low oxygen level

Just been diagnosed with low oxygen level and put on oxygen at home at night. Can this be reversed? This does not mean I will be on oxygen for the rest of my life does it? I'm getting some kind of read-out after two nights on oxygen and go back to the doctor later this week.

[alohacarrie]

That depends on what is causing your low oxygen level.  I am in the process of writing a blog post on low oxygen levels.  It should be posted to the free online community, Heart Failure Solutions, by tomorrow.  Your best bet is to educated yourself in how to build the health of your heart and lungs.  That is what our online community is all about!  Come join us!

I would also strongly advise that you ask to have your oxygen level checked while you are walking and doing normal daily activities as well.  If you have an oxygen deficit, it may be present when you increased demand on the heart, as well as when you are sleeping.  ANYTIME your oxygen saturation falls below 92% it is HARMFUL, and will weaken your heart muscle.

I see a doctor here on medhelp has advised someone that low oxygen levels are 88% and lower.  It makes me sad to hear a doctor say this.  Certainly your insurance company will not pay for oxygen unless your oxygen saturation is below 88%, BUT it is harmful and will rob your eye sight, short term memory and weaken your heart muscle if your oxygen saturation is below 92%.   PERIOD, it is a matter of science.

Many blessings to you,
Carrie

[JackHester]

The VA say's 88% is always okay.  Of course way higher is far better.

I have found out that putting on the oxygen when my saturation is low and exercising (treadmill or exercise bike) my at rest and general saturation increases - a lot when you don't have a cold, flu or pneumonia as I do now - only a little if you do.  I'd like to belong to that heart and lung forum - how do I get there?  I have CHF and chronic afib and asthma or copd too. (and I smoked only 3 of my 74 years)

I'm walking on the treadmill for at least 1/2 mile in just a moment.

Thanks   John Hansen  ***@****

[hava]

This will make the lungs more efficient, and you will see the result,when you check your oxygen level.
Bhastrika - Take a long deep breath into the lungs(chest not tummy) via the nose and then completely breathe out through the nose. Place your fists, with the thumb pointing up, on the the legs, above the the knee, and do bhastrika for two minutes.Repeat this  a) with the fists upside down, so that the thumb is pointing down, and resting on the legs, b) with the thumb pointing inwards  c) with the thumb pointing outwards. This will help very much as the lungs open up in different ways.
Repeat this 3 to 8 times during the day.
May 15 ,2012

[glo75]

just read your blog and I thank you.  just found out a few days ago that I need oxygen.  just slept last nite with the finger thing.  this all happened so fast.  and the more I read --- anyway glad for the information. going to look for your heart failure solutions blog.  its been a few years but maybe I'll be lucky.  ***@****

[glo75]

did you get my post yesterday .  its been so long I'm wondering if you are still active.   I am brand new!   2 days -  so have no idea what I am doing. thanks for any help

[umerk383]

I'm experiencing shortness of breath since three weeks. I checked it out with my ENT first since I have sinus problems. The ENT referred me to a pulmonary disease  specialist. I went through the ventilator tests today and it turned out that I'm low on oxygen, though my lungs capacity is around 7L. I had my chest Xray done today and I still have to do few blood tests to check out if I have anemia. They sent me home and asked me to come back the next week until they receive all the results.Shall I wait for one week without treatment?