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DiscussionTravel to high altitude with lung condition: Need to take precautions?
COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | Last Active: Sep 11, 2021 | Replies (45)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Sistertwo, May I ask how low your husband's o2 levels went with the high altitude? I..."
Mr. Bill, I did not write how low his O2 levels went, because I am ashamed. But, since you asked, the finger monitor went below the 50's a few times during the nights. The last night I am certain I saw 29, but only for a second. I was in panic mode more than once, opening windows, forcing him to take as big of breaths as possible, hooked to machine (which DID help a lot), taking blood pressure, forcing him to drink water (3 bottles one night!), checking heart and O2 levels every few minutes and arguing about calling 911. Even when he was sleeping, I was checking his stats on a regular basis. We actually would have left after one or two days, but they got 14 inches of snow and the idea of an auto accident seemed like the greater of the two evils. As soon as the roads were clear I packed up and left my daughter to enjoy some solidarity on her own.
My level is typically 97-98 and ran about 93 while we were there, so his being (with O2 machine) at 88 didn't seem too far off for his daytime numbers. His runs 90-93 when we are home, without any machines.
We would never had been able to be there 'at all' without the machine.
As I said before, he is stubborn! But, yesterday he got a different CPAP machine with just a nose covering and although he refused to use it last night (used the O2 machine instead) I have to insist he gives it a chance tonight and moving forward. His doctor initially said he could have O2 hooked to the CPAP, but yesterday the respiratory department said it wouldn't be necessary. I never know who to believe.