your levels are too low. However, you want to be as active as you can tolerate.
Exercise with oxygen therapy is VERY helpful if you can keep your oxygen above 92% WHILE you are active. This may require that you increase your oxygen liter flow during your activities. You are probably low just doing your normal daily activities, so please be aware that it is harmful to allow your oxygen level to fall no matter what you are doing!
Again, if possible I’d advise you to get a second opinion if your doctor is NOT telling you to use oxygen 24 hours a day! Avoiding over exertion will not help you if your levels are low during normal activity!
If you keep your oximeter on, you will see it going up and down as you breathe and move. ALL of those readings are important, and it should NEVER be below 92% if you can prevent it with supplemental oxygen!
Be well,
Many blessings,
Carrie
Thanks for all your great advice. I was in the hospitals few weeks ago with a severe asthma attack. While there they discovered my oxygen level kept going gown. I was put on oxygen and sent home with it. Pulmonary dr. Has now said I do not need 24h a day but he does not want me to over exert myself. I have found it goes into the 80 even when I just walk to bathroom. While doing nothing it is between 92-97. Is ths normal and will the other levels come up soon. Thanks so much and I hope I made my self clear. Also should I be on oxygen when even doing small tasks?
Aloha Lucilla,
There is an incompetent pulmonary doctor on this island as well. You’d think a pulmonary doctor would understand the importance of oxygen, but then your example is one of many that it doesn’t always work that way. If you don’t find a way to get proper care, it will cause your deterioration.
If your oxygen level is dropping to 80% just from walking to the bathroom, and you told that to your doctor, he is a quack if he is advising you not to use oxygen 24 hours a day. I don’t have many details to go on, but you need to treat your low oxygen levels! (Seems to me that your doctor would have seen your low oxygen levels if he had bothered to get you up and walk you in his office. Did he do that?) Hey even if your levels are normal in your doctors office, TELL him what you are seeing at home!
This is just a no brainer! It breaks my heart that you are not even receiving basic care!
Be aware that Heart Failure is very often mis-diagnosed as Asthma! I don’t mean to scare you, but your story is sounding like this my be your situation.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Yea I am 36 years old I have severe COPD and went to the ER the other nite it was 65 and then I went to were my dr is and it was 77 is that dangerous..because I really smothering I have a very high heart rate..Just wanted to know if I was in danger..Thank you so much
Aloha Susan,
I hope that you are saying that your PO2 was 65 and 77. If your oxygen saturation is 65-77% you are in BIG trouble.
Learn how to breathe better!
“Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book” is the most important book you will ever read!
Enter your contact info in the right sidebar to receive your invitation to The Life Breath Club’s weekly meeting and get the ongoing support you need.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Very nice post. Honestly, I am kinda one of them but different case. My case is I am suffering from congenital heart diease since I was born and I’ve never been on a surgery untill now. At this moment I am on oxygen cuz my heart is weak and my lungs also, my lungs got effected from my heart and that’s why my doctors had decided to put me on heart- lungs transplant. I am now on the waiting list for transplant. For 21 years been suffering this diease and still. I think at 21 of age I should be enjoying mylife for now but nope. I spend all my time and my pass years doing nothing cuz I wasn’t allowed to go out meet friends and doing the things I wanna do, it’s really sad. Everymove I make I feels really tired, I’ve been using oxygen for years now but still nothing has change. I don’t really know what to do but to cry and feeling so upset bout it. I’ve tried to be strong and brave but sometime I just can’t stop myself from envious. I am so envy with other. People out there who lives normal while you are sick? It’s just so unfair.
Aloha Christy!
I think that under the circumstances, your feelings are perfectly rational. Dang it! You should be enjoying your life!
Please read the most recent posts in the happiness category! The thoughts you think can heal you or hurt you!
I am holding close to my heart, the thought of you getting your transplant sooner than later, and it is a TOTAL success! Wow! Now you have your life back!
Can you hold that thought? I’m right there with ya! It is so important that you imagine that feeling! What does it look like, sound like, feel like to have your life back?!
Expect a miracle!
Many blessings,
Carrie
From a lay persons view the info was excellent and easy to understand. I see so many people on oxygen and can only guess how many more should be. So many are overweight, smoke and refuse to exercise….oxygen is going to be their lifesaver. Keep spreading the word!!!
Carrie,
Great post, keep spreading the word.
BTW: Did you see that TIME magazine is talking about heart disease again?
See http://www.time.com/time/topics/heart-disease/0,30939,,00.html
Might make for some controversial discussions…
Enjoy!
Anne