Wildly fluctuating O2 levels

@tvane27
I tried that but the results were the same. A similar thing happened when in hospital recently using their hi-tech oximeters. Leaving the oximeter connected for a minute or more generally results, in my case, in oxygen levels rising steadily.

@kudzu Did you ever find out what is causing the O2 levels to drop? I have the exact same thing happening and I also have severe sleep apnea. My doctors don’t believe me about the oxygen levels. Years ago I went to the Heart Hospital because of shortness of breath and they found nothing. Recently they did a sleep study and said it was very bad. One doctor told me to check my O2 levels regularly, so I did. I woke up with a terrible headache, which is common for me, and my O2 level was in the 50s. I got my phone and recorded it from 66 to 90s. I was told to go to urgent care which I did and they didn’t believe me and said my machine was not accurate. I explained that the sleep clinic recorded very low levels too and she told me their machines were not accurate either. She told me that if my levels were that low I would die, which is my fear and why I don’t sleep. The emergency room nurse said I was a hypochondriac and sent me home. I got an appointment with my doctor and he agreed with her and canceled an overnight Oxygen study he had previously ordered which really sucks because now he doesn’t want to do anymore testing. I have a lot of issues and probably all related to no sleep and fluctuating O2 levels. I have lots of photos of low oxygen levels but that only confirmed to them that I am a hypochondriac, lol. My head hurts so bad at times that I can’t think straight and I suffer from confusion at times. Lots of problems sleeping even though I am extremely exhausted. I often worry that I will not wake up when I do sleep for a few minutes. I quit drinking because they said it could be the cause of my problems but I have not had a drop of alcohol for over 6-8 months and still have the exact same problems. I take blood pressure medicine but wonder if it was high because of the oxygen levels being off. I also have night terrors and often wake up to the sounds of explosions, gunshots inside my bedroom, bullets hitting my house, doors being smashed in and once my house broke in half, which was probably the most terrifying, lol. If I don’t wake up to an explosion it is usually to bring choked to death in my dream or me choking someone to death, but death is almost always the end result as I wake. I would really appreciate any insight you might have because I think all of my issues are related to a medical issue, I just don’t know what. I am not afraid of dying but would like to outlive my mother who needs me to survive.

@jking11
Wow! I can relate to your fear and anxiety!
I too would get very scared when my readings would drop. I took a lot of pictures on my phone too.
Just like you though, the drs and staff would say the readings weren’t accurate.
I finally sought help from Mayo Clinic in Rochester Mn.
They did an overnight o2 study while I was using my CPAP and got reassuring levels, mostly in the 90’s.
I also did a VO2 max stress test there, and apparently the o2 levels under stress were alright. They measured at my forehead.
I finally decided that if I could exercise and exert, and Mayo didn’t find anything dire, that I was simply going to stop checking it for my own mental health.
I think the feeling was that it had something to do with the circulation in my fingers. Where are you measuring when you see the low levels?
If you are not already, try using a CPAP to see if that makes a difference. It did with me.
I’d also reach out immediately to a dr and get something to calm you down. I take Xanax as needed and it really helps me sleep. Sleeping pills did nothing. I was out for two hours then wide awake the rest of the night.
You wrote that your sleep study results were very bad. Was that the number of apnea events, the o2 levels, or both? They should have ordered some sort of treatment for you.
Also, do you exercise? That might tell you a lot. I found being able to work out not only reassuring but it helped my mood immensely.
I commend you for taking care of your mom. Also take care of yourself. Let us know what happens please.

I have commented on this thread before. My journey has included tons of testing to identify the root cause of my hypoxia. I’ve been tested for parasites, nasal polyps, lung diseases, and heart issues. Even though they found a PFO they don’t feel that’s the cause. My research continues… I got a hit for hypoxia and LEAKY GUT. Now it’s time to change my diet and consider an alternative cure. I hope this helps this group. For what it’s worth, both my husband and I have similar issues and it started after Covid. We did enjoy more alcohol during that period and have since reduced but not eliminated our consumption. Maybe it’s time to eliminate it, and follow a recommended gut diet.

@kudzu Thank you for responding. So, my number of apnea events and Oxygen levels were of concern to them. They said it was severe sleep apnea. I was put on a bi-pap with supplemental oxygen for night. It definitely helped a lot. You asked about where I was taking the O2 readings and it was on my fingers on the hand that goes numb most often. I never even thought that it could just be poor circulation in my hand causing the lower saturation readings. That is actually a comforting thought because I was thinking much worse. I will look into that a little more because in cold weather my hands, but especially my left hand and feet go numb almost immediately and will turn pale until warmed up. Coffee and Dr Pepper also makes my hands and feet tingle. The doctors ignored that and said they had no clue what would cause that unless I had an allergic reaction. But, if my circulation was already restricted, maybe the caffeine amplifies the restriction. So maybe it is poor circulation to my extremities. I found out that there is something called Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS), it’s harmless but I have it for sure. I have even been tricked by the exploding sounds in my head and thought they were real. I feel kind of embarrassed about calling the police once and accusing my neighbor of shooting my house. Luckily they found no evidence and left probably wondering why I said that, lol. I mentioned hearing the sounds to my doctor once but he looked at me like I was crazy and didn’t even respond to what I said. After writing it in the comment section I googled it for the first time and instantly was comforted by knowing I wasn’t crazy. I don’t exercise but I’m going to start. I did a stress test at the heart hospital years ago and they said I was just in bad physical shape and said there was nothing wrong with me. They suggested that I exercise but I honestly didn’t believe anything they said because I knew something was wrong. But the severe sleep apnea and lack of sleep may be my biggest problems. I might look into something like you mentioned to help me sleep but I have a CDL and don’t want to jeopardize that. I am not professionally driving right now but with the bi-pap I would not get as tired driving. I really appreciate that you responded with kind words and great advice. I honestly feel so much better just thinking that my issues are probably not life threatening and that gives me motivation to work on improving my life instead of giving up. I really pray that you are blessed.

@jking11
Glad I could be of help, and I appreciate your prayer for blessings.
I know that CDL drivers have to be careful with their CPAP compliance; they are monitored from what I’ve been told.
I don’t know if being on a prescription medication for sleep and/or anxiety would be frowned on by an employer or not. If it’s deemed medically necessary, it might be ok.
Let us know how you’re feeling.