Low oxygen levels will rob you of your eye sight, short term memory, and your energy. Eventually low oxygen levels will weaken your heart muscle.
Heart Failure IS -> Progressive weakening of your heart muscle! (Read that sentence again. It is that important.)
The world is facing an epidemic of heart failure! This ONE health crisis will rob more productive work years from Americans than any other.
Why should you be concerned about oxygen?
Oxygen isn’t typically something you worry about. If you are looking into “low oxygen levels”, you likely heard the term from your doctor. As the caregiver of a loved one, you
might become familiar with the importance of oxygen as a life saving requirement, but fail to realize how effective it can be in minimizing discomfort and maintaining quality-of-
life.
Everyone worries about high blood pressure, carrying extra weight and other issues routine blood work can reveal. It’s all part of the natural aging process and your growing
concern for your health. After all, you don’t ignore your bad health until it kills you if you know better, right?
Being over-weight increases your risk for many diseases, especially heart disease. So, you diet and attempt to get “regular exercise”. Maybe you join a gym, or consider
gastric bypass surgery. You do what it takes because health is important.
High blood pressure is called the silent killer, because it can be deadly without symptoms. Most people know that it’s important to get their blood pressure checked
regularly, just to be safe.
You’ve been told you should worry about your cholesterol levels. Everybody seems to know that reducing your bad cholesterol is important, so your doctor will likely offer
you a prescription to lower your cholesterol if it is elevated. Even if your cholesterol isn’t elevated, your doctor may prescribe Statin medication as a “precaution” when you
have other risk factors for heart disease. (That so called preventative medication might not be such a good idea.
There are plenty of risk factors to worry about. Why add oxygen to the list?
If your doctor is expressing concern about your blood oxygen levels, you should be concerned, too.
You may be inclined to argue with your doctor if he/she would like to see you using oxygen 24 hours a day. It’s fair to say that round-the-clock oxygen therapy is inconvenient and irritating.
It’s also difficult to understand why it is necessary.
What is there to be concerned about?
Consequences of Low Blood Oxygen Level:
• damage eye sight
• deteriorate short term memory
• weaken muscle (your heart is a muscle)
• increase pain
• reduced clarity/focus
• loss of your natural charming disposition
• potentially create life threatening cranial nerve stimulation
Since low-flow home-oxygen is completely safe and doesn’t cause side-effects you are better off to use it than to resist using it and suffer the consequences of low blood oxygen. It isn’t an easy to swallow pill, but it might just be more important than every pill in your pill box.
Oxygen is one prescription you don’t want to second guess.
If your doctor wants you on oxygen, you are crazy to argue.
Does your doctor monitor your blood oxygen levels routinely?
Not all doctors have oximeters (oxygen measuring devices) in their office. If they don’t have one, they have no way to routinely monitor your oxygen level during your physicals, check-ups and illness related appointments.
This isn’t at all unusual. Even if doctors have oximeters, they may not use them unless you have some sort of breathing complaint. It isn’t widely understood, even with doctors, that low oxygen is most often NOT accompanied by shortness-of-breath.
It isn’t at all uncommon for doctors and nurses to minimize the importance of oxygen therapy and to dismiss low oxygen readings if they only last a short period of time.
This approach is much like waiting for things to get worse.
Whether your doctor monitors your blood oxygen level or not, YOU SHOULD.
There is no doubt about it. Taking an active role in your health care can cause you more stress than putting blind trust in your doctor, but if your doctor doesn’t offer you the solution you need, who will?
Doctors are making educated guesses and doing the best they can. Luckily they also have the benefit of a well educated team with many years of combined experience. Good health care requires team work. It can be tempting to allow your doctor to lead the team but NO ONE is more motivated and invested in finding solutions to your suffering than YOU are.
It’s important for you to be aware that your participation is the key to positive results.
Certainly, if your health care team doesn’t successfully uncover the cause of your suffering and eliminate it or otherwise address it, you are the only one who will suffer the consequence. Ultimately, you pay the price for oversights and mistakes.
Unfortunately, low blood oxygen causes devastating consequences.
If your doctor is advocating for oxygen therapy, you are fortunate. Most doctors overlook the harm low oxygen levels are causing and shrug off the importance of monitoring and meeting oxygen needs.
Good quality-of-life is your goal. The damage caused by low oxygen levels prevents you from functioning the way you normally would. How much joy would you lose if your eyesight slowly deteriorated?
As you age, you tend to think you are just getting old and out of shape. The progressive muscle weakening caused by low oxygen levels effects your heart muscle. When your heart muscle is weakened by low oxygen levels your whole world changes, but it doesn’t typically happen all of a sudden.
When you suffer a heart attack part of your heart muscle dies. With congestive heart failure things [more often than not] happen very slowly. The progressive weakening of your heart muscle is gradual. For years your doctor will tell you “your heart is fine”.
Once you know you are living with congestive heart failure, you should understand that oxygen is the key to protecting your weakened heart muscle and to strengthening it.
Low oxygen is a BIG deal. (Ask your questions on the weekly Zoom Call Mondays at 1:00pm Pacific Time)
If your low oxygen levels are caused by lung disease, it’s important to remember that keeping your blood oxygen level above 92% is important to protect your heart.
If your low oxygen levels are caused by heart disease, it’s important to remember that failing to address low oxygen levels will further weaken your heart muscle.
So how low is too low?
7 Facts to Remember About Blood Oxygen Saturation Levels
1. When oxygen saturation levels fall below 92%, the pressure of the oxygen in your blood is too low to penetrate the walls of the red blood cells. It is a matter of gas laws.
2. Your insurance company may not pay for oxygen unless your levels fall to 88% oxygen saturation. This has nothing to do with what is best for you, it is just the point at which your insurance is willing to pay.
3. Every time your oxygen level falls below 92% saturation the cells of your body are oxygen starved.
4. When you fail to meet your oxygen needs, every organ in your body suffers the consequences.
5. Low oxygen levels may be present only at certain times.
- when retaining excessive fluid
- when airways are reacting to irritants
- with respiratory illness
- sleep apnea
- about 3:00am when you wake gasping for air
- with activity when your heart muscle has become weak, though isn’t technically “congestive heart failure”….. yet
6. Recurring low oxygen levels are harmful and should be treated with supplemental oxygen.
7. The problem is that your doctor may not witness your oxygen levels at 88%, and if he doesn’t see that reading on an oxygen meter (oximeter), then most insurance companies will not pay for it, and therefore doctors don’t order it.
Low oxygen levels are definitely something to worry about!
If you feel you may be experiencing low oxygen levels be sure to ask your doctor to check your pulse oximetry reading.
Symptoms of low oxygen are:
- shortness of breath/ difficulty breathing/ dyspnea
- extreme fatigue
- chest tightness
- mental confusion
- tingling fingers
- water retention (especially feet/ ankles)
- chronic cough
If you are experiencing blood oxygen saturation levels below 92% now, waiting for your doctor to witness it below 88% and order oxygen is equal to sitting around waiting to get worse.
Are you concerned?
Join Us on the “Ask Your Health Questions” Zoom Call Mondays at 1:00 pm Pacific Time
My 73 year old father has both CHF and COPD, but has never before been on 24/7 oxygen until after his last hospitalization. He had a heart attack on Dec. 28th and his cardiologist did an angiogram to assess the damage only to discover too much damage to repair. He stayed in the hospital 25 more days to try to regain his strength and was eventually sent home with my mother on a pharmacopia of medications, a walker, and the oxygen. He is on 2 liters while sitting and 3 while ambulating. He is still unbelievably weak with little to no strength or appetite and his O2 levels drop drastically when he is up and about, even while on the increased oxygen (as low as the high 70’s). He has orthostatic blood pressure as well i might add. – My question is this, can he wean his heart and lungs from the oxygen ? or is he now a slave to it forever? – thank you. – tina
Dear Tina,
Oxygen is a God send for your grandfather right now.
Looking at it as a slave keeper is not at all helpful.
There is hope to strengthen a weak heart, I’ve helped many do it. The first step is to embrace oxygen and the powerful healing tool that it is.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I have asthma and sleep apnea. Earlier I was having difficulty breathing. I didn’t think anything of it though. One of my friends has that breathing oximeter thing and she let me check my oxygen and it was at 75. I didn’t feel bad though. I used my inhaler, but I wasn’t having an asthma attack or anything. is this normal? Should I go see my doctor about it?
Hello Courtney,
Yes! It is very bad! Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room!
Please go to the ER. Normal oximeter levels should be between 95- 100. However there is no reason your oxygen level should be less than 97, even as a smoker. Risk factors can change this depending on he individual. Nonetheless, 75 is dangerously low. Again, please get help.
Sincerely,
Craig
Hi Craig,
You can’t really reply to comments so not sure which commenter you are addressing, but yes you are correct.
I try to address comments within 24 hours, though sometimes it takes me a bit longer to get to them.
You’ll be comforted to know that this many people tell me that this site is a wake up call. Thanks for caring!
Many blessings,
Carrie
The Life Breath Coach
My 5 month old son is currently being hospitalized for rsv. He is hooked up a breathing machine, but over the past three days his oxygen levels still occasionally have dipped down into the 80s. After it dips, the nurses increase his oxygen tank and his levels go back up to 92-99 range. Will these short dips have any long term effects?
Dear Kate,
Sorry to hear about your little one.
Kids are very resilient. Trust that he will be just fine. I’m praying for him!
I’m happy to discuss how to nurture him back to health on the Life Breath Club.
You can join for free right now, but that option may be going away soon. Sign up today and come to the live calls with your questions! There are even solutions to illness for 5 month olds. You just need to understand what is aiding restoration and what is working against it.
See you on the weekly call!
Many blessings,
Carrie
the Life Breath Coach
Have had two bypass surgeries(1998, 2008)many stents,needed 3rd surgery. Couldn,t be done, mamary art. eries ng. 3 series of ECP tx. many falls, weakness, sleepy, Have sleep apnea. No outside activitiies. Go thru spells of O2levels 91-94% then go thru bought of 83-90% for a few weeks, then back 91-94%. Dr does not know why it fluctuates. Have concentrator and use when level is low. On many medications. Should I be using O2 all the time. Big effort to get my mail or take trash out
Dear Hope,
Yes, make a big effort to use oxygen especially when you do challenging chores around the house as well as out of your home.
Show up to the Life Breath Club and meet with others facing this same situation and hear about how much better they are feeling when they address underlying cause and meet their needs better.
You can gain free access to the Membership area and the beginners level ebook, but to really up the anti and cause a shift toward HUGE healing, join the Masters Level and gain access to the advanced teaching as well as recordings of the weekly calls. You can access it 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”
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My Child is suffering from Oxygen deficiency. He is 25 days old. He swalloed his own toilet before 1 day of his birth and that toilet went to his lungs. Thereafter he is suffering from breathing problems. He is in hospital since birth. Now his breathing seems normal from outside but when we check it from pulse meter then it shows 82-83 % only. Any ideas how to cure this.
On request more information can also be provided.
Thanks
Sandy
Dear Sandy,
Your baby’s situation sounds dire.
Is there a neonatal intensive care near you?
If so you need to get the baby there as soon as possible.
I’m so sorry. Please do leave more detail or reply to the email I sent to your inbox.
If I can help in anyway I am happy to.
God bless and keep you and your little one.
Much love,
Carrie
Hi have not heard from you Sandy,
But had a heart to help in any way I can think of.
Your comment sounds like you do not have access to any type of intense care.
I’d like to encourage you to investigate the likelihood of administering nebulized hydrogen peroxide or intravenous hydrogen peroxide to the baby. Also IV vitamin C might help. These are low cost remedies that just might make a huge difference.
Let me know if I can answer questions.
Many blessings,
Carrie
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My friend’s Mother is on 2 liters 24/7 and O2 is 92%. Will increasing the flow elevate her O2%?
Aloha Irvin,
Yes, if I were caring for her I’d insist that her oxygen liter flow be increased, unless her blood gases show signs of CO2 retention. Even then, I might argue about the interpretation of her blood gases. I don’t like to minimize the importance of meeting oxygen need even at the end stage of disease.
If you’d like more help, click on the green “Join Now” button and Join The Life Breath Club to gain access to The Life Breath Coach.
Many blessings,
Carrie
The Life Breath Coach
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Hi Carrie,
Thanks for the informative article on the significance of oxygen levels. Over the past 10 months I have been having symptoms of extreme fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and often times get to the point where I need to sit down or else I feel as if I am going to pass out. Every month my symptoms have been getting much, much worse and throughout the day, my head feels “foggy” and “cloudy” and my overall quality of life has been declining. I am 24 years old so I feel like my doctors don’t take me seriously. I do have asthma but my pulmonary doctor never mentioned anything about oxygen levels. I am curious as to what your thoughts might be and how I should go about checking my oxygen levels.
Thanks in advance!
Aloha Jason,
Your age makes me very curious. I hope you have been evaluated by a pediatric cardiologist who knows what to look for with heart defects.
Short of that I’m thinking adrenals.
Click the green “Join Now” button in the top right side bar and join us on Mondays to learn how addressing bad breathing habits can really make a difference in your health.
It’s free!
Many blessings,
Carrie
My dad is 79yrs old, he expereinced breathlesness, he is hospitalized, ct scan reports show pulmonary edema and he has also been given oxygen,diuretics and heart medications,he is been in hospital since 10 days now, however when the oxygen is stopped the saturation maintained in 90’s but after an hour or so goes down to 80’s and he needs the oxygen. For the past 2 days we had to wait for 30mins and his saturation would go low, until today that he maintained it for an hour long. He is doing lung exercises as well. I wanted to inquire what can one do to decrease the edema and increase the oxygen saturation level. anything external i.e diet/exercises etc?
Aloha Rashi,
Yes there is a lot you can do.
Read here on the blog and check out “Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book“!
Many blessings,
Carrie
My mom was diagnosed with COPD at least 5 years ago. She lost her job about a year ago and lost her insurance and has not been to the doctor in awhile. Last night she woke up not being able to breathe so she did a breathing treatment. I had her tesy her oxygen level and it is at a 80% right after doing the treatment this morning. I am trying to tell her to go to hospital but she says that it’s fine. Should I just take her and force her to go? Is 80% too low to not go to doctor or hospital?
thanks anyone for some feedback
Hi Kelly,
I hope you got my message. I haven’t heard from you.
If you’d like a free strategy session I’m happy to offer it. Just leave your comment here to take advantage of that offer.
Yes! 80% is very dangerous!
My mom was diagonosed with ILD this year.Her oxy was stable at 83% before.Suddenly her oxygen level has fallen to 70%.Will it ever come to 80 again.will i get back my old mom.
she is a very active lady
pl help me.i want my mother back
Dear Anuradha,
The 83% reading was VERY harmful. It’s a shame that nothing was done before her heart got so terribly weak.
If she is not using supplemental oxygen 24/7 that is adequate to keep her level at 92% or better, then no, you can’t expect healing.
Meet oxygen need or suffer drastic consequences. I’m so sorry you are already there!
God bless,
Carrie
I’ve been running a low grade fever for several weeks, then suddenly it started shooting up with excercise to over a 102, after about 30 to 45 minutes out of doors in the hear particularly. My doctor acted like I was an idiot, and had never heard of such. It’s now worse, and I can feel chest heaviness regularly, and a few days ago my husband brought home an oxygen meter thing, and it turns out that my resting oxygen is generally in the 80’s, had one reading even of 71, but yet when I am doing chores outside for a little while I come in and the oxygen is back to 95, same for housework, same for simply deep breathing.
So, question would be, why are my oxygen levels better with exercise, while most folks here it gets lower with exercise? And do you think this has anything to do with the rapid rise in my body temp? I generally get lightheaded as well and desperately tired, and that makes me come inside.
I finally took my temp just after coming in and was shocked again and again to see the fever……………
This is all kind of new. Now, I can see that my oxygen will/does drop with exertion, it seems like it depends on how far I’ve pushed and maybe how hard I’ve started breathing to keep up before I stop and check my levels. Also, I’ve checked it during the night when I wake up, and it is in the mid 80’s at night and comes back up after I get up……
Aloha JL,
Sure, an elevated temp could follow suit with what is going on with you.
When you exercise your heart works harder and pumps harder. That is why your reading goes up. It absolutely does not matter however, if it comes back up. while it is low it is VERY harmful. You must prevent low oxygen levels to prevent further deterioration!
Be well!
Carrie
After completing surgery and then four cycles of chemotherapy I made an appointment with my oncologist to address a two week fever, shortness of breat ,and a non-productive cough. The diagnosis at that time was a sinus infection and she sent me home with a two week supply of antibiotics. I was on the phone on the weekend with their emergency call oncology nurse saying I could not breathe Saturday evening. She told me to,try a steroid left over from my chemo treatment which I did. Breathing improved but I went back to oncologist Monday. She still noted that lungs sounded clear-no wheezing. she said take one more steroid, go into work if I wanted 1/2 day on Tuesday….and the breathlessness returned just from walking from car to office. Fevers returned that evening and shortness of breaths. Once again I call oncologist’s office and the next day on Thursday they do a CT scan on my sinuses and lungs. They determine I have Taxotere induced Pnuemonitis, my oxygen level is at 80 pe cent, my heart rate is around 140 and I have the shakes. I received an in home oxygen machine, 30 days of high dosage prednisone, and while the oxygen is on, as long as I am not too active or talkative I have 96 percent oxygen and 83 heart beats. Before I started chemo gor stage 1 breast cancer, I was healthy, happy and active and I work full-time. I even went to a weekly yoga class. I just turned 58 and I have a lot of living to do. I want to know if it’s possible that I can return my lungs to a normal state. Do I need to see a pulmonologist? My oncologist says “there’s a chance” my lungs may recover. She said on the C T scan that my lungs looked like cracked glass. I cannot find much information on this condition. I am scared. Is there hope to recover my life/my breathe?
Certainly there is, Teri!
Click on my book in the side bar or email me at thelifebreathcoach @ gmail.com if you need more help or questions answered.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I just came on this site, to get more info look up pulmonary fibrosis
My mother is 75 and suffers from COPD and CHF. She is on 24/7 oxygen, 2-4 litres. Her saturation levels rarely rise above 91. She is prone to chest infections and needs antibiotics constantly. Doctors tell us her condition is to be expected. Could you tell me your opinon please?
It has been my experience that most patients who have had long term conditions of COPD and/or CHF require supplemental oxygen. The fact that she is using between 2-4 liters is good. Too high and it can be harmful, too low and she doesn’t get enough. Saturation levels are usually between 85% – 90% for most COPD patients, even while on oxygen. If she is able to get above 90% she is doing well. She has probably gotten to a point where she is used to being at the lower concentration and doesn’t even notice it any more. As she progresses, she will be put on steriods and breathing treatments to help her breath. When she becomes end stage though these will be of little help and she may need to take morphine to help her breathing. Keep in mind there is no cure for COPD or CHF and at some point hospice will be your best alternative.
Aloha Tabitha,
I respectfully disagree with you.
You are quoting studies done on sick people.
I have seen people with COPD as well as every other disease process regain quality of life. It’s true that some may have an ongoing need for supplemental oxygen, and you won’t heal without meeting your oxygen needs.
You sound like you have the knowledge to know that anything below 92% oxygen saturation is NOT meeting oxygen needs. Of course you may not see people in a hospital setting until they are very end stage, and sadly doctors do not monitor for low oxygen levels.
You think your symptom will be shortness-of-breath, but the initial symptoms of low oxygen level have to do with your energy level, memory and eye sight.
When you miss this symptom and let oxygen need go unmet you hasten suffering and death.
Your lungs are very forgiving, Tabitha. The sooner you start the better off you are, but anyone can feel better if they can consistently give their attention to their breathing. A little knowledge goes a long way.
I’m not in the business of winning arguments. This is what I teach. You are welcome to establish your own blog to teach what you know, but I will be very clear about correcting you here when what you say conflicts with what I know.
Many blessings,
Carrie
My mother is 75 and suffers from COPD and CHF. She is on 24/7 oxygen, 2-4 litres. Her saturation levels rarely rise above 91. She is prone to chest infections and needs antibiotics constantly. Doctors tell us her condition is to be expected. Could you tell me your opnion please?
My husband was diagnosed with IPF after a confirmed open lung biopsy December 2011. He has had severe obstructive sleep apnea since 1997 and uses his CPAP faithfully. He had a re-evaluation in October 2011 but his oxygen levels have never been a part of his studies, which I can’t understand. His first basline 6 minute walk was in January and it was like pulling teeth to get him on oxygen therapy only for the Pulmonologist to say, Oh I thought he was already on nightime oxygen. He ordered the sleep study which did not include an O2 test! His O2 levels constantly fluctuate. He has fallen numerous times requiring 8 stitches to the forehead after 1 incident. They starting calling them sycope’s. Well a cardiologist has ruled that out. He had a cardiac cath and the Doctor says his heart is fine and he passed the tilt table test also. In May he could not even complete the first leg of the 6 minute walk and he was changed to continuous flow oxygen 24/7. They said he still only needed 2 but at rest his levels are around 91. I have increased it myself. I read that people with restrictive lung diseases need as much oxygen as possible as opposed to someone with COPD where too much oxygen can be a problem. His portable tanks even on continuous flow can’t keep his levels above 91. When he coughs, he usually starts to blackout and then collapses where I have to wake him up. Eyes roll back into his head and he tremors like having a seizure, but I read that is part of it and not actually a seizure. He’s very depressed as all of this was just found in August 2011 with confirmed diagnosis after the lung biopsy. Our fear is that we are not being told everything. He is not a candidate for a lung transplant and he really doesn’t want one. He is 6”4″, 370 lbs, 58, sleep apnea and type II diabetes, blood pressure controlled with meds. He gets frustrated with the hose, tripping on it etc and takes it off. Then when he starts to blackout, I have to rush to get it back in his nose before he collapses. I don’t always make it in time. I’ve pulled him out of the bath tub, off the floor etc. It is a constant battle. I almost feel like he is trying to precipitate a heart attack even though his heart is good. His mind is going and we have constant arguments. I feel helpless as all I do is nag him about wearing his oxygen. Not only wearing it but breathing correctly. Due to his size and weight, he breaths out of his mouth instead of through his nose which he says gets plugged up. He is a constant talker which leaves him breathless too and I know his O2 levels are low. We test him all the time with our oximeter. He feels like he is failing quickly, but nothing from the Doctor. Almost like they don’t want you to know just how sick you really are or just don’t know. With such drastic changes occurring constantly can you give us an idea if he is in end stage IPF? Regardless if he passed all of the cardiac tests, can one of these episodes cause a heart attack or a stroke due to the low oxygen. I am sorry to ramble, but I have no outlet that is helpful, or understands. Thank you.
My husband also has IPF. He was DX about 7 yrs ago.. All you are saying I am going thru the same thing. His o2 rate is at 4% at all times, unless he tries to walk them he has to bump it up to 5 or 6. We have a wonderful Pulminary Dr. At first my hus, also would not wear his canula. Now he is always so nervous the tubing is kinked or something, just panics about not getting his o2. We also argue a lot. I tell him to breathe thru his nose, he also breathes thru his mouth.. His feet and legs are swelling something awful.. Dr said that is a part of the IPF. He has only blacked out once, but his cough gets so instense that I am surprised he doesn’t pass out.. Anyway, just wanted to tell you I feel for what you are going thru. Most people haven’t even heard of IPF.. Wish you luck, and it is comforting to know there are others out there going thru the same thing as us, sometimes i do feel alone.. I do feel bad for him, but sometimes I don’t like my life either, but would never tell him… OUr lives have changed a ton. No more vacations, just a struggle to live each day..
Aloha Cheryl!
Sounds like you and Nancy would be great support for each other.
Can I give Nancy your contact information?
I won’t until I hear from you that you welcome that.
Sounds like your caregiving journey is very taxing! If you’d like to explore options and plan a strategy to improve your situation leave your comment here and I’m happy to give you 15 minutes to discuss how I can help.
There is a lot that can be done, but it’s up to the care recipient to choose life. You can only do what you can do. It is wonderful Peace of Mind to know that you are doing all you can!
Many blessings,
Carrie
I don’t mind you giving my email to anyone in which I can help or can help me with the situation our lives are in. I don’t mind taking care of him, of coarse, but he gets bitter with me if I am not right in the same room with him most of the time. If I leave the room, I need to let him know because he panics if I am not in talking distance. I just think he is very nervous about not being able to breathe or passing out when coughing.. My adult children are a big help and support.
I do not like hearing stories like that,makes for a struggle every second of your life. All you can do now is watch for extremities to turn grayish or even blue. Hugs to you for hanging in there.
Aloha Nancy!
Goodness!
I am tired just from reading the story!
You are going through a lot. Make sure to ask for help and get as much rest as you can!
The short answer is yes, anyone of these episodes can cause sudden death. However, you really must come back to Sacred Breathing and be gentle with yourself while you do what you can.
COPD is not what makes too much oxygen a dangerous possibility.
All people with COPD are not end stage. Only at end stage does the mechanism that drives breathing change from carbon dioxide to oxygen. Then it is dangerous to give too much, but up until that time, it is dangerous not to give enough!!
The coughing spells are torturous! Tell him to breath into a bag. It will help immensely and relieve the coughing.
If you’d like to have a basic evaluation and strategy session, leave your comment here.
The cost is $350 and you can make payments if you need to.
There is a lot of information here on the blog. Please do read and stay in touch. New sharing happens daily that can lift you up. Stay tuned to the recent articles section and stay connected! Ask questions and learn. I want to help!
Many blessings,
Carrie
My saturations change pretty fast all the time. It changes from 91 down to 75 within minutes. Then it goes right back up again. I hardly get into the 90’s and usually about 88. Did a sleep study and put me on 3 liters. Last trip to the doctor was 88 so she had me do some tests that came back fine *shrug* Anyway I now am on 02 24/7. Would just like some type of explaination for the constant changes when I do not use the 02. Thoughts ?
Tim Rosenlof
Aloha Tim,
The fluctuation of your oxygen levels likely has to do with the strength of your heart muscle.
Good for you for prioritizing your health and meeting your oxygen needs.
The Life Breath Club is free to those who get involved for a short period of time. Plug in with the community here to get the support you need by phone once a week while the opportunity lasts.
Subscribe in the right bar and watch your inbox for your invitation.
Many blessings,
Carrie
How does one strengthen the heart muscle ? Or am I locked onto this concentrator and portable tanks forever ? I am 57 and my health is terrible in many other ways.
Tim
Aloha Tim,
Chris Downs no longer needs a heart transplant and he no longer uses oxygen on a daily basis, though he continues to monitor his need.
He credits “Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book” and the coaching he got in The Life Breath Club’s live weekly calls. It’s free for a limited amount of time. Subscribe in the side bar and you will receive an invitation to get involved. Your participation will be rewarded with a Life Time Membership!
There is no free lunch here on Heart Failure Solutions, but we really love to reward ACTION!
I hope to see you there Monday!
Many blessings,
Carrie
Was put on oxygen at nite last year. Worked around asbestos in the Navy engine room. Just had a chest x ray DR said lungs clear which is good news too me. Switching Dr due insurance. Question is if everything thing appears to be normal why would I have low oxygen at nite?
Aloha Randy,
There is nothing but nothing NORMAL about low oxygen at night, and that is enough of a “symptom” to tell us you have a worrisome energy draining health crisis going on!
Enter your contact information in the right side bar and watch your inbox for your Life Breath Club call invite.
If you can’t make it live, reply to the invite with questions and I’ll send you the recording.
Many blessings,
Carrie
PS- Please act now, I can’t continue this free offer much longer!
I 58 yrs. old and have been complaining to my doctor for years. Short of breath, short term memory loss, confusion, tingling and stinging in hands and feet, feet and legs swell huge, sever headaches for 3 weeks. Finally I get a sleep apnea test. Oxygen drops to 70%. Have pulmonary test done…shows pulmonary hypertension. Go to heart doctor he says pulmonary fibrosis. Finally get to see a pulmonary specialist. The little pulse ox meter read 84% just from me getting up and walking across the floor. He put me on oxygen during the day at 2%. He has ordered a heart test to check for heart damage. So I don’t know at this point what the problem is or the diagnoses is. However I have been exposed to chemicals at aluminum plant (they made the aluminum there, I washed husbands clothes for 20 years that had it one them.). the house I live in has black mold in the bathroom walls. I cant afford to move. Any thoughts if these things might be the problem? The confusion and memory problem will they return to normal after I am on ox. for a while? Or am I always going to be like this? I use to be very smart..now I have problems just fixing my meals.
Have you had a right heart cath? It is the only conclusive test to determine whether you have pulmonary hypertension. My mother, who is 55, was recently diagnosed with it. Hope you can find your answers and get on the path to healing.
Aloha Stella,
Thanks for your caring concern.
We are all in this together!
Many blessings,
Carrie
Aloha Faye,
Isn’t it a shame that your doctor doesn’t have more guidance to offer you?
Join The Life Breath Club while membership is free! It won’t last long!
See you on the call!
Many blessings,
Carrie
I am taking my dad to Mayo Clinic in a couple of weeks. He has had shortness of breathe since Feb. His oxygen level has been low and he has been on oxygen at night. Just recently his oxygen level has dropped very low with out exertion. He has had many tests but they can not find out the reason for him being sick.
Aloha Louise,
If you would like to join The Life Breath Club just enter your contact information in the box in the right sidebar.
For a limited time Life Breath Club Membership is being offered for FREE!
Just enter your info and watch your inbox for the chance to get involved in this community to get the support that will help your dad heal. He will need you as an advocate. I hope you will join him since short term memory loss is such a big issue!
Let me know if there is more I can do to help.
many blessings,
Carrie
My 83 yr old father has had 2 bypass surgeries in the past and is on o2 but he uses his o2 meter as a crutch if its on 96-98% he takes his o2 off sometimes it drops to 85-87 without doing alot and then he puts it back on as he calls it to recharge like a battery is this bad for you for you your o2 to go up and down like that i tell him he needs to leave it on his heart is weak any way and i know this cant be helping what can tell him to keep the o2 on?
Aloha David,
You are correct. Education is the best tool you can offer, but it’s hard to accept the decisions our loved ones make when we know it is hurting them.
Quality of life is worth protecting! I wish you much luck on convincing your dad! Let me know if I can help!
Many blessings,
Carrie
How low must one’s O2 sat be for brain injury to occur? In Sept. 2010, I had a severe asthma attack (status asthmaticus) which lead to respiratory failure, intubation, mechanical ventilation and 2 weeks in the hospital — one week of which I was in a drug-induced coma on a ventilator. At any rate, I have no recall of any of this (until I was weaned off of the drugs and the ventilator), though I do have copies of the EMS and hospital reports. The paramedics measured my O2 sat at 53%. I believe it was up to somewhere around 77% when I got to the hospital. Thing is, I was home alone when the attack hit, and I don’t know how long I was in this “53% state” before my husband came home and found me. To this day, my short-term memory is terrible, I search for words when trying to verbalize my thoughts, I have twitches and have been extremely depressed since this happened.
Could I have brain damage?
Aloha Julia,
Your body is capable of healing miracles.
Never give up.
Sacred Breathing is the place to start. Get serious and see just how much healing you can manage!
http://HeartFailureSolutions.com/sacredbreath
Be well!
Carrie
The Life Breath Coach
I recently spent 4 days in the hospital with low oxygen levels. they are not a extremely low as I have seen on this site but needless to say they are low. When I get up and walk a few feet my levels drop. I have had no real dianisis as of yet except for Hypoxia. I was told I may have had viral pnemonia for several months. they did the camera down into my lung and said they werre really irraitated and took a biopsy, still waiting for results. they did test my heart and said it was puimping correctly and was healthy but I have constant chest pains, I do still work full time and am confused on what to do with, the coughing is crazy. I do have chronic back pain and take opiate pain meds everyday. A few weeks ago I almost passed out at work when i suspect my O2 levels really dropped I do get light headed at times and feel disoriented and sometimes get the feeling of falling backwards….any suggestions?
Just an update on my situation…back from pulmanary doctor today….she has added more predisone and gonna xray again in about 2 weeks, so far no improvment. O2 levels drop with activity but not with rest. she informs me that I have fibrosis in my lungs, did not specify what type. If the lungs do not heat in a couple of weeks she wants to do an Open Lung Biopsy, honestly a little scared right now, can some folks tell me anything I need to know.
Aloha Ronald,
I feel for you. You are going through a lot right now.
Check your inbox for my offer for a free strategy session to help you create a plan of action to support healing.
Many blessings,
Carrie
The Life Breath Coach
If your doctor is talking about open chest lung biopsy – check to see if they can do a closed biopsy instead – they did mine by endoscopic ultrasound. At the time – 2006 we only had one trained doctor to do it in the area and he was working through my gastrointestinal specialist – I know you area talking lungs. They were able to go down the throat and punch through with fine needle aspiration and get 5 good samples of enlarged lymph nodes and a granuloma (result – sarcoidosis). At the time they thought we were looking at cancer due to numerous shadows on ct scan. At the time – Mayo Clinic was the only ones doing these as the procedure was brand new. A week or so after mine – a friend of a friend in Atlanta GA had to have open chest biopsy – they didn’t even know about the new procedure and the patient had a very tough time and extended recovery. Mine was done outpatient with sedation, went home the same day after a couple of hours and no side effects or other issues – don’t remember anything at all. Here is a little info from Mayo website: New diagnostic and therapeutic applications -Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was originally developed to detect pancreatic tumors in the earliest, most treatable stages. Today, EUS remains the primary method for evaluating and staging pancreatic cancer and has emerged as a valuable tool for screening people at high risk of the disease. In the past few years, however, the role of EUS has expanded well beyond its use in diagnostic imaging.
One of the most important and widely used new applications is EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (EUS-FNA). EUS-guided biopsies allow minimally invasive sampling of tissue from tumors and lymph nodes not easily accessible by other methods.
According to Michael B. Wallace, M.D., chair of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, EUS-FNA has not only significantly changed the staging and management of gastrointestinal tumors but also the mediastinal staging of lung cancer.
“Although EUS is thought of as a tool for assessing cancers of the digestive system, it is now arguably one of the preferred methods for the preoperative assessment of nonsmall cell lung cancer, replacing invasive procedures such as mediastinoscopy and thoracoscopy,” he says.
A definitive trial performed by the Florida group showed that a combination of EUS-FNA and endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EBUS-FNA) can provide nearly complete staging of the mediastum and is significantly better than previously available methods.
Aloha Plipscomb,
Thanks for sharing.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I am 38 and have been diagnosed with intersticial lung disease. I recently bought a pulse ox finger meter. When getting out of tub I drop to 65 and at rest stay at about87-89. I have a host of other medical problems. Should I be concerned and be on oxygen all the time? I was diagnosed 9 years ago and last year had pneumonia with a o2 of 76 and was put in hospital. Please help. I have afib, thyroid prob,stroke, RA, lupus, and raynauds syndrome . I am a walking medical problem.
Aloha Brandy,
You are so young. I’ve offered you a strategy session, check your inbox.
Be well,
Carrie
Brandy:
Your Interstitial Lung Disease is called “Pulmonary Fibrosis” and is derived from the RA, as is mine. I have had JRA since I was 18 months old and have fought it all the way. Anything under 92 on your oximeter and you should be on oxygen. I know medicare won’t pay for it unless you are 88 or less, so you are in the danger line at 65 and should wear your oxygen when you are exerting yourself. I have lived with PF for about 12 years now and have been on oxygen 24/7 for at least 6-7 of those years, and worked until 2009. Went from full time to part time when I had to have a concentrator in the office beside my desk. But I was determined not to let it get me down, but now I am really suffering with balance problems and short term memory problems also. Rather than make this too long, here is the website for PF.
http://www.coalitiionforpf.org They send out a quarterly publication that is very informative. Of course they want donations for research, which I can not afford to do and wish I could. If there is anything else I can tell you let me know. Like I said, I am not a doctor, but I am probably as well versed as most of them in this area.
I have small tumors all over both sides of my lungs. Dr. put me on oxygen 4.0 leaders 24/7. Will i be on oxygen the rest of my life. Dr. says there is no cure for these tumors. Chemo (I refuse) will only slow it down.
Will appreciate youir response. Sincerely, Marie Gray
Aloha Marie,
I tried to email you with a generous offer for a strategy session as well as my book as a gift, but your email address says failed permanently. I’m not sure what to think of that.
You’ll have to enter a correct email address to take advantage of my offer.
Many blessings,
Carrie
My dad has Copd! He was diagnosed approx 15 years ago and has just went down hill fast in the last 2.5 years! O2 sat tonight has ranged from 60 to 97% it averages 84-87 most days and he is able to talk and eat without too much trouble! I am his primary care giver as my mom died 6 months ago. I had emergency surgery few days ago and another sibling cared for him while I was in hospital since I am back at his home he is worse sats lower unable to eat or drink much can’t talk a lot at one time. How low is his o2 able to get before he loses consciousness he never has and doesn’t get confused when it is in 60s he is very stubborn and will not go to dr because I am a nurse he thinks I can just take care of him. His dr tells us to wait til he is confused and take him to ER but with sat of 60 he is NOT confused! He is on 4lpm
Aloha Teresa,
Your dad is living with some “end of the road” issues. I don’t need to alarm you I’m sure. You already know what he is dealing with.
I STILL think it is absurd to refrain from taking him to the ER until he is confused.
Read the above article again! Low oxygen levels are lethal! The only thing you can do is address his needs. Is he utilizing Sacred Breathing to learn how to improve his bio-chemistry?
Give him enough oxygen to meet his needs now! And teach him what he needs to know to improve his carbon dioxide which will allow him to actually utilize more oxygen!
That is all you can do. Trust that you are doing what you need to do. Offer him options and be open, but ultimately the choice is his. You can remind him that there is much he can do to limit his suffering. I see people do it all the time!
Please let me know if there is anything more I can do to help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I hav a question. Is a person responsive with an oxygen saturation level of 43%?
Aloha Mry,
If a persons oxygen saturation levels are truly 43%, then no they wouldn’t be responsive.
However, your body gets stingy with oxygen to your extremities, so your hands and feet may be much lower than your head and torso. Your body is always trying to do what is best for you.
Let me know if there is anymore I can do to help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
We definitely have an exception to your statement with regard to a SAT level of 43% and responsiveness. We have a 4 yos who is dxed with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome and has had open heart twice. He also has a repaired left pulmonary artery.
We have been dealing with transient drops in his SAT level for @ 6 months now. He remains responsive and even sometimes active as low as 38%. We assume this is because his body compensates – not thrives, but compensates! We are concerned about the damage.
His resting SAT level will sometimes be as high as 84% but is usually in the 70’s.
I have pressed to see how low he can go before we are in risk of him having a stroke – no answer!
Cardiology has deferred him to pulmonolgy who then wanted to know why we brought him there!!! Now he is to be admitted so they can document what is occurring and try to come up with a plan.
I plan on scouring through your site to see what is here.
Aloha Marantha,
Childhood congenital heart issues are a whole other matter all together.
No “exception” to the Sat level facts stated above, but yes, their little bodies are pushed to extremes just to survive.
Good luck to you and yours. I hope surgery proves to be very helpful.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Dear Carrie
I am caregiver for my husband and he has severe copd with cor pulmonale and his oxygen levels were at 85 and now are up to between 92- 95 .he is supposed to be on 24/7 but for some reason is doing well without for 8-10 hrs at a time .his leve1 2 weeks ago in drs office was 30 before blow test and 38 after treatment.
My question to you is do steroid treatments bring oxygen levels stable
Dear Rhonda,
No absolutely not. Steroids do not make oxygen level stable.
I’d say that you are not seeing the damage that is done while your husband is off oxygen, but he is experiencing it just the same.
Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book will help you understand why he wants to begin his action plan with meeting his oxygen needs.
Many blessings,
Carrie
can you comment on why his o2 sats fluctuate and what to expect.there are times when he feels great and then out of breath.
I have so many questions the Drs.just shrug and won’t answer
Dear Rhonda,
There is a lot going on, but suffice to say that fluctuating O2 sats is largely due to his weak heart muscle.
Sacred Breathing will support him bio-chemically and well oxygenated activity is a must.
Good luck to you both,
Carrie
Havent posted in awhile and things seemed to be getting better but I think it’s calm before storm.
Yesterday my husband could not catch his breath for what seemed like an eternity and just before calijng 911 he’s better and my heart is in my throat.
Carrie does this come along with severe copd?Last week at Drs.office his fev1 was 32
thanks so much for all your help
rhonda
Aloha Rhonda,
Please do enter your contact info in the optin box at the right and watch your inbox for information about The Life Breath Club.
Find out if you are doing the things you need to be doing!
Many blessings,
Carrie
The Life Breath Coach
Can you please comment on oxygen levels and thyroid issues? A local doctor advertises oxygen therapy for thyroid issues – particularly for those who have plenty of T3 in their blood (so thyroid tests look great) but have hypothyroid symptoms – which typically indicate that the T3 is not getting to the tissue level. Do you think extra oxygen would help get T3 to the tissue level? (that’s my understanding anyway). Thanks for any comments you could share! : )
Aloha Christine,
I’m not a scientist, but oxygen is a very versatile hormone. It’s bound to help in many ways. Your understanding makes sense to me too.
Sacred Breathing is great support for oxygen and thyroid issues.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hi, I have just been told by my heart doctor that I have low levels of oxygen and then they delivered the oxygen machine. I also have hypotropiccardiomyopathy and just recently have been hospitalized the atrial fibulation. My doctor never explained anything to me about why I needed the oxygen. I just was checking out your site and have found some information about it, thank you. I have been having blood in both nostrils with clotting. I purchased the AYR solution they suggested and it didn’t really seem to help that much. I had problems with my nose before where I had severe bleeding that would not stop. I am worried that this might start something like that again. Is there any chance it could start bleeding again? Also is this oxygen thing something I have to live with? I have an appointment with my doctor next week and plan on asking him then. I am 67 years old and am still pretty active with caring for a 90 year old woman for 35 hours a week. Also I am feeling extremely tired. Thank you for any advise you can give me. Justine Poplaski
Justine I am so stoked to speak with you very soon.
Your Personal Sacred Breathing Program will definitely get you headed toward better health pronto.
Talk to you soon for your Sacred Breathing Strategy Session!
Many blessings,
Carrie
I have had asthma all my life. I have had all types of inhalers. I am 51 years old now and told my doctor 2 years ago “I stop breathing when I sleep” and had a sleep study. I was told mild sleep apnea no need for anything. During the last 2+ years I had memory loss, fatigue, unable to concentrate and puffy ankles, forgetfulness, vision deteriorating, hearing loss, chest pains, unexplained weight gain and would wake up with powerful headaches 210/100 when my blood pressure during the day would normally be 120/70. I told my doctor I know I quit breathing when I sleep. They never mentioned to me my on my sleep study my oxygen dropped down to 88%, I recently got a copy. I was even sent back to the pulmonologist and again was told no need for any treatment, I was thinking I needed a CPAP machine. When I went back to my PCP she had me checked with a pulse ox overnight in home and my O2 sat went down to 76 for 16 minutes being the worst reading. I was then started on oxygen. I now am having a sleep apnea test without oxygen and am fearful of dropping so low again. I feel like I have multi organ failure for so long and my doctor was so negligent. I make so may mistakes at work and am lucky to still have my job due to forgetfulness. Will my brain function improve now that I am on oxygen or is damage permanent? I always wear it to sleep. Thanks for listenming, Terri
Aloha Terri,
The terrible advice you received is very common. I’s so sorry you are suffering.
If you’d like to heal, use oxygen 24/7 for starters.
Next give attention to your breathing. Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book will give you action plans to take back your health!
Be well!
Many blessings,
Carrie
i have copd and on air 24\7 ,i play golf and bowl,how ever my oxygen drops to the low 70s,and i have seen it in the 60s,after reading some of your comments i”m very worried
jim nisted
Oxygen is what keeps every aspect of our body alive- all it takes is seconds/minutes of an area not receiving oxygen for it to die.. That means any area from a part of your skin (necrosis) to a part of your brain (stroke) or heart (heart attack).. COPD patients are a little different, your body adapts to CO2 and too much oxygen can actually harm you..
Aloha Courtney,
I’m glad you spoke up with your comment.
I’d like to take the opportunity to help many of our readers understand the subject your comment brings up.
“COPD patients are a little different, your body adapts to CO2 and too much oxygen can actually harm you..”
This statement is somewhat untrue.
Let me explain why.
COPD patients are NO different than everyone else in that if their blood is NOT at least 92% saturated with oxygen they will be oxygen starved … just like everyone else.
“your body adapts to CO2 and too much oxygen can actually harm you”
The change you are referring to is the switch that happens with END STAGE COPD when your drive to breathe changes from your CO2 to your O2. If you have too much oxygen at this point, then of course you have no drive to breathe.
HOWEVER! Not all COPD patients are END STAGE!!!!
Not all COPD patients are what is called “CO2 retainers”!
Please hear this distinction! O2 is JUST as important for people who are end stage as everyone else. It is just necessary to use care not to give too much.
ONLY A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE of people with COPD are CO2 Retainers! I have seen SO much harm done to COPD patients with the misinformation that too much is harmful for them. They are fearful of using as much as it takes to keep their blood well saturated, so they fail to meet their needs and SUFFER the consequences!
Be safe!
Many blessings,
Carrie
Aloha Jim,
Good reason to be worried for sure.
However, worry won’t help you!
The thing is, Jim, that you can be in trouble even when your oxygen level is fine.
If you are losing too much carbon dioxide, you are not GETTING the oxygen that is in your blood!
Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book will teach you how to get back to the normal-healing-breathing you were born with!
Be well!
Many blessings,
Carrie
My 3 year old daughter was hospitalized in Oct 2011 for pneumonia. She had low o2 stats, rapid breathing, etc.. She spent 5 days in ICU at a Children’s Hospital receiving oxygen, steroids, neb treatments, antibiotics, fluids. Since then there have been 4 occasions that she has gotten sick and her o2 level drops and she requires neb treatments and oral steroids to get better. Let me add, prior to the pneumonia she was a healthy happy girl!
My family doc referred us to a pediatric pulmonologist, but I really feel like he didn’t care! He prescribed my daughter meds for reflux?! When I asked if she could possibly have asthma, his response was “asthma is just a clinical diagnosis” He told me he didn’t think my daughters issue was lung related.
We have a follow up appt with this pulmonologist in 2 weeks. Do you have any advice for me? Right questions to ask, tests to request?
Thanks so much!
Concerned Momma
Aloha Concerned Momma,
You might be shocked to hear this, but the doc might be right.
At 3 years old I’d suspect if she is refluxing she may have a food sensitivity or allergy.
Get her gut moving again! I have such a heart to advocate for children!
If you’d like a free strategy session email me at strategy.heartfailuresolutions @ gmail.com
I’d be happy to give you a 30 minute strategy session to prepare you for your doctor visit.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hi Carrie – My mom has a long standing ephisema from cigarrette smoking, EPOC, and was diagnosed with Lung Cancer 10 years ago that is steady. In the last month, she had an O2 breakdown and was taken to the hospital and hospitalized. Since she left, he O2 readings have dropped to 65% level even with Oxygen at 5lpm….. Obviously she is sleepy and tired all the time… anything to be done or is she now entering a critical phase with her respiratory problem??? Any suggestions???
Aloha Alfonso,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s suffering.
She is end stage at this point, and perhaps the lung cancer is obstructing ventilation more as time goes on. Her oxygen saturation is very low. If she is comforted by the increased oxygen you can give with a mask that is one option. The most you can give through the nose is 6 liters. She may be irritated by the mask, if so then I wouldn’t force it upon her. Perhaps some additional oxygen blowing by her nose and mouth will help.
The important thing now is keeping her just as comfortable as possible.
My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Many blessings,
Carrie
My mom has COPD and was put on 2 lpm home oxygen approx 2 years ago. In Nov she was dx with CHF when 02 sats dropped to 70’s and BP 50/30. She had CTA scan which showed blockages and scheduled for Angio. During angio- they realized she had 100% blockage. Triple bypass was done and she ended up doing excellent after surgery for first 3 days and then went into respiratory failure. 7 weeks late (pulm rehab hospital for 3 of these weeks) she came home on 3 lpm. Doc stated her 02 should read btwn 87-92. but for no apparent reason her SATs should drop to a high of low 80s and she is winded just talking.
We have PT/OT and Nurse who comes in a couple times a week- but her Sats are usually mid to upper 80’s. My question is what could cause her 02 sat to drop on occasion and is this to be expected in someone with COPD. How low is too low? I turn her up to 3.5 lpm on occasion – but would like to know if that is harmful in the long run? Thank you for your assistance.
Aloha Melodi,
This is a lot to take in, isn’t it?
“My question is what could cause her 02 sat to drop on occasion and is this to be expected in someone with COPD?”
“How low is too low?”
“I turn her up to 3.5 lpm on occasion – but would like to know if that is harmful in the long run?”
Let me know if there is more I can do to help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hi my name is Jessica and this is in regards to my 18 yr old daughter (yes 18yrs old), she has been dealing with health issues for the last year and half. Long story short a year ago last December (a week after turning 17) she was diagnosed with Scoliosis and the day after her frequent rapid heart rates turned into a full blown episode that brought her to the ER. She was diagnosed with Sinus Tachycardia. Before this she had been dealing with some strange symptoms and had been seeing the family dr and had a total weight loss of about 20lbs (down to just below 90). The ER dr was more worried about the weight and her having an eating disorder which we had already proved not to be true previously and did not focus on the heart issue and said it was due to an allergy to flexeral given over the weekend for muscle spasms in her back by a clinic dr. (she took one pill two days before this episode)….
She went down hill from there, a few weeks later, diagnosed with two clogged sinus cavities, then about 2 months later, Vit D deficiency, then about 2 months later Costochondritis then possible Hypermobility then by October after suspecting Juvenile Fibromyalgia my Neurologist finally confirmed. She continued with the heart episodes and was seen 5 different specialists before it was all said and done, Cardiologist, Pediatric Endocrinolosgist, Pediatric Neurologist, Rheumotologist, My Neurologist and even went to a Psychiatrist. My Neuro even suspected POTS syndrome (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) based on her symptoms, everything she was diagnosed with and so on. She has had more test than I care to admit allowing my child being tested for and the same for Dr and ER visits but the POTS diagnosis fits.
Well yesterday she was back in the ER and after a few days of her heart trying to jump out of her chest and the pains, difficculty breathing, shortness of breath, light headedness and so on (she has been off of her heart meds due to a tilt table test she is getting on Tuesday). Of course while in the ER her heart calms down but the pains and stuff continue and her oxygen level kept going down into the 80’s and one time dropped into the low 70″s. It has never done that before? One thing with POTS syndrome, it will give the effects of Congestive Heart Failure.
I am just curious, the nurses or dr never brought up the issue with the oxygen level or the one time that it dropped to the low 70”s and I was just wondering with somone at the age of 18 how typical is this. I was going to have her call her dr today and let her know and we will make sure the cardiologist knows? I know as many times as she has been in the ER, it has never been low like that and I was wondering how concerned we need to be????? (obviously I’m concerned but after being told numerous times that her heart is fine and the aches and pains are nothing to worry about, you just don’t know what is serious or what was just a one time thing or just a symptom of something).
Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks
Aloha Jessica,
Have you had her checked by a cardiologist who specializes in congenital heart defects?
I suspect your daughter may have issues they are not seeing. This could be due to spinal alignment as well. When you have pinched nerves and a curving spine, things can really get crazy.
I had scoliosis as a child, and had it 99% corrected with chiropractic help. Atlas orthogonal chiropractic is very gentle and effective if you can find a good doctor.
Attention to her breathing will go a long way to remedy absolutely every symptom you mentioned.
“Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book” is a valuable healing tool. Click on the link and check out the information you and your daughter should know about breathing.
Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book
Let me know if there is anymore I can do to help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Thanks for your response Carrie, we just pulled her records from the hospital from the last year and a half and I see from her initial visit from Dec 2010 when they diagnosed her with Sinus Tachycardia per EKG her oxygen levels wer bouncing from the mid 90’s to mid 70’s and they never questioned it? I do see that being a cause of Sinus Tach and feel that being a better cause than one pill she took a few days before the episode (plus she was having these episodes before taking that pill, just not that bad). I also have the report from her holter monitor from a couple of days later, it was a 24 hr one and it says from her journal that she had a variety of activities and symptoms recorded were fluttering, rapid HB, lightheaded, pain in heart, chest pain. Heart rate was ranging from 59-160 and average of 91. She showed slight Sinus Bradycardia that was present at times, One PAC (Rare premature ventricular contraction), One PVC (Rare premature ventricular contraction). It said there is no correlation between her symptoms and her heart rhythm. I didn’t know what the PAC, PVC’s were so when I looked and they said not to worry about those in healthy people, I had to question that because my daughter is not healthy???
She was seen twice by a Cardiologist, he looked at all the testing that the hospital did and the testing that our regular dr did and said that the Sinus tachycardia was doing what it needed to do and her heart is fine? She was having Panic attacks and needed to go to a Psychiatrists, so I took her to one. He said she has normal anxiety for someone who was going through this and put her on Enderol to slow her heart down and said to get back to the Cardiologist and have him see what was going on. We did and he said that he could do further testing but she was at such a fragile state he felt that doing any testing would hurt her and that he didn’t see anything wrong and that we misunderstood what the Psychiatrist said and that it was “all in her head”. We never went back…
Now that I have this new info and once we see the the new Cardiologist again (he’s also an Electophysiologist) I will bring this up? Her tilt table test was cancelled so we are waiting for a reschedule.
She had her MRI’s of the upper and lower back and nothing showed up causing any reason for the pain in the back or leg. No reason for the numbness in the legs either. Our doctor did say there was a minor change in her Scoliosis but not a lot. Her Vitamin D deficiency is at a Moderate level, that could be causing some of the pain, going through her records, I noticed when that drops her flares are usually up with the Fibro and I am assuming with the POTS syndrome. I am definitly concerned with the low oxygen level and now that I can prove she had those low levels back when this started back in 2010, I know she has been suffering with this the whole time and no one has caught it?
Aloha Jessica,
I want to make sure you understand what I’m saying. A congenital heart defect would be something she was born with. Perhaps a pediatric cardiologist? I’m not sure if you will find one in your area, but ask about “congenital heart defect” expertise.
Now short of congenital heart defect, the symptoms you describe will not be remedied by drugging them. All the testing can’t amount to much because there is nothing to cut out and drugging is not going to be effective, as a matter of fact they will cause harm in the long run.
Now chiropractic care is another story. Many people are not open to chiropractic care. Is this uncomfortable for you? Did you see my comment about my scoliosis being 99% corrected with chiropractic care?
I was in my early 30s and the time and I suffered a very long time before I finally got relief. As I approach 50 I am extremely grateful that I got help. I certainly wouldn’t be the vital passionate person I am today without chiropractic care.
As far as her cardiac irritability, please check out “Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book”. Learning how to better manage carbon dioxide by cultivating breath awareness will calm her fussy heart and reduce her pain amazingly! YES! with breathing!
Click on the link and at least read about the danger of extreme carbon dioxide loss. It is truly alarming and I’m sure has everything to do with what is going on with your daughter.
Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book
Please let me know if there is anymore I can do to help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
My mother suffer from severe breathing problems and won’t go to the doctor. She has relied heavily on Primatene mist inhalers and now that they are off the market. A friend is giving her albuterol. A friend loaned me a portable oximeter and her level just after walking from her car into the house was 65% w/ heart rate 160’s. Her resting reading was 78-79% w/heart rate 128. How can I convince her how dangerous this is? 2/13/2012
Aloha Jill,
Tell her that a Respiratory Therapist who has 3 decades of experience says she has heart failure and if she doesn’t meet her oxygen needs (for starters) SHE WILL DIE!
Or worse, she will continue to deteriorate til she is bed ridden and an even bigger burden to her family. She is frightened! But denial makes everything a whole lot worse!
Good luck to you and your family, Jill. It is so hard to advocate for someone who won’t advocate for themselves and who is not asking for help,
Many blessings,
Carrie
1st time I saw your site I found it interesting I haVE BHAD ALL THE SYSTEM OF A COLD FOR AT LEAST 2 1/2yEARS FINALLY WENT TO THE er AND WQAS ADMITTED SPENT 11 DAYS IN HOSP 6 DAYS IN ICU had a venticaler stuck down my throat had a bosp of right lung taken with not much luck ( it was sent all over the country) their discharge said idiotaphic pulmonary fibrosis S/P Reso failure , afib had afib for years I am /was a sguare dance fanatic but now?? just received oxygen as it was recorded ats low as 79 after walking up steps twice I didn,t realiz that was a big deal
Aloha Louis,
Bummer that you didn’t realize how harmful it was until the harm was done!
That’s the reason I am so passionate about getting you information that will help you heal!
Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book is your road map back to health!
Many blessings,
Carrie
my husband had a cardiac ablation in Nov and Dr says it didn’t work also he has copd.My question to you is could the ablation bring his oxygen levels back up to above 92 when they were always below 90
Rhonda
Aloha Rhonda,
This is only my opinion, but no surgical procedure will improve your oxygen levels. As a matter of fact, initially it will decrease your oxygen levels.
Check out “Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book” and “The Life Breath Club”. Your husbands health depends on what he is willing to do to help himself.
Be well,
Carrie
reading this testm. is very help full and inform. have u ever heard of a pat. after 10 years 15 icu visits of 5+ days each for resp failure.while being treated for asmadic condition. Miss a lad 99% blockage have a mi while coughing in hospital for asthma? it seams thouhgh asthma was primary cause of , sorthness of breath ,coughing, fatigue and 02 levels in toilet, My heart was not also getting or returning 02 to other organs becuase of 99 % blockage of art. in heart. Thank god i was at the right place at right time and did not die at home. Why do pulm docs see this coralation? before its to late? I am only 45 years old 190 pounds 5’8″prior to 35 was perfect health, now astmha, diabetes type 2, heart condition one stent, high blood pressure. Seems to me that all was a result o low 02 from the beginning of adult on set asthma at 35. what do you think?
Aloha Mike,
Asthma is an issue of insufficient carbon dioxide. The consequences can be very serious.
Make sure you enter your contact information in the right sidebar to get your invitation to Join The Life Breath Club.
The curriculum for our weekly calls is “Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book”.
Many blessings,
Carrie
thank you for your toughts and i will continue to presue a healthty life and do as instructed by my docotors . If it comes down to what works and i have to pay for it my self, my doctors will be consulted and i will survive. with or with out tnem. I would eat mud! if it would get results. God bless you and thx for the info.
My lung doctor made me wait an entire year for oxygen. Even though he did catch me at 88 on the oximeter the day I left the hospital. It was an awful year, I would go down to 85 in the grocery store. He kept telling me I didn’t need it. Even telling me I had a thing about oxygen. In front of the nurse, I snapped back, “Yes I do have a thing about oxygen, I have been using it to live on since 1945!” After a year, I was tested in his office and that time I made it a point to schedule just before I used my inhalers instead of right after!! I don’t know what I was thinking to have gone in at my best before. But, I have highs and lows throughout the day. Better to be tested at your worst, not your best. He has me walk up and down his halls and tests me under exertion for the purpose of Certificate of Medical Necessity. It angers me to have to keep qualifying. Medicare should know that advanced Emphysema does NOT get better. So, I have to go a little hypoxic to prove something to them. That is uncomfortable and makes me feel panic. I have a fev1 of anywhere from 31 to 34 last year. But it feels worse this time, will know soon.
Aloha Anna,
I know exactly what you are going through! It drives me crazy. Your care should be about what is best for you.
When you manage your carbon dioxide better I’m sure you will feel better.
“Your Sacred Breathing Hand BooK” will help you understand the changes you need to make.
Be well,
Carrie
i just had surgery 5 days ago. I use a CPap at night but couldnt use it since I had Gastric by-pass done. On my third day in the hospital my pulse ox wdropped to 50. I had violent chills before this happened. Dr put warmer pads under armpits and waited as I came to. What happened?
hi – really interested in this site as my husband has just had a frighteening do – SATs went to 67 at home – 999 but he too had the extensive shivering. Waht is a cpap – my husband has sleep apnea and i think this robs the blood of oxygen too – we are waiting to see the specialist as he has copd – mild we were told.
Aloha magsd,
CPAP is equipment to treat sleep apnea.
You’ll need a sleep study to get it.
Very serious condition! Get the care you need!
Be well,
Carrie
Aloha Patty,
The trauma of that type of surgery is a lot to recover from. I hope all is well with you now.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I have a oximeter and oxygen concetratior and cpap. I am on 3 liters of oxygen 24/7, my oxygen level use to be 90% , now its inthe 70%-80&,WITHOUT using oxygen ,i have headaches, so sleepy,and my lips turn blue and at times black., also I itch… what info can u give me?
Aloha Ginger,
Get a sleep study done immediately.
Use CPAP if you need it when you sleep. Slow your breathing. It’s the most important thing you can do.
Enter your contact information in the right side bar to get an invitation to join The Life Breath Club.
You’ll learn what Sacred Breathing is and why it’s the most powerful healing tool available to you!
Your situation is very serious. Get the care you need!
Be well,
Carrie
I’ve been seeing various doctors for the past year because of extreme fatigue and just a general feeling that something isn’t right. My legs and ankles are almost always swollen, I’m dizzy/lightheaded all the time, my arms feel heavy, my chest feels like there’s a tight band around it, and various other symptoms.
I had a treadmill stress test done which showed the front wall of my heart isn’t getting enough blood, but my cardio didn’t do any further testing and only prescribed ranexa which made me dizzier and my chest hurt more. A few months ago I had a upper gi endoscopy done and a good friend mine that has copd was there with me. She got very nervous when my pulse ox dropped when I talked to her. I don’t remember the exact numbers, but she said it wasn’t good.
I know I need to tell my doctor about this, but I am so tired of going in there and being told I’m just fat and I need to lose weight. While I don’t disagree with that, it’s just not that easy to go lose weight when you are dizzy and exhausted all the time. I’ve spent this weekend reading about all of this though and do plan to make the call on tuesday. Thank you so much for your helpful information 🙂
Jerry,
It’s far more likely that you’re suffering an anxiety/claustrophobia attack, or extremely high blood pressure. The “desire to bolt out the door” is the telling portion of your situation. When we experience low levels of oxygen, we become calm, sleepy.
Amazon.com now sells fingertip pulse oximeters for less than $30. If you’d like to see what your O2 sats are when those situations arise, it might be a good purchase.
Good luck, and try not to let those feelings keep you from being active/healthy!
Thanks for sharing Andy, though Jerry’s anxiety likely has more to do with CO2 than O2
Many blessings,
Carrie
I am finding, in closed and active spaces, a feeling of not getting enough oxygen. This is especially true in winter time (closed windows) in a crowed, very active yoga studio. It appears to effect concentration, body temperture, level of activity and desire to bolt out the door.
Heart stress echo test shows a healthy, normal heart.
With O2 levels being depleted, am I the just the “canary in the cage?”
Aloha Jerry,
Your description could also be a panic attack.
Keep a journal to help you isolate the cause of your anxiety.
Enter your contact information in the right side bar to receive an invitation to The Life Breath Club’s weekly call and come ask questions!
Many blessings,
Carrie
My o2 levels fall with any form of excertioan a 30 ft walk dropped my oxygen from 92 down to 84 at that point i sat back down , when i sleep my levels have fell below 70 i just recieved a cpap machine but my insurance will not cover any oxygen … do you know of any US resources that can help
Aloha David,
I have searched for resources for years. I have not found any assistance to help pay for equipment.
If you can get your doctor to cooperate you may be able to qualify for insurance payment of Oxygen by monitoring your normal daily activity (stairs etc) to see if your doctor can record your Oxygen Saturation via oximetry at 88%, thereby meeting the requirements for compensation.
Short of giving them the data they need, you will have to find the finances to purchase your own unit. If you can’t get a prescription from your doctor then you can buy an oxygen generator which does not require your doctor’s order to purchase the way that an oxygen concentrator does.
Let me know if you have any questions. I wish I could do more to help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Thank you for the great information. My spouse (72 yrs old) has just been given a oxy machine and portable oxy, also is currently doing a sleep study tonight. It’s an overnight study, but out of concern I’ve watching the meter and her average level is 78…
YIkes Marcus!
Sounds like she needs her sleep apnea equipment sooner than later!
Good LORD! That is way too low! I’m so glad you are advocating for her!
Many blessings,
Carrie