Wildly fluctuating o2 levels

Posted by kudzu @kudzu, Jul 16, 2022

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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What is DLCO ?

Yes i had ct with contrast, i had patchy ground glass opacity both lower lobes. My pulm md said would need high resolution ct to look at small airways as regular ct didn't show (at least for me)

I am not seen by Mayo MDs, i am within Kaiser Permanente

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@lenchiksf

What is DLCO ?

Yes i had ct with contrast, i had patchy ground glass opacity both lower lobes. My pulm md said would need high resolution ct to look at small airways as regular ct didn't show (at least for me)

I am not seen by Mayo MDs, i am within Kaiser Permanente

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DLCO measures how well the lungs transfer gas from inhaled air to the red blood cells in pulmonary capillaries, as I understand it.
I haven’t seen the pulmonologist yet, but I will ask my pcp tomorrow. There were no appts to be had this month. I will see a pulmonologist at Mayo faster than I can see one here(east Tennessee).

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Oh thanks, i was told by pulm md gas exchange test, i didnt know its also called DLCO 🙂

Good luck !!!
Leave the post here once the puzzle is solved or any other updates!

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@kudzu

DLCO measures how well the lungs transfer gas from inhaled air to the red blood cells in pulmonary capillaries, as I understand it.
I haven’t seen the pulmonologist yet, but I will ask my pcp tomorrow. There were no appts to be had this month. I will see a pulmonologist at Mayo faster than I can see one here(east Tennessee).

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@kudzu, how are you doing? How did your appointment go at Mayo Clinic? Any update?

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@colleenyoung

@kudzu, how are you doing? How did your appointment go at Mayo Clinic? Any update?

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I haven’t been yet. I caught Covid a couple of weeks ago and will be going at the end of August.
I will definitely keep you posted about this.
I see a pulmonologist locally on Monday here in East Tn.
Will let you know what he says.
Thanks for asking. It’s scary but I think I’ll be alright.

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@kudzu

I haven’t been yet. I caught Covid a couple of weeks ago and will be going at the end of August.
I will definitely keep you posted about this.
I see a pulmonologist locally on Monday here in East Tn.
Will let you know what he says.
Thanks for asking. It’s scary but I think I’ll be alright.

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Oh no! You must've been disappointed. I know you were really looking forward to your appointment. I hope you're recovering well. Let us know if you have any questions about preparing for a visit to Mayo.

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@colleenyoung

Oh no! You must've been disappointed. I know you were really looking forward to your appointment. I hope you're recovering well. Let us know if you have any questions about preparing for a visit to Mayo.

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I sure will. I’m recovering but this is a nasty disease. I’ve had it before but this time was worse.
My primary gave me Paxlovid and dexmethasone for it which I think helped but had nasty side effects of their own.
Yes I was disappointed but at that point didn’t feel like traveling anyway. I also reasoned that any testing Mayo might do wouldn’t come out well if I was sick.
This way I can come up there with more info from this doctor.

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@kudzu

I sure will. I’m recovering but this is a nasty disease. I’ve had it before but this time was worse.
My primary gave me Paxlovid and dexmethasone for it which I think helped but had nasty side effects of their own.
Yes I was disappointed but at that point didn’t feel like traveling anyway. I also reasoned that any testing Mayo might do wouldn’t come out well if I was sick.
This way I can come up there with more info from this doctor.

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Great attitude. Get well soon.

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@colleenyoung

Great attitude. Get well soon.

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Thank you!
Just trying to get the most out of my trip to Mayo.

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@kudzu

I haven’t been yet. I caught Covid a couple of weeks ago and will be going at the end of August.
I will definitely keep you posted about this.
I see a pulmonologist locally on Monday here in East Tn.
Will let you know what he says.
Thanks for asking. It’s scary but I think I’ll be alright.

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Sorry to hear about covid. How are o2 levels now ?
Mine leveling up but very slow, its been 3 months. Had high resolution ct, looks ok to me per impressions results. Will be talking to pulm md tomorrow

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