badley out of breath

[Ciel]

Hi,  I had an oximetry test done and found that my Oxygen Saturation Level is 77.  They are going to put me on oxygen for night time.  I sensed a concerned attitude when the person told me about this.  When she gave me the test results she did say you know what that means.  I foolishly said yes but don't know the first thing about it except the normal Oxygen Saturation Level is between 95 and 100.  What causes this?  Why oxygen just in the pm?  Is this level considered serious?  Please fill me in.  I am female, 71 yrs. and obese, diabetic, apnea, arthritis.  Not in too good shape.  I get so out of breath I find it difficult to do anything.  Please help.  Thank you.

[SkinnyGary]

Ciel,

Just curios if you got my E-mail.

[Ciel]

Hi Gary,  thanks for your reply.  I couldn't walk that long as I got too out of breath.  I was able to do it only 2 min. and my pulse went to 182and oxygen 91.  For the sitting the 1/2 hour it went to 85 which I understand now is also too low.  I slept with the oxygen last night and didn't have to get out of bed at all because of the feeling of choking.  I also didn't have that heavy feeling in my chest.  A nurse told me I should be on oxygen full time with a level of 77.  She also insisted I call the doc right away and should be seen also by a pulmonologist and cardiologist.  I have an appointment with the doc on Mon.(family physician)  
Just came back.  Telephone call.  I spoke with the respirator clinician and she told me she thought I should be on full time also.  she will call the doc and let me know.  I guess the next step would be to find out what is causing this drop.  Or is that necessary? I don't understand what a PFT test or Alpha 1 is.  I will research what COPD is.  Sorry you have that.  Do you know what caused it?  What was your oxysen saturation level?  You know it is so comforting to be able to speak to someone in somewhat the same shoes.  I wonder if they will let me give you my email?  ***@****    I will let you know what happens next.  I am curious.  And  you, please keep well and happy.  How active are you?  I can't do much of anything for so short a time that I have to sit down and rest.  I also have bad arthritis amongst other problems but that's life, huh?  Thanks so much.  Hope to hear from you again.  Ciel

[SkinnyGary]

Ciel,
It sounds like COPD. O2 saturation below 88% is the level they consider to be low enough to be on oxygen. Did you have a PFT test? Did you have a 6 minute walk to check your O2 sat? Also when you do anything stressful your level may also drop below that level. I am a 50 year old with extreemly severe COPD. I have Alpha-1. Speak to your doctor about pulmonary rehab also. Did your doctor refer you to a pulmonologist?
Gary