02 stats

[Deleted]

I am on 3 liters o2 24/7 and sometimes 4 liter if I am exerting. Even at that, I can drop my stats down to 82 or 84 and then sit and wait 15 or 20 minutes for them to come back up to 92 to 94. it seems to do this every time I try to do anythying anymore. I don't know if I need to have a change of meds, see the pulmo doc or what to do. He said he didn't need to see me for six months and that is April 2008. I am on Foradil, flovent, combivent for my breathing and toporol and cartia xl, prednisone, a potassium pill and a water pill and a vitiamin ,81 mg aspirin for heart problems. What should I do?

[cheryl]

Sunbeam, I really don't know and there are more knowledgeable people than me on this forum. None of us are doctors though. Would it be possible for you to call the doctors office and explain what's going on, and have them advise you?

[maryaz]

Sunbeam; I would definitely contact your doctor's office. Tell them the problem and be sure they know just what you told us.

Did the doctor tell you that you could turn the o2 up. o2 is like prescription and you take as scripted. How long have you been on o2. I don't know you and so don't know just how to approach this. I know you need to talk to the doctor. Not good to have numbers under 90 and your o2 should keep them up or be able to come back up much quicker than you are.

I was thinking that maybe if you have not been on long that you are not pacing yourself. I could drop like that too, if I walk too fast and I actually do but I stop before I get that low. Exception is my shower and I come out more at 85. I am one that does well sitting, if not talking 'too' much. Walking I go down and have to be careful.

Maybe I just don't do things that get me there. I don't clean house anymore.

Do you have heart problems too. I don't know anything about them but your meds sound like it. Is this a maintenace Predisone you are on. I guess I asked more questions than answered but it will help someone else probably to reply.

If you know how to PLB and diaphram breathing and you exercise and go slow, then there may be a problem.

When he said not to see him for 6 months, that is what mine does but understood that I will call if a problem. Someone should answer here. Best of luck.

[Deleted]

I have been on o2 since 1999 and just had to up it last june to3 liters and to 4 at exertion. This was okayed by pulmo dr. I plb most of the time as it helps much and it had become a habit for the most part. Yes, I do have a heart problem and it is atrial fib. They had to stop and start my heart to get it back in rythum and I have been on heart meds ever since. It happened twice when my heart races to 180 bpm and three days before they could get it back to normal. It has been fine since they put me on the toporol and cartia xl. I spent 3 days in ICU toget it corrected. I am on a predinsone every day of 10 mg maintenance.

[Joyce7]

Hi Sunbeam, For right now, I would try just calling your doctor and talk with his nurse. Tell her what you have said here and how you feel and your stats. It is almost vacation time for many doctors, so please try to get this cleared up before vacation time hits....Joyce

[cheryl]

That's a very good point, Joyce - You can't seem to get anything done over the holidays.

[John]

Excellent point Joyce!!!! My plmo said he would see me in 6 mos also witch will be the end of March. But he was firm to me that if I had any trouble , I was to call right away. It's time to call Sunbeam! That's what their there for .Without you & I they wouldn't have a job . Take care & Call today

[maryaz]

again; Hope you decided to contact the doctor. With the replies that you gave, you sure know enough about this yourself. You know how to breath. Sometimes there is no explanation for why the numbers won't stay up. Can be the environment is what my Pulmo sometimes tells me. The Dr needs to know. Maybe they would up the predisone for while.

The last time I couldn't breath right, there was no reason. Just took time to clear up. I had to take it easy and more Predisone. He would listen to me and said "I don't hear anything moving". When I was better he would tell me he could hear the air moving. Let us know what you find out.

[the bear]

From the sounds of things you need medical attention and you need it now. Just a quickly as possible, IMHO your best bet would be going to emergency. When you can not breathe and your heart rate goes through the roof you are in grave danger. Do not fool around, get medical attention, now.

[Deleted]

In reply to my messages, I finally got in to see the Doctor on Thursday. He determined that I had an infection in my right lung. He put me on levaquin for the next several days and I already notice a change in my breathing and stats and I am feeling better. Sure was glad I went to the doctor but was dissapointed that we didn't get to leave on our trip to Arkansas as yet. Maybe next week when I am all better!! Going to spend eight weeks with our daughter and her family if all goes well. Anyway, thanks for the information fron all. God bless you all and love & hugs, Sunbeam

[cheryl]

That's very good news. I'm glad you're feeling better and you'll get to go on your trip.

[cocojax]

Good that you got into your Doctors, and glad you are starting to feel better already. Take care and before you know it, you will be seeing your family....