What Does Low Oxygen Level Feel Like?
Low oxygen levels rob you of your health and can kill you.
Will you feel it if you have low oxygen level?
Many people who have dangerously low oxygen levels report “feeling just fine” despite their pale color and confusion.
Watch for the following signs:
- water retention (especially feet/ ankles)
- shortness of breath/ difficulty breathing
- extreme fatigue
- chest tightness
- mental confusion/ short-term-memory loss
- tingling fingers
- chronic cough
- blue coloring around lips
- waking at night gasping for breath
Your body requires 92% blood oxygen saturation or above. There is no getting around your oxygen requirement.
If you ignore your low oxygen level you will lose your eye sight, short term memory, and your strength and stamina. This harmful condition will contribute to your disease processes (no matter what you they are).
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, whether you feel concerned or not, get to your doctor and have your oxygen levels checked
It does NOT matter whether you suffer with low oxygen levels, or you “feel fine” with low oxygen levels, YOUR HEALTH WILL BE LOST!
Your health is worth the inconvenience and the
expense of home oxygen therapy!
Use oxygen WHEN you need it, and LIVE WELL!
Exercise With Oxygen can improve your health
by improving your ability to hold and carry oxygen in your blood.
- use oxygen while exercising and notice a difference in your energy level and your measured oxygen saturation.
- 15 minutes a day could change your life
- use caution to assure that your blood oxygen level doesn’t fall below 95% while you are exercising
- use as much supplemental oxygen as you need to keep your oxygen level at 92% or above with sleeping, and all other activity
- consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program
If you are a diagnosed CO2 retainer consult your doctor before increasing your oxygen level for any reason.
During normal daily activity it is best to use the least amount of oxygen possible to keep blood oxygen levels 92% or above at all times.
If you don’t use oxygen when you need it, you will suffer the consequences.
Supplementing your oxygen when you need to means buying time to find real Solutions. You will feel a whole lot better when you heal.
Elevating the level of oxygen in your blood is a GREAT start.
NEXT …
You need to address the other required element for FUNCTIONAL Oxygen.
Supplementing your oxygen will take you half way there. The other element that needs attention is carbon dioxide.
Better carbon dioxide management will Increase Your Functional Oxygen.
Without Functional Oxygen You Will Lose:
- your eye sight
- your short term memory
- the strength of your muscles (including your heart)
- and your charming personality
Low Oxygen Level Takes What’s Important
AND Makes You GROUCHY!
Click on the blue button and take action to address
this serious health crisis!
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
93 Comments
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I no longer need a heart transplant!
Thanks to The Life Breath Club and the awesome information in "Your Sacred Breathing Hand Book" I have got my life back!
I've increased my ejection fraction by over 10% AND the pressures in my right heart has improved to much that I no longer need a heart transplant!
I have so much more energy and I know that I will continue to heal and get stronger!
Thanks to The Life Breath Club, Life Is Good Again! My wife and I are so grateful to Carrie Tucker, The Life Breath Coach!
Sincerely, Chris Downs (Heart Failure Survivor!)
Hello,
My name is Heather and I am 41 years old. 2 years ago I suffered from respiratory failure, swine and pneumonia all at the same time. I have suffered with bronchitis since infancy. I do not smoke or drink and that is what saved my life. I was on life support for 3 weeks and hospitalized 61 days. I seem to catch any bug that goes around. Since being hospitalzed, I have lost my job. I am unemployed and uninsured. I have been seen by urgent care doctors with many different varieties of bronchitis (i.e.. losing my voice, eye infection, tight cough, as well as viral bronchitis). I was seen in the hospital last week two nights in a row. My oxygen level was 70s, so they put me on oxygen 3 liters right away. When I walked to the restroom and back it dropped back to high 70s low 80s, I don’t actually remember. They did a CT scan with dye and didn’t find any blood clot. They have referred me back to a pulmonologist. I do get short of breath during the day often. I have started to get fevers, when I didn’t get them with bronchitis before. The doctors did say that I have some scarring on my lungs from the respiratory failure, is there anything that I can do?
Heather Gilbert´s last [type] ..Did You Know That Stages of Dying From Heart Failure Can Happen Without You Even Noticing?
Aloha Heather,
I seem to be in the mood to give out free Sacred Breathing Strategy Sessions this week.
I haven’t started my new coaching programs just yet so my time is easy, you’re in luck!
Watch your inbox for an email from strategy.heartfaiulresolutions @ gmail.com
I hope to speak with you soon!
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hi Carrie,
First off, bless you for being a lighthouse in the darkness. I really like what you are doing here.
I learned a great deal from the other’s comments. I don’t want to repeat the same story, but instead have a slightly different question: If I’ve probably been living with severe sleep apnea for 10-15 years (just did a sleep study and my 02 levels were down to 76% and I was stopping breathing about 70 times an hour) and I am trying to get a sense of what kind of impact that might have had on my day to day life during that time. Having just found out I have this (and yes I am happily on a CPAP machine right now with daytime 02 around 94-95%), I am trying to piece together what kind of impact this has had on my life. I’ve had a really tough time getting going physically and mentally for a long time after being a real driver most of my life.
Now at this point what I need to do is everything I can to get to my best possible condition while at the same time try to rebuild my life. Specifically I am wondering what kind of relative disability this kind of dysfunction was likely to represent. At this point I am trying to rebuild my physical health, my mental health and my career. Understanding what kind of load this might have been on me would give me some much needed peace on where I’ve been and where I no longer wish to be again.
Blessings to you for your great work here.
Jacob
Aloha Jacob,
Your sleep apnea has been frying you brain and starving your heart. Now that is some pretty serious consequence!
Be gentle with yourself as you navigate the road back to productive living. Heart Failure is a very real concern at this point for you.
Join the Challenge and stay tuned for The Breathing Hand Book, which will be available here soon. You need to arm yourself with knowledge and take action!
Be well!
Carrie
I entered my health issues on November 29th 2011. I have been on a product as mentioned since December 2010. I want to share this site with everyone. I strongly believe in this product. I can provide CT Scans that show the improvement. I am a bit leary of products that claim to work. I was preparing to place an order and wanted to share http://www.iqherbalcare.com. From December to date I am still doing the 7 day cleanse. This product has cleaned my lungs. I had ground glass opacity, cysts, nodules, and now my lungs are free of all those listed. I am still unable to hold a 92 oxygen level and I am on oxygen 24/7, I hope that one day I can do this without the oxygen but I am grateful for being alive. Not one medical doctor spelled out the horrors of going without oxygen. Carrie, you have helped me alot and I am new to your site. Brian Hoye is the manufacturer of this product and he can be reached at 313 478 5585. He private labels this product. I plan to continue the cleanse and then once my oxygen levels improve without the oxygen I will go on a monthly maintenance program.
I am so grateful to find your site. I don’t feel so lonely. Having lung issues is a frightening feeling. The doctors are so uninformed and i they can’t prescribe a pill they just do not seem interested. I will never take steroids again. They are so harmful.
Aloha Kathy,
I’ve been extremely busy for a while, but will be glad to check out your resource and see what it’s all about.
Thanks a bunch!
Carrie
I am 58 years of age and have been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease. I am a bit confused as to when this problem actually started. I was given Levaquin in 2009 and the doctor’s notes stated that I was experiencing shortness of breath. End result I had a severe reaction to this drug and had my gallbladder removed. It affected my liver as well. I just assumed that the pain from the gallbladder was causing the shortness of breath. In September 2010 I had my yearly checkup and the doctor’s notes did not reveal anything unusual and after reading your information obviously I didn’t know what was going on. My fingernails did start to turn purple and at the appt. with my family doc I forgot to mention that to him. I did call him back and the nurse said the next time I was out to drop in and check my oxygen levels. We live in a very very small town. On October 25th 2010, one month to the day of my physical my husband mentioned that I should get out. Apparently I was very tired. I have MS and it does make me very tired. I had some paperwork to give to my doctor and my fingers were purple so I decided to get out and drop by the doctors office. From that date I was in ICU for 18 days. I had an open lung biopsy and the doctors didn’t give me much hope. They stated I had a large amount of ground glass, cysts, nodules, and they basically said to go home and get my affairs in order. That did not set well with me. I came home and I was totally exhausted from the hospital stay. I did start checking the internet about this lung disorder. I found a lung cleanse online and I ordered it. From December 2010 to date I have been on this cleanse.
January 2011 I had a CT Scan and my doctor called me with very good news, he was very surprised and said that my test results showed amazing improvement. He was very pleased. I had gone off of steroids when I left the hospital in November 2010. The steroids are so bad, my system rejected them, I held fluid and I really thought I was losing my mind. The day I left the hospital I never took another steroid again. I have been in the hospital 3 times since and they immediately put me on prednisone but once I came home I stopped. The doctors who originally diagnosed me never called for a followup, the hospital did set me up on oxygen. Due to financial issues the oxygen company charges me very little per month for all of the equipment. I had a tech visit my home and he took my oxygen off and I walked around a bit less than 2 min and my oxygen dropped under 60. There was no question as to whether I needed the oxygen.
I have continued to take the lung cleanse. In April I did another CT Scan and it showed the ground glass, the cysts, nodules, were gone. My family doctor called it a miracle. I am doing so much better but I cannot go without oxygen. I have a meter and I have had my level drop to 50, of course once the oxygen is on it runs back up to 95-97. My question is this; Will there ever be a time in my life when I will not need the oxygen”
Every time I run a fever my levels drop very low. In Feb. while on a trip to help a sick friend my oxygen levels started to drop I ended up in the hospital where my friend was staying. I stayed 5 days, the fever and infection was gone but they were unable to locate the orign of the fever.
I was in the hospital in October. I tend to run fever. My family doctor did not seem to understand what I was talking about so in October his office called to set up a follow up for the following day. I told her no, I wanted him to see me at that very moment. The reason being I was short of breath, oxygen levels were dropping and I had a fever. When I got to his office and he saw that I was running 103 temp he sent me directly to the hospital. I spent 5 days there. Antibiotics thru IV, steroids, and I was having severe chest pains, actually I was pretty out of it. Meds by pill form do not work on me, now it is IV treatment and of course oxygen.
I am now seeing an immunologist and he has run alot of tests, blood work. The other doctors all said the problem was my parrot, but this immunologist ran tests and said my bird was not the problem. I have had him over 12 years and I would have had this problem early on.
He is looking for the source of the fever. When I have fever it starts around 6 p.m. and breaks around 10 p.m. and totally wipes me out. If we can stop the fever I feel that i will have better chance of one day not needing the oxygen.
But, I am very grateful that I have the oxygen. I am very grateful for the lung cleanse. It is absolutely the reason I improved so much. It couldn’t have been anything else. I get very tired and sometimes a little depressed but that doesn’t really matter….I am improving. I just pray that someday I will not need to wear the oxygen 24/7.
Is there anything else I can do to help my condition. I wanted to use the pulmonary center, I could work out but recently I was told that one of my blood tests showed a critical report concerning my immune system. I do tend to pick up every bug. I am trying to build up my immune system. I am taking Vitamin D, C, and B-12 shots.
Anything you can share will be greatly appreciated. God Bless, kathy
Aloha Kathy,
Thanks for sharing.
Join us on the Challenge.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I have been diagnosed with an oxygen level between 88 and 82. I was recently placed on a home oxygen system to be utilized at night while sleeping. I am usually tired most of the times but I never realized I had a low oxygen level problem.
I was wondering if there is any other avenues I can take to get my oxygen level back to the normal levels without the machine. I also need to understand what actually causes low oxygen levels.
Ron
Aloha Ron,
If you have low oxygen level during the day, YOU NEED OXYGEN DURING THE DAY!
Using oxygen at night does NOTHING to address the damage that is done during the day!
Your low oxygen makes learning a challenge. Your short term memory is suffering due to your low oxygen levels.
I offer “The Increase Your Oxygen Challenge”. It’s a Members only call that takes place every Saturday. You will learn techniques to reprogram your subconscious breathing pattern while you learn why these techniques are so effective.
Please know that you need the oxygen machine until you don’t. Meeting your oxygen needs is the most important thing you can do to prevent further weakening of your heart.
You need the support that the Challenge can offer you.
Click here to find out more -> “The Increase Your Oxygen Challenge”
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hello I am 63 yrs old and athe left side of my diaphram paralized by a virus.
My cardioligist says my heart is fine. I am over weight by about 100 lbs. I am on oxygen 24/7 at 5 liters. My number is at about 96-98 when resting but when I walk 50 yards it goes down to 79-84 but returns back to 93+ in about 30 seconds.
I am always stopping to catach my breath. A friend has suggested I may have had polio witout knowing it in the 50′s and now it is beginning to effect me.
Hae you heard of this and should I ask my Dr’s.
Dave
Aloha Dave,
For anyone to read that paragraph and say you are fine, would be insane!
Your heart is NOT fine.
I had a paralyzed diaphram at one point. Virus? Not buying that explanation myself. I know my issue happened during a mild traffic accident. Chiropractic gave me a great deal of help. Get your diaphram moving and keep it moving! It worked for me!
Be well,
Carrie
PS- Please let me know if you would like some private coaching to help you through your difficult issues.
My sister also has a paralyzed diaphragm and was told it also is from a virus. Also told it would take around 14 months for the diaphraghm to possibly come back. However, in the meantime she can barely walk without being short of breath. Is on oxygen 2 liters most of day and all night. Now she is filling with fluid – great deal of swelling in feet and legs. Told it is due to poor oxygenation. How long did it take for your diapragm to work again and what did the chiropractor do for you?? My sister would love to get her diapraghm working again but doesn’t know what to do to help.
Aloha Lenore,
It sounds like your sister is really suffering. I’ve been terribly busy over the holiday, but I’m hoping you got my mail.
Let me know if I can help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hello, my nephew 41 yrs. old has a l s that started in his tongue. He still ambulates but has lost much weight and at his last Dr, visit they tested his oxygen level at 47% in 60% out. He will not accept being ventilated, and has made his peace with the lord. My question is how long will his organs function at this oxygen level. From what I’ve read so far it appears his heart will fail or pneumonia will set in. I am helping my sister niece and other members deal with this inevitable loss, and need an idea of his longevity to help all prepare.
Aloha Craig,
Very difficult situation. My heart goes out to you. I’ll email you a response.
Just reply to that email if I can be of further assistance.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hello,
I had a sleep study result show my O2 levels 85 all during sleep. I am on oxgyen at night to sleep. I had a lung fucntion test and chest x-ray they came back fine no sleep apena. Has a sniff test done that was okay. I do get sleepy very sleepy during the day. What can be the cause of the low O2 stats? I am concern as they can seem to find a reason. I also developed a cough and wheezing they provide asthma medication for that. Help!
Aloha Natalie,
Read all the posts in the Water Retention category on this site.
What you are describing sounds like early onset Heart Failure.
Don’t wait for a diagnosis to sound the alarm! You need to make changes now!
You can obtain coaching from me by calling the number in the side bar. Read, you will learn a lot right here on Heart Failure Solutions!
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hi. i am a 40 year old male. can you help me with some questions? i have visited various doctors. completed multiple PFT including stress tests. the pft results varies. fEV 40-50%. FVC 40-50% FEV/FCV ratio 95-99%. TLC 52%. DLCO 60%. Pulse OX result 96 dropping to 89. The walking stress test is always stopped at or before the 2 minute mark. I have sever center right chest pain. I can no longer walk more than 1 1/2 city block at nornal pace. my doctors are not responding to my questions. i was diagnosed with interstitial pneumonia, emphysema and hypoxemia. My doctors always change the the subject with i ask about supplemental oxygen. can you please advise? thank you
Aloha Devika,
Insist that your doctor address your low oxygen levels. For most insurance they want to see your level at 88% by oximetry in order to pay for your oxygen.
If you can’t get oxygen any other way … go to this site and search “oxygen generator”. This is my Affiliate link -> http://HeartFailureSolutions.com/lifebreath
Tell them that Carrie from Heart Failure Solutions sent you. While you are there I strongly recommend you get yourself a Breathing Kit as well.
Learn how to breath better and your whole life will change!
Let me know if I can help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hello. My husband is having problems sleeping at night, sudden anxiety, very tired all day, and just a “hung over” feeling ! He is 42 and already on BP and colesterol meds. His Dad and uncle had deadly heart attacks in their 50′s. He also has family history of thiroid disorder and diabetes. His (new) doc says his blood work came back fine and wants to send him for a sleep study. Unfortunatley our insurance doesnt cover sleep studies….so doc ordered a test done at home,with his finger, to measure his oxygen,in hopes that if test showed low oxygen that insurance would decide to pay ….but again they refused. (I am not sure what his numbers were). Anyway my question is should we try to rule out some sort of heart issue first …since insurance DOES cover that and it does run in his family (could that be causing his low oxygen?)or do we fork out the $5,000 plus to pay for this sleep test?
Aloha Kristie,
Your husband is dealing with a very serious life threatening condition if he truly has sleep apnea. (And it certainly sounds like he DOES.)
The best thing you can do is get sleep apnea equipment any way you can get it. Maybe your doctor will prescribe it for you without a sleep study? The equipment may very well be cheaper than the sleep study itself, if so paying for the equipment will be cheaper than getting the reimbursement from your insurance.
Please read this article! Can a Sleep Study Save Your Life?
Please understand that the symptoms you describe are typical of sleep apnea and that sleep apnea can cause sudden death, and will most definitely lead to heart failure.
What are the best decisions for your husband and for your family? I charge a $350 Initial Assessment Fee, and $75/hour there after. My coaching may very well save you money in the long run.
Supplemental oxygen at home should be easy to obtain through your insurance, and it may treat much of the sleep apnea. The only way to know for sure is to study it.
The important thing is that your husband’s needs are met. It is such a shame that “the insurance factor” is so difficult to deal with.
Let me know if I can help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
PS- If you’d like to schedule a time to discuss possibilities you can do so here-> http://tungle.me/CarrieTucker
I’ve just been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea, and will be getting my CPAP machine next week. Going over my snoresat test at the sleep clinic, my oxygen levels were routinely in the low 80′s, and for a short period of time, they went as low as 64%. No wonder I felt like a fish out of water, heart racing, gasping and choking when I would wake up a bazillion times a night.
I am so looking forward to feeling better soon.
Aloha April,
I am so happy that you got the care you needed! Now you can get back to enjoying your life!
Many blessings,
Carrie
I have not been feeling well for a while now, short of breath, daytime sleepiness, dizzy, headache, not thinking clearly and I didn’t know why until recently. When I went for my sleep study and was told I have severe sleep apnea and that my oxygen level during the sleep study was 77%. I believe that is pretty low and my doctor is saying that I need to go back and do another sleep study to get my cpap set up but, that might take a couple of weeks. She has not said anything about some other type of treatment for my low oxygen level. I am worried .. do you think I should be or should I just set back and try to make it another couple of weeks?
Thank You!
Aloha Jody,
I sent you an email yesterday, so I’m hoping this reply has already made its way to you.
Your comment concerns me. As a coach, I would definitely advise you to be concerned over your oxygen levels even if your doctor isn’t.
Please read the rest of the posts in the oxygen category here on Heart Failure Solutions.
Do not minimize this!
The articles posted here will teach you what it will cost you if you do.
It sounds like your doctor is definitely minimizing your low oxygen levels.
You must be your own best advocate, or find someone to advocate for you.
I have clients that use oxygen generators without a prescription because they couldn’t get a doctor’s order for an oxygen concentrator. This can be dangerous with end of life issues, so they hired me to advise them.
However, your insurance will pay for your oxygen if your level with oximetry is 88% or below (An oximeter is the machine used to measure oxygen saturation as a percentage.) Do keep in mind that 92% is the bare minimum required for health, but 88% is when they will pay for supplemental oxygen.
If you would like further coaching on this reply to this comment and we can discuss it.
Please be aware that your short term memory will be drastically affected by low oxygen levels.
This memory loss makes it harder to navigate getting proper care. I became a coach because I saw such a need for this specific concern. You are not alone.
Low oxygen levels and sleep apnea are IMMEDIATELY life threatening.
Did you get that? Life threatening. Your heart may spontaneously stop at any point that you are experiencing low oxygen levels. Your sleep apnea is also causing you to accumulate carbon dioxide which elevates your pH, which is VERY harmful.
Low flow oxygen is easy for your doctor to order right now with the evidence of low oxygen level available to him from the sleep lab. You should at least have low flow home oxygen available to you from your insurance, NOW. I’d push this point.
The other way to get this data is to do a little walking in your doctors office. Insist on walking a few stairs if you have trouble getting the 88%. You take stairs in your normal daily activity and your health depends on preventing low oxygen levels. If he/she can observe 88% you will have no problem getting oxygen and getting it paid for. Don’t let your health care provider tell you otherwise.
You need to get the care you desperately need as soon as possible. If you have someone who can advocate for you, I strongly suggest that you ask them for help.
I charge a $350 Initial Assessment fee, and $75/hour there after. I would advise you to have an advocate present with you whether you are receiving coaching from me, or counsel from your doctor. Your oxygen levels are taking a huge toll, have no doubt. It is difficult to even think clearly with chronic low oxygen levels.
I am currently creating a program called “Increasing Your Oxygen From the Inside Out”.
I’m really excited to be able to offer long term group coaching at reasonable prices with the launch of my new programs. They are in the works! Dr. Ina Gilmore has joined the team and we are excited to help you find solutions to your health challenges.
Stay tuned for good things to come very soon.
My heart goes out to you, let me know if I can help.
–
Many blessings,
Carrie
I have been tired and short of breath for 2-3 years and recently had a breathing test and blood oxygen level test which showed my oxygen level to be 61.3. My doctor continues doing tests such as CT scan of my chest, chest x-ray, etc but has done nothing to help my breathing. I continue to get less energy and can barely function. What do you suggest I do???
Aloha Peggy,
You need oxygen. Get it any way you can. Meet your needs and save your life.
Once you are meeting your oxygen needs, you are ready for my new Program
Increasing Your Oxygen From the Inside Out
Take care of you! Find a doctor who will attend to your needs!
Many blessings,
Carrie
I am overweight. My husband says I snore at night. I yawn all day and take deep breaths. In the last 2 years I had shortness of breath twice. I was tested for a heart attack (stress test). I could not pass the treadmill due to lack of oxygen, so I had to do the one that they inject you with nucular medication and take test my heart. I am 5′ 8″ tall and weigh 230. All my life I have been tired and haven’t been able to exercise alot because I can’t catch my breath. I do feel better when my weight is down, but I still can’t exercise. When I went to my doctor, he also had me sleep with an oxygen monitor on, 6 months later my doctor tells me that my oxygen level when I sleep at night is 77%. I have a doctor appt in August to see a pulmanary specialist. How serious is this? If I loss weight will it help?
Thank you,
Pam
Dear Pam,
You have sleep apnea and it is dire that you use oxygen to prevent those low oxygen levels at the very least as soon as possible!!
If you would like to explore the options I offer for coaching, click on the link and set up an appointment to talk to me.
http://tungle.me/CarrieTucker
–
Many blessings,
Carrie
I am grateful to have found this site.
Several years ago my doctor told me that my blood work showed that I had low oxygen levels. I asked her if that meant that I was anemic and she said no.
I have had another doctor check my heart with a stress test and that came out fine. Then she gave me a breathing treatment which I really didn’t feel any different and gave me a month’s try with an inhaler which I didn’t find any different either.
I have to yawn to get a deep breath. Sometimes this gives me a lot of anxiety. I exercise at the gym and while doing cardio at 80% HR I still have to stop to yawn or open my mouth to take in a breath. I used to snore alot (so says my husband) but he says since I lost some weight I don’t snore anymore.
What do I do now?
Aloha Ann,
Are you on supplemental oxygen? Your insurance wants to see a reading of 88% in order to pay for oxygen. You need to prevent all low oxygen levels below 92%.
Meeting your oxygen needs is the key to feeling better.
Let me know if I can help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Thanks for answering. I shouldn’t have said hp therapy is “dangerous”. I meant you have to be really careful with following the instructions carefully. I don’t get chest or arm pain, I just feel like I need to take a deep breath more often than not lately. I will watch out for your report on “increasing oxygen levels from the inside out”. Thank you, Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks for clarifying. I just want to encourage you to trust yourself.
If you have decided that hp therapy is the right thing for you, then surrender your anxiety.
Go confidently in the direction of your decision. Anxiety causes stress you don’t need!
Many blessings,
Carrie
I have no chest pain or the other symptoms mentioned. I just feel like I have to take deep breathes alot. Like when you have a really good yawn it seems to open up your lungs. I’ve always felt like I need more oxygen. How would I know if my oxygen levels are low? Right now I’m on Hydrogen peroxide therapy. It seemed like when I started that, the “can’t catch my breath” feeling got worse. I thought for sure it would be getting better with the therapy. Although; it’s a dangerous therapy and I have anxieties doing it, could that anxiety be causing my shallow breathing feeling?!
Aloha Susan,
YES! Your anxiety can definitely cause tension, and tension squeezes your lungs.
I’m putting together a report on Increasing Your Oxygen Level From the Inside Out. Be on the look out for its release, I think it will help you.
Who told you Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy was dangerous? How are you using it?
I think a post I wrote recently might be helpful for you. You’ll find it here -> http://www.heartfailuresolutions.com/fitness/is-it-just-stress-chest-pain-isnt-always-serious-is-it
Let me know if I can help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I have been feeling very VERY fatigued for years, yet it wasn’t until yesterday when it was finally figured out. My oxygen level yesterday at my PCP was 83%. He is putting me on oxygen at night. I’m scared. I also have reactive lung disease and overinflated lungs. Which according to my PCP is the first stage of emphysema. And yes I smoke. I’m really scared about the oxygen, but if it will help me feel even just a little better I’m so ready for it then! I just have a lot of things running through my head right now. I know I need to quit smoking, but I’m scared to do that as well. I’m already overweight and I don’t need to gain anymore weight.
Aloha Dottie,
First let me say …..
If you were 83% in your doctors office you NEED oxygen. However it is ABSURD to say that you need it when you sleep! Were you sleeping in your doctors office? You need oxygen WHEN you need it! Which means you need it EVERY time your oxygen saturation level drops below 92% PERIOD!
I hope you are scared enough to nurture yourself. Fear is your best friend right now! If your oxygen level is low, you are deteriorating …. dying!
I am being blunt here because I want to challenge you to care about yourself! If you are ready for a health coach, I am ready to help. Leave your comment here to let me know you are serious and I will meet you where YOU are!
I sincerely hope to hear from you again! Get serious and live!
Many blessings,
Carrie
I am 66 years of age and have just been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease.
I also have sleep apnea and acid reflux. I stopped using the machine at night because it hurt my throat and they are going to test me again to make sure I need it and get me started again.
My breathing is terrible as I am always short of breath just walking from one room to the other. The allergist was diagnosing me with asthma and missed the lung problem. Now I only have 60% lung capacity. I see a therapist this week to get started on exercise and help to maybe get this under control, if this is possible.
I read that this is a terminal disease and am very scared. I am a non-smoker and have no idea how I got this. My daughter has birds and I do have trouble breathing after I leave her house.
Aloha Pat,
If you have sleep apnea, use your “machine” or you risk death every time you sleep! Sleep apnea is deadly!
The condition you are living with is severe and will erode your quality of life if you don’t take drastic measures immediately!
I’d like to get a bit more detail from you. From what you have shared, I’d encourage high quality powerful supplements. Nutritional therapy is your best chance to heal. Focus on eating lots of fruits and vegetables and eliminate all processed foods.
As your doctor has already told you, there is really nothing that the medical community can do to help you with this condition. The best they can do is help you to live with your symptoms.
However, check out this web site and see what The Breathing Guy has to say about sleep apnea. He claims to be able to help you reverse your problem! You’ll find his site here ->
Help For Sleep Apnea
Make sure you are addressing all your oxygen needs! Below 92% at anytime through the course of your day OR night is harmful!
Many blessings,
Carrie
my roommate is 64 a chronic smoker, and just suffered a heart attack and stroke when i called 911 her sat was 44.
after a month in the hosp and rehab she has returned home and is on oxygen 2 litre..but sat only now comes to 92 with oxygen. we live at 5000 ft altitude. would moving to sea level at this stage in her life help significantly..if she takes the oxygen off for more than 15 min her level drops to 80…she does take the oxygen off a lot…and yes she still smokes..
Aloha Bob,
I do NOT think that the difference at sea level would be significant, or worth while. However, if you live in a very humid environment, it would be very helpful for your roommate to move to a location that is more dry.
Your roommate should be aware that every time she takes off her oxygen she is weakening her heart muscle, and risking death by vagal stimulation. Death is a valid choice, but if she stopped smoking it might really improve her quality of life during the time she has left. Though, she is the only one that can choose that.
Support her, but allow her to own her decisions. It can be hard to watch someone hurt themselves, so I encourage you to be good to yourself, and be careful to give yourself extra nurturing.
Many blessings,
Carrie
1. yes i do stop breathing at night
2. i am 6’2″ 224lbs
3. no fluid in the ankles
4.yes i do get short of breath just watching t v
Aloha Bob,
First I want to stress the fact that sleep apnea (when you stop breathing while you sleep) is deadly. Be aware that if you have sleep apnea, your life is in danger every time you sleep.
When your oxygen level falls low enough it will stimulate your vagus nerve and spontaneously stop your heart. When you stop breathing your carbon dioxide level also climbs causing your pH to become acidic, effectively frying yourself as a result.
If sleep apnea doesn’t kill you first, it is also a short cut to heart failure. If you are experiencing shortness-of-breath while watching tele-vision, you are already living with damage.
I am not an expert on the military, but I can’t imagine that becoming ill would leave you unable to provide for your family. I have cared for many Veterans, and I know that the government does NOT take care of Vets the way they deserve to be cared for, but you are entitled to receive the care that you need.
As a matter of fact, the stress of your military experience may be the cause of your disease process. I’m sure early retirement and a military disability is not part of your plan, but sometimes you have to do the best you can with what you’ve got. With the government that can take a fight, but you deserve to be taken care of.
Bob, 51 is just too darn young to succumb to heart failure. You have a lot of living left to do!
If you want private coaching call me and we can discuss it:
1-888-693-8437
You only have one life. Focus on getting the proper care for yourself, and KNOW that you will be treated fairly by the government. Have you ever heard of the Law of Deliberate Creation?
Basically it means that what you expect to happen …. happens. It can’t hurt you to expect the government to give you the care AND the compensation that you deserve. Seek out advice from someone who might know how to navigate your issue, but PLEASE don’t hide a health condition that could kill you, and WILL cause the deterioration of your health!
Let me know how I can help,
Many blessings,
Carrie
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Increasing Your Oxygen Program
Hi Carrie,
I am a 51 year old white Male. Lately at night i wake up feeling like i am having trouble breathing. Like i said i am 51 i am still in the military i got back from Iraq in mid 2008. Since i got back i have noticed i am getting sick more often, my question is, is there a home remedy that will help the breathing issue with out letting the military know, if i have to sleep with a breathing machine at night they will boot me out of the military and i will loose my home, truck, everything and i don’t want my wife going through that any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Aloha Bob,
1. Does your wife notice that you stop breathing while you sleep?
2. Are you over weight?
3. Do you have fluid collecting around your ankles?
4. Do you feel short of breath any time other than when you wake in the middle of the night?
I need some answers from you before I could give you any advice. I sent you an email, you can respond here or reply to that email.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I am 51 years old and have been diagnosed with Sarcoidosis of the lungs, lymph nodes and bones. I did predisone thearpy for one year and when I tried to wean off , the sarcoid came back. My bronch shows alot of scarring from my open lung biopsy and intersticial lung disease.
My question is I am on 2 liters of oxygen, I SLEEP WITH IT ON EVERY NIGHT but in the day I try to do things on my own……….which lately hasn’t been much.
I am back on predisone been on 30mg for 41 days, wanted to wean but am a little nervous about getting in a hurry, is it possible that I may not be getting enough oxygen?
I have been suffering with horrible back muscle pain and terrible shortness of breath, hand, leg cramps and I currently am being seen in a Christian based clinic that is practically free because I lost my job and insurance and I don’t know whether I should up my oxygen to 3 liters or if that would hurt me in anyway. I can only stand for about 8 minutes before I am at a pant or in pain, my lung spasm a lot and I feel so tired all the time. Just would like a different opinion about my situation.
Aloha Jennifer,
Ok, for starters, you need 92% oxygen every minute of every day. If activities make your oxygen level drop below 92%, then you need more oxygen while you are active.
If you drop while you are sleeping, then you need more oxygen, and possibly sleep apnea equipment to address that.
Next …. do you use broncho-dilators? I strongly suggest that you use nebulized medication to improve your lung function if you aren’t already. That is the device that looks like a smoking peace pipe. Aerosolized liquid medication will help you more than inhalers.
I also suggest that you use aerosolized saline to keep your airways well hydrated.
Using breathing treatments may help you to wean off of steroids.
To discuss private coaching, call the phone number in the right hand side bar.
If you have advanced disease to the point that you retain carbon dioxide than increasing your oxygen level may be dangerous.
However, it is also VERY harmful if your oxygen level is low and you are not addressing that need.
I’d love to help you more. Please stay in touch.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I have a product called Evolv that sends a signal to your cells to take in more oxygen. If interested please visit my website. rogers.evolv.com
Good Article. Thanks.
Carrie,
I have been disabled for 20 years and have had a number of diagnosis from CFS to seizures to ataxia. When I first became sick I went into hospital with pneumonia where they immediately gave me oxygen. Following my stay, I was so weak and absolutely unable to climb the stairs to my bedroom. During the years I have had a few good days, weeks but always relapsing back to problems with walking, balance, etc. A couple of years ago I had cancer surgery and before surgery my oxygen level was 89. I was told to take deep breaths until my oxygen level reached 95. When surgery was over the anesthesiologist told me that I was given oxygen during surgery and I should follow up with my doctor. My doctor took my oxygen level which was normal at the time and said everyone has various oxygen levels during the day. My symptoms are trouble breathing which can also be accompanied by myoclonus, trouble walking and in some cases my feet just give way from under me. Acetazolamide for some reason has helped me from waking up at night gasping for air. I do experience confusion during these episodes – also have great fatigue. Rest helps alot but I would so love to be on the right track to a diagnosis. I would love to have just a couple of good years to have my life back again. Appreciate any feedback. Tks. much.
Aloha Joan,
Life has been busy for me, sorry I didn’t see your comment earlier.
I’ll email you this response as well. I strongly advise that you find a doctor who understands how important oxygen is, and get a sleep study scheduled as soon as possible.
Let me just say that it is completely irresponsible for a health care worker to tell you to take deep breaths to raise your oximetry reading above the 89% reading that should have been recorded. Your doctor can’t become aware of your true oxygenation if he is not getting the whole picture. However, your doctor’s advice was that everyone has various oxygen levels during the day? Did your doctor get you up and walk you to see if one of your various levels happen to fall below 92%? His lack of concern REALLY concerns me. My advice is to find a new doctor, or make enough noise about oxygen that they finally give you the care you need!
Many blessings,
Carrie
Carrie,
I am a 36yo female. I just got home from a total abdominal hysterectomy/bilateral salpingoophorectomy. I was constantly told to take deep breaths every time my O2 was measured. It was typically between 90 to 92% prior to deep breaths and would slowly climb with deep breaths. Nothing in my chest as far as pneumonia/bronchitis, etc. I had another major surgery a year ago in which the same thing happened. Do I need to get checked by a pulmonologist to assess this? I do have daily headaches, fatigue, SOB, etc. I have felt I likely had sleep apnea for years and do awake occasionally gasping.
Aloha Lorrie,
You may have an issue with oxygenation, and the problem may have stemmed from the trauma and water retention caused by surgery. A workup by a Pulmonologist wouldn’t hurt.
Gain access to my new Program “Increasing Your Oxygen From the Inside Out”.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I am using O2 equipment 24 x 7 and with it on my o2 still drops to 50′s or lower. I would like to exercise but when I do it drops drastically. Please advise me what I should do.
Aloha Francine Higer,
I am just seeing your comment on my blog.
My first reaction is to tell you to go to the emergency room. Better safe then sorry. But not seeing you or your color and nail bed color, I can’t tell you that you are safe.
You can’t always trust the equipment, so we use observation skills (and blood tests).
Do you have water around your ankle bone? Do you have a moist cough? Have you had a sleep apnea study done?
I am very concerned about your heart. Sleep apnea is VERY hard on your heart, so is carrying excess fluid (coughing up large amounts of clear mucous is a sure sign that there is fluid in your lungs, and you can NOT breathe through fluid!) . That needs to be evaluated before you do anything but deep breathing and range of motion. I will need more details to give you helpful information for your situation.
You can at least move every joint in your body to fullest range of motion and gain HUGE benefit without harming yourself in many cases, but you need to evaluate the needs of your heart asap. If it is not too taxing for you, range of motion activity will elevate your mood and reduce your stress. I hope you are able to implement it into your care plan.
Let me just say that “Exercise With Oxygen” can help you improve your health. In your case think of it as “Activity With Oxygen”. However, if you can’t increase the flow of oxygen enough to meet your needs while you move, no activity is going to help you. A high flow mask with a bag hanging from it would be your best bet, but you would have to be cleared by a doctor first, to be certain that you are not a Carbon Dioxide Retainer and your heart is strong enough BEFORE you and your doctor choose this mask for activity only.
The medical community can only offer you drugs and surgery (unless there is cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services in your area).
You will need to put together a plan for yourself if you want other choices. I know I can help you. It’s up to you to let me know how.
–
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hi Carrie,
Thanks for a very informative website. I had been looking for info on the overnight pulse ox.
I am a 45 y.o. white female. I developed C.O.P.D. from the photographic chemicals (especially formaldehyde) that I inhaled as part of my job in the Air Force in the late 80′s.
I stopped using the medications they gave me, because they made my insomnia much worse. I have been totally disabled for 15 years. I recently had to get clearance from my PCP for wrist surgery.
I thought it would be in and out. The PCP ran another pulmonary function test that showed I have the lungs of a 95 y.o.. Because of the insomnia, she also ordered a overnight pulse ox. Since my level dropped as low as 75% she ordered oxygen while sleeping, and an “are you sleeping study”.
This is the first doctor I have been to in about 6 years (due to a change in insurance). She now has me on Advair, Spiriva, Proventil, Albuterol, and another inhaler everyday.
Can you tell me how low is too low on the pulse ox? They haven’t done the walking one yet, at complete rest it was 94%. My breathing is soo bad I haven’t even been able to do simple ADL, or even get out of the house. I get out so little now, they had to put me on 50,000 units of vitamin D pills.
Of course the Air Force years ago denied all liability even though my pulmonologist said it was caused by them. I would greatly appreciate any info you could provide in this matter.
Ciao,
Jan
I am a breast cancer survivor. Unfortunately when it came back last time it was in my bronchial tube. The radiation has damaged the top part of both of my lungs. I kept thinking I would get better, but it seems to be getting worse. I’ve noticed that while trying to climb stairs or doing anything that involves getting up and down leaves my chest tight and me struggling to catch my breath. My oxygen sats usually stay around 91-95 until exertion then drop down to 86-88. My doctor wanted me on oxygen, but I’ve been stubborn about it. After reading your blog I am ready to accept that I do need the oxygen. I hope it will help me so I can start exercising again. This not being able to do much is driving me crazy.
Aloha Cindy,
Your comments inspire me to get more work done. Stay tuned for my Special Report.
You are worth it! Nurture yourself!
Many blessings,
Carrie
HI, I have been searching on the internet for some basic answers regarding the death of my father, just for my peace of mind.
It seems like you have the knowledge to help shed some light on it so I can have some closure.
He died September 14 of Wegeners Granulomatosis, specifically from it attacking his lungs, him having pulmonary hemorrage, edema, and ultimately ARDS, which is a rare complication of the disease. Days before we brought him to the ER (he was relapsing from the disease) he began sleeping much more, sounding confused occasionally, and acting generally very low energy. Apparently his SAT was 79% when he came into the ER.
I don’t know specifically what his arterial blood gas levels were then, but over the course of 3 days he was diagnosed with ARDS and put on a ventilator due to high acidity and very low ( I think around 50) o2 in his blood. they upped the ventilator to 100% and over the course of 7 days, we saw his SAT level go slowly down to around 77 the day he died of cardiac arrest. his blood o2 levels that day were testing around 40. the last week of his life, starting with all day before he was put on the ventilator he was unresponsive. he moved his head three times the day he died.
The main question I have is what SAT level does a person need to sustain brain activity/and what level to sustain any level of consciousness. we are hoping he could at least sense us or our touch to his hand, but we were never given any explanation about his lack of responsiveness the week on the ventilator. I assume it was due to the low o2, is this also your opinion? ANY insight is greatly appreciated. we just would like to know if there is any hope he was just too weak to move, and could tell we were there. Thanks, Rebecca
Aloha Rebecca,
My heart goes out to you! I can feel your pain as I read your words.
Low oxygen levels are usually not the cause of loss of consciousness. In order to ventilate someone with high pressures (which they would have had to do) it is usually necessary to keep them sedated. Otherwise it is just too hard to tolerate the ventilator.
My guess is that with the drugs to keep him comfortable and the weakness, he just could not move or communicate with you. I feel strongly that your father was probably “outside himself” the day that he died. Working in intensive care units for 12 years, I saw many instances of families receiving subtle signs that let their loved one was around even when they were away from the bedside. Many shared with me that these events increased after their loved one had passed on.
I have also had the pleasure of caring for people who lived through horrible illness, and talked about how much they could remember from the days they were drugged and ventilated. They always spoke of at least “feeling the Love” their families were surrounding them with.
One beautiful young lady even recovered from a coma after 8 months of unresponsiveness. She couldn’t remember a thing about her lost 8 months, but I assure you that the love I saw her family pour over her for those 8 months was DEFINITELY what brought her back to them.
You are suffering and I know that nothing I say can really ease your pain. I just want to point out, that if I can feel your love for your father through a few written words, surely he could feel it during his darkest days. It is a very powerful love, yes?
I know that nothing can help your grief but time, but rest assured that he is with you now. Your father will not be able to continue on his journey until he knows that you can cope with losing him. Talk to him now, I know he can hear you. Losing a loved one is hard. You must find a way to process your feelings or they will harm your health, and your father most definitely does not want that!
I will email you this response to make sure you get it. I am willing to start a weekly mastermind group for you and 6 others to talk about grief and loss if you are interested. It is important that you have support during this difficult time. Sometimes that support is hard to get from your family, who is also torn up with grief.
Reply to any of my emails or leave a comment here if you are interested in hooking up with an online grief support group.
God bless you and your family.
Be well,
Carrie
PS- If there are any others out there needing this kind of support, please leave a comment here and I will contact you by email.
Hi Carrie,
I just now stumbled onto this site. Actually, I didn’t stumble, I was searching for something, anything to help me understand my fathers death.
He died May 18. It’s a longish story so I’ll spare you the details and myself the tears.
I did however find your post to Rebecca about an online grief support group.
I would love the web address for that.
My parents (mother) live in NY. I live in FL. I have nobody to talk to about how sad I feel and the whole thing. My entire family is sad and grieving and all we do is cry when we talk. Thanks for your help.
Aloha Liz,
I hope you got my email a few days ago.
I do not have a grieving mastermind at present, but I DO recommend “The Increase Your Oxygen Challenge”.
It’s all about breath awareness, and processing difficult emotions has everything to do with breath awareness.
Click on the link to become a member and get the support you need -> Join the Challenge
Check your email, Liz. You got an invitation to the call as my gift.
Many blessings,
Carrie
My mom is 70 years old and has a stint and she has heart disease. She has been very tired lately and she does not sleep at night, she will toss and turn all night. She went to her heart doctor and they did a breathing test on her and they sent out a oxygen tank for her to use 8 hours a day. Will she be ok now if she she using the oxygen for 8 hours a day or do I need to be very concerned or worried? She lives alone but my sister lives across the street from her. She takes high blood pressure medicine and takes diabetic pills 2 times a day for high sugar.
Aloha Teresa,
I am concerned that your mom may have sleep apnea! Has she had a sleep study done? This would require an over night stay at a sleep lab, but if she does have sleep apnea it is very dangerous and needs to be treated! Read a post about sleep apnea at this link: http://www.heartfailuresolutions.com/solutions/is-sleep-apnea-robbing-you-of-restful-sleep-and-destroying-your-health
If your mom’s oxygen level is low for any part of the 16 hours that she is NOT using oxygen, then the 8 hours of use will not prevent the damage that occurs when she is not using it. See this post for more information: http://www.heartfailuresolutions.com/oxygen/will-your-life-improve-if-you-use-oxygen-for-a-few-minutes-a-day
Home oxygen can be a valuable tool to strengthen the heart muscle, though it will not be very effective if low oxygen levels are going untreated. You can evaluate her needs with a portable pulse oximeter. You want to pay special attention to oxygen levels with activity of any kind, and while sleeping as there may be increased need at these times.
If you need more help, comment here, or give me a call on my Ether number that you’ll find at the right.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Hi Carrie
My daughter is 4 years old can only stand when supported,crawl and speak 3 words.She was born by planned ceaser with no complications,but never reach her milestones.They cept on telling us to be patient.Whe had all test possible done ,scans,chromosome all normal.Her blood gasses was tested in 2006,O2 saturation 64%,pO2 4.4 kpa but the docter did nothing about it.I am always on the internet looking for anwers and picked up this is not ok at all.I had her test redone on Friday 10 July and again O2 sat 66%,pO2 4.6 kpa,atleast this time the lady who took the blood sample was also concerned.We are seeing a new pediatrician on Friday but I would like do be informed before meeting him.Can these low levels proberly since birth be the reason behind the slow brain development and luck of motor skills?She is a very happy little girl always smling and giving hugs but she is underweight and petite.
Thanks
William
Aloha William,
I sent you a personal email because I would really like to help anyway I can. This sounds like an issue with her heart. I saw a lot of congenital heart issues ignored for years when I worked in Pediatric Intensive Care.
You are doing all you can. Just make LOTS of noise until someone finds out what is wrong and treats your daughter appropriately at long last. What a heart breaking story! If she is a happy little girl and always smiling and giving hugs, I’d say you have a little fighter, and she will do well if you can just get her the help she needs! You are in my prayers! Please don’t hesitate to ask if there is anything I can do to help.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I’m a 40 year old male who exercises 6 days a week. I run about 20-30 miles each week. I also just came of coumadin for my second DVT in two years. Each time I went to give blood to while I was on coumadin they checked my vitals including oxygen saturation and it was always 90-93. The tech told it was probably because of the medication so I didn’t think anything of it. Well I broke my thumb playing softball and they took my vitals again. My oxygen saturation level was 92. The medic tested it three or four times and then got the doctor. He asked if I had any trouble breathing and I said no different than it has been the last couple years since my first DVT. He then said it was nothing to worry about. From what I see here it is something I should be concerned with.
Aloha Doug,
I’d say so. You should definitely have your oxygen level checked when you get up and walk.
At your age and your activity level, your oxygen level should not be that low. I urge you to check into a good oxygen generator, and Exercise WITH Oxygen!
Many blessings,
Carrie
I am sorry to be such a bother, but your answer confuses me. “It concentrates the oxygen to 21%” ?? That’s the percentage of oxygen in normal air if I remember correctly. To satisfy my curiosity I held an open flame to the tube outlet while the machine was on. The flame did not burn any higher. It flickered from the air flow, but did not burn any higher, yet they gave me a sign to put in my window stating ” oxygen in use” They told me not to smoke in the same room the machine was running. ( I don’t smoke ) Also if it exausts the other gases back into the room, isn’t that decreasing the oxygen % in the room air?
Let me define my problem.
When I was recovering from congestive heart failure, I was having trouble falling to sleep. As I would start to doze off my breathing would slow down and therefore my oxygen level would go down ( to as low as 84%) I would sense this, and start struggling for air and wake up. With a couple of deep breaths, the oxygen level would go back up to an acceptable level, and the cycle would start over.
I have always had good lung capacity. I used to ( and maybe still can) be able to hold my breath for four minutes. I was a long distanace under water swimmer, and diver. I am sure my oxygen levels went way below the acceptable level during this four minute time of holding my breath. This was years ago when I was a teenager ( I am now seventy-seven years old)
I am having trouble believing that a short term drop in the oxygen level is a cause for corrective action. I could understand if it fell and stayed there for some time, but just a matter of seconds and then back up with a couple of deep breaths is had for me to believe is cause for concern.
At rehab I had them put a pulse oximeter on me while exercising. When I started on the treadmill my oxygen level went down to 84% for the first few seconds, and then went up to 98& and was at 100% for most of the time. But because it went down for the first few seconds does that mean I shouldn’t participate in the rehab??
Why am I struggling with this? My budget is stretched to the limit (and beyond), and forty dollars a month for something I don’t need is very upsetting.
Thank you for being so patient, and if you want to end this with no comment I’ll understand.
John
Aloha John,
You are not a bother, and when I read my answer it WAS confusing. Please read the revised reply. I must have been tired, distracted, or both.
As far as the oxygen being flammable, the only instance I have personally heard of this being a problem is when patients have actually been smoking with the oxygen in their nose, and the tubing melted to their face.
Remember that you have sudden life threatening episodes of heart failure, and you also live with managed heart failure. This process involves a progressive weakening of the heart muscle, which causes your heart to be unable to pump adequately and blood backs up into your lungs. Since you can’t breathe through that fluid, your oxygen level drops.
Trying to survive, your body deposits fluid in your legs and ankles in an attempt to get it out of your lungs so that you can get air in. When you sleep at night, this fluid moves up into your lungs.
That’s why propping yourself up helps. The only way to really correct the problem is to strengthen your heart muscle so that your heart is strong enough to keep the fluid out of your lungs.
You CAN’T gain strength if you are starved for oxygen.
“At rehab I had them put a pulse oximeter on me while exercising. When I started on the treadmill my oxygen level went down to 84% for the first few seconds, and then went up to 98% and was at 100% for most of the time. But because it went down for the first few seconds does that mean I shouldn’t participate in the rehab??”
Without being able to actually assess you, I would guess that your oxygen level drops to 84% when you first get started because as you start to move, the demand on your heart increases. When your heart feels challenged to meet the demand, it gets stingy with your arms and legs. My guess is that the 84% is just a temporary decrease in the circulation to your fingers and is not correct. Especially since your oxygen level comes up so high for the rest of your exercise. Rehab is REALLY good for you, but you want to make sure that your oxygen level stays nice and high, at least 95% while you are exercising.
I am hoping that you use supplemental oxygen whenever you exercise. It will actually help you to hold onto oxygen longer and go a long way to helping your heart muscle gain strength quickly.
I don’t know what might be possible for you, but I’d like to suggest that you look into purchasing an oxygen GENERATOR, they are more cost effective than concentrators, and if you own it, you are done paying for it, but it will serve you for the rest of your life. If I can help you, I would like to do so, free of charge. Just let me know, and I will help you navigate the possibilities.
Nobody wants to pay for something they don’t need. I feel you need it, but would love to help you find a way to make it affordable so that you can put the cash into your food budget. Fresh fruits and veggies and supplements can really be helpful as well.
I used to contract work from a home oxygen company. I spoke with them about some of my struggling patients and they wanted to help. They said they have to charge the co-pay by law, but if I got the patient to write a note saying “I can not afford to pay the co-payment for my oxygen”, then they would keep it on file and stop billing them. Maybe this is a possibility for you as well. Can’t hurt to ask.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Alright,
I bowed to the experts, and agreed to use “oxygen” while sleeping.
I was concerned that I didn’t know when I would need a refill.
The machine I have is called a concentrator.
When I inquired I was told ” Oh, it generates its own oxygen” I ask how it does that, and was told ” It just uses air from the room, filters it and pumps it out through a tube.
So, I am paying close to $40 / month to have the air from my room pumped through a tube to my nose.
Couldn’t I accomplish just as much by having a fan blowing on my face?
John
Aloha John,
Let me try to explain. Your concentrator is pulling air from the room. That part is correct. When the machine “filters” the air, it concentrates the oxygen in the bellows, and discharges the rest of the gases out the bottom or back of the machine.
The air you breathe is 21% oxygen. The machine accumulates (and “concentrates”) this small amount of oxygen to supplement the oxygen you are breathing. With 2 liters per minute, you are only getting around 26% at best.
This may be enough to keep the “pressure” of arterial oxygen high enough that it can actually penetrate the walls of the red blood cell and hitch it’s ride on the hemoglobin within the red blood cell. You need to use enough supplemental oxygen to meet your needs, and supplementing while exercising (getting activity) is a GREAT idea.
If you are wondering whether or not you need oxygen, buy a portable pulse oximeter. Your level needs to be 92% or greater at All times. You may not feel “bad”, but if you are experiencing untreated low oxygen levels during your waking hours, your night time use will not help. Even if your level appears to be alright, fluid retention is a good reason to use oxygen at night, and monitor closely during the day.
It is better to use low flow oxygen and not need it, than to harm yourself by depriving your body of the oxygen it needs.
I hope this answers your question. Nobody likes to use home oxygen, but it is one of the most powerful health building tools available to you!
Many blessings,
Carrie
Need help to make decision
While recovering from congestive heart failure, I was having trouble dozing off to sleep. As I would start to doze off, I would slow my breathing down to the point I would start gasping for air. Testing determined that my oxygen at that time could fall to 82%..but would go right up with a couple of big breaths. The problem would then recycle again as I started to doze off. At one point I went without sleep for three nights.
Now, the doctor has me on oxygen at night. However, I don’t appear to be having that problem, and would like to stop using the oxygen at night, however tests indicate that my oxygen levels can fall to 84% while I sleep. But if it doesn’t interfere with my sleeping, and my breathing just increases to immediatly offset the 84% by deeper breathing isn’t that enough to satisfy my bodily needs?
Should I argue the point with my doctor?
Aloha John,
I am so glad you asked that question.
Your heart muscle is weakened each and every time you allow your blood oxygen level to fall below 92%.
During the time your level is that low, you are CAUSING progression of your heart failure.
The ONLY way to help your heart muscle to gain strength is by meeting your oxygen needs ALL the time.
Specific nutritional therapy is also necessary if you want to live well with heart failure.
If you need coaching, you can reach me at 1-888-693-8437 ext. 03568195
Many blessings,
Carrie
Heart Failure Solutions
PS- Please don’t argue with your doctor about the oxygen. I am thrilled to hear that your doctor is advising you to use it.
However, I do have a concern that you may have sleep apnea. If you slow the rate you are breathing, you may need sleep apnea equipment.
Please be aware, your low oxygen issue is probably caused by the fluid that accumulates in your feet. When you are lying down, that fluid settles in your lungs and interferes with gas exchange. Getting enough oxygen and getting rid of your carbon dioxide are both effected adversely.
The reason you have fluid accumulating around your ankles is because of your tired heart.
Your tired heart needs oxygen!
I just read the information that you gave william Griffin and it help me understand a little about a person low oxgen level My Mother was diagonsed with COPD about 4 years ago and we were able to get her oxygen level up to 97, but last year she has gone down, she fell and broke her arm and I had to put her in the Nursing Home. she is 87 years old. in November her oxygen level had got to 78 and they put her on a Machine to make her Breath in deep. she got better but only to 91 and 92. but the last week her oxygen level has been 88. and she is on oxygen all the time on 2. she is retaining some fluid and she does have a hard time breathing I know the Good lord will take care of her but I fill like her Heart is getting tired. when do I know she has had enough. we do have a living will. and she does not want to be put on the Machine to live. thanks I appreciate any help you can give me on Understanding what going on.
Aloha Karen,
You are in a very difficult place. My heart goes out to you. Just know that your love for your mother will bring the answers to your questions. Have peace just knowing that.
I sent you an email, please check your inbox.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I have had COPD for many years. Been on and off oxygen for about ten years. During the last few weeks my breathing has deteriorated significantly. Very little exertion and my sat level will drop into the mid 80s. when I sit and rest the level will come up to the mid 90s as expected. What concerns me is that I will still have difficulty breathing for a few minutes. This is a significant change. My breathing previously was directly related to the sat level. My question is: How can I have a high sat level and still have difficulty breathing?
Aloha William,
Your difficulty breathing is related to your carbon dioxide level. When your lungs can’t ventilate enough to get carbon dioxide out of your body, it starts to accumulate. It quickly raises your pH, and your body recognizes the crisis as life threatening. Your brain will tell you to breathe rapidly in order to lower that dangerous carbon dioxide level, until you are too exhausted to breathe anymore.
It is important that you manage your wheezing and work at keeping your lungs clear. As your disease progresses, it will be difficult to use inhalers effectively because you will be unable to take a deep enough breath to deposit the medication deep enough in your lungs to do you any good. Most of the medication will end up in your mouth and throat where it can’t help you.
A nebulizer is the best way to medicate yourself when your inhaler is not providing you with relief. When mucous plugging is a problem, it is a good idea to nebulize normal saline, which you can get from your local pharmacy without a prescription. Without over medicating yourself, you will be able to cough up obstructing mucous and apply soothing moisture to your irritated airways.
You can also find relief through diet. You want to avoid alcohol, sugar, coffee (wean don’t stop cold turkey, it could be harmful), and any other stimulating or irritating substances. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Sip water all day every day.
Remember, your lungs exhale by way of elastic recoil, so it is important that you do all you can to keep your lungs stretchy. Avoid dehydration like the plague and use plenty of fatty acids everyday. Try cooking with olive oil, add it to green salad dressings, even put a tablespoon full in a glass of water and drink it. Soy lecithin is a good fatty acid, and can be added to fruit smoothies. (smoothies are a great way to maintain good nutrition even when it is difficult to eat) Omega 3 supplements will be a tremendous help to you.
Most importantly, if you don’t meet your oxygen needs ALL the time, your heart will become progressively weaker. When this occurs, your weak heart will be unable to pump normally. This will result in fluid backing up into your lungs. When this happens, no bronchodilator, from an inhaler or a nebulizer will help you. The fluid will interfere with the uptake of oxygen as well as the release of carbon dioxide. If you have fluid collecting at your ankles, you have fluid in your lungs.
The only thing you can do to prevent this from happening is to use home oxygen, and portable oxygen when you leave your house. Remember that you will probably not feel your low oxygen levels most of the time. Your carbon dioxide levels are probably what causes your significant distress. You have become used to low oxygen levels. LOW OXYGEN LEVELS CAUSE HARM EVERY TIME YOUR LEVEL FALLS BELOW 92%!
If you do not treat every occurrence of low oxygen level, your lung disease will cause trouble for your heart. Congestive Heart Failure is a progressive weakening of the heart muscle. Your low oxygen levels will effectively drain all your strength. You can not live well for long with low oxygen levels. You can do nothing about the past 10 years, but you can keep a close watch on your oxygen level from this day forward. Better yet, use oxygen 24/7! Low flow oxygen can not harm you, but those dips in your oxygen level will slowly but surely drain your batteries.
If you still have further questions, don’t hesitate to ask. If you need personal coaching, you can schedule with me at 1-888-693-8437 ext. 03568195.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Aloha Citizen,
Can’t bring myself to call you Asbestosis Victim, though I am quite sure that you have been suffering the consequence of said victimization. I am glad you are still fighting for your rights!
Click on the “How Good Is Your Breathing” banner in the right side bar, it will take you to a site that has very useful resources for breath building, and is also a great source for oxygen machines. Not all home oxygen machines require a prescription, and this company says that it can be more affordable than going the medical route. Give them a try. Hope they can help.
You are lucky that at least you know you need oxygen and you are willing to use it. I have faith that you will be provided with the resources that you need, and will keep ya in my prayers.
Many blessings,
Carrie
For more information on Asbestosis got to;
http://asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/
Please help us Ban Asbestosis.
I’ve heard this before. My HMO said the same thing. But not our government. Under Federal MEDICARE guidelines USA’ers have to have a blood o2 saturation of 88 before MEDICARE will pay for supplemental oxygen.
The Oxygen suppliers in this country charge the government so much for supplemental oxygen North Americans have to risk heart disease or lose of our quality of life before getting oxygen.
Our government will pay for Viagra, but not oxygen. The protocol for portable supplemental oxygen is a 6 minute walk down the hall. It’s an obsolete test meant for Elders.
These days many who need oxygen are middle aged, like me. I can meander down a hall at 97%. But vacuuming, doing my laundry, shopping, not to mention hiking, swimming, riding a bike, having sex, I need oxygen.
Because I am poor and on MEDICARE, I am being denied the supplemental oxygen treatment that would ease my life with asbestosis.
And I don’t have access to Workers Comp because it’s hard to find a Pulmonologist with the guts diagnose me legally. Asbestosis & mesothelioma is the only terminal disease where you have to PROVE you were exposed to asbestos or be 2nd stage before receiving treatment. Having the disease is not enough.
It’s like having to prove you drank before you can get treatment for pancreatic cancer.
The largest population dying of mesothelioma are Spouses. They get it “second hand”, so the government only partially compensates them. You can bet the cancer doesn’t know it’s “second hand” – go figure.
Ban Asbestos – globaly
The oxygen supply company just picked up my portable oxygen, for the same reason you stated….I have been on oxygen 24/7 for a year, went on medicare in September, and because I was able to slowly walk down a hall way without dropping to 88%, there goes my life. Yes, I can sit and walk around my house but can’t shower and cook a meal in the same day because of the exhaustion of constant dropping oxygen levels. I don’t have your same disease, but lost a lung because of a tumor, and have severe COPD. This government seems to want us dead…apparently don’t have a use for our value and only see us as expenses…forgetting what we have given and still have to give. Good luck.
Aloha Joyce,
That is a crying shame. I say go to your doctors office and INSIST that he let you walk around doing normal activities like climbing stairs.
I’ve heard nurses say that it was unethical to have the patient walk stairs in order to qualify them!! I say BULL! Walking up stairs is no more difficult than taking a shower or an activity that requires the use of your arms for an extended period of time.
DEMAND that they help you get the care you need and don’t take no for an answer!
Many blessings,
Carrie
You are so welcome Randa. Read all the oxygen posts, and take a look in the water retention category.
My recent post, “If you wheeze, do you have asthma?” might help too.
Building health is well worth your focused effort. Enter your email in the box at the right, let’s keep in touch.
Many blessings,
Carrie
Thank you for info I have been sick since Nov 30 2008
This is the first time I have had an answer for what I am feeling. Sincerely, Randa
Glad to see you back Doreen,
The reason I mention the low levels during the day, is that you NEED to treat the low level oxygen with supplemental oxygen, or you will suffer the consequences. Hope you are reading all the oxygen posts here. Can’t stress the need to prevent oxygen starvation enough!
Be well,
Many blessings,
Carrie
I have a sleep study test on 12/05..not sure whether it is Po2 or oxygen saturation..the lady who did the lung function testing is the one who told me there is not enough oxygen in my blood. I already know I get low oxygen during the day. After the angiogram and walking around to get functional again, my oxygen went from 90 to 84…so with exercise or exertion it gets lower. I just want answers…the lung doctor tomorrow..I will bring up the coronary disease. We shall see. Thanks for your suggestions.
Hello Doreen,
I am so glad you found your way to my blog.
First I want to stress that the only thing the angiogram ruled out was coronary artery disease. That does not mean that your heart gets a clean bill of health by any means.
Second you need to get a sleep study done immediately if it has not already been done. It sounds like you are having sleep apnea, and oxygen alone is probably NOT enough to treat it. Sleep apnea can cause sudden death! Do not delay getting the testing done, so that you can be set up with equipment called CPAP or BIPAP if needed.
Third sleep apnea AND low oxygen levels contribute to heart disease! Make sure you are not experiencing low oxygen levels during the day as well, especially with activity, when your body has a greater need for oxygen.
I hope that you mean your PO2 is 65. Oxygen saturation of 65% will not sustain life.
Please read every post in the categories: oxygen, and water retention. You need to find answers, your life depends on it.
If you would like personal help, you can schedule with me for coaching at 1-888-693-8437 ext. 03568195.
Good luck, I hope you get the help you need.
Many blessings,
Carrie
I was just diagnosed with nothing yet. I was having trouble with shortness of breath. I went to my doc who thought it ws heart issues. Did the angiogram and it is not heart. Following up with lung doc…he did an oximetry test overnight and found out my oxygen level dropped to 59-now I was not concerned but apparently he was. So I now sleep with oxygen. Then I had some lung function tests. They determined that my saturation level in my blood of oxygen is at 65%. I have to see him on 11/19 for results. I will bookmark your site. You are the first person I found who had at least some suggestions. Thanks for being out there.
Great information. That’s for keeping people informed about this important condition.
I agree with your blog. Not only oxygenation good for the heart but for the brain and other organ systems. If the cells are not oxygenated properly the cells will die.
Oxygen therapy has been used as a therapy to relieve long term illness such as chronic fatigue and chronic yeast infections