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Wildly fluctuating O2 levels
I’m experiencing wildly fluctuating o2 levels on finger oximeter. This morning already I’ve been everywhere from 71 to 99, especially while standing still.
I went to the ER June 3 with this and they couldn’t find anything. My pft of June 3 indicated restrictive lung disease. May or may not be due to Amiodarone.
I’m going to Mayo July 27 to see a pulmonologist.
Very scary and depressing.
I know if I go back to the ER they probably won’t find anything, and I read in my medical records that my pcp has diagnosed hypochondriasis(not the case, this is really happening).
Anyone else have this?
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@dianemb get an O2 ring!
O2 readers (O2-readers.pdf)
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1 ReactionI am determined to find out the reason for my intermittent hypoxia readings. Of late, I have discovered that not only parasites can contribute to hypoxia, but also your gut health and fecal flora!
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8339470/
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1 Reaction@staystrong63 I have similar issues although I don’t go down that far. 85 is the low for me.
Use a finger pulse oximeter too. Write down your time of day, your activity, and oxygen percentage, but wait until it stops at a percentage. You can compare it with your watch.
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2 Reactions@gigipigi yes, the watch is a good indicator for you to check on your self. I find it comforting. However it’s not perfect.
It helps me know if I feel a bit “off” whether or not I’m in an emergency situation or not.
It keeps a record of the readings for your reference.
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1 ReactionI have the same thing! I have 4 pulse oximeters and I have COPD. I worry too especially when I get sick then it drops low. I went to the ER and they thought I was having panic attacks; it's degrading. I asked for pulmonologist and they got mad! They wouldn't give me an appointment. Next time I'm sick I will demand an appointment.
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4 Reactions@kudzu "I did go to Mayo for a pulmonologist consult and was told if there were anything serious wrong with my lungs I wouldn’t be able to get my levels up to 99%."
Did you go to Mayo in Arizona? Did you see an MD or PA or NP?
That comment is medically inaccurate. I have very good oxygen saturation when sitting. but I need oxygen for exertion and sleeping. My diagnosis includes three reasons for my drops in oxygen - all serious and life threatening and all tested and documented in my medical reports.
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2 Reactions@vic83
I went to Mayo in Rochester Mn, saw an MD, and that comment is simply reporting what the doctors told me. If it’s inaccurate, that’s on them.
My activity level and subsequent testing seem to bear them out, though.
Sorry to hear about your situation; maybe there are a number of reasons for fluctuating o2 levels?
Best wishes to you.
I have the same issue but might have an answer. I think it could be down to blood supply / finger temperature. When my fingers are warm and have red tips I get a reading in the 97 -99 range but when my fingers are cold / pale it drops to 90 or less and the alarm goes off! Moral of the story, keep warm?
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4 ReactionsBuy a new oximeter
I have Reynauds and yes staying warm will change the oxomiter readings. Recently I had them checked with a reader taped to my forehead and one on my finger. The finger readings were less than 90, but the forehead was in the 90s. I would recommend asking for anyone reading an oxomiter to consider you might have Reynauds. They also took my artiral blood, from my wrist so I would also have them consider another place if you have Reynauds as your blood stays in your core to keep your vital organs well . Read up on Reynauds.
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