low blood oxygen

[leftysmom]

I have been tested with the clothespin on the finger machine.  My blood oxygen was 52-54% (I was walking up and down the hall quickly for this test).  I am told I have low blood oxygen.
I also have Wegener's that has been in remission since 1999 (and is still negative).  My lungs are clear - according to x-rays and CT scans.  What could be the cause of my low blood oxygen and what can be done for it.  I am 55 years old and female.

[leftysmom]

Dr's have no clue why my Ox levels go down.....all tests are negative

[leftysmom]

I have been to cardiologists - not my heart.  Pulmy said not my lungs.  Did a quick oxemitry test (again) at dr's office - never got to 90 while walking up and down hall quickly.  I am breathless getting off airplanes (scary).  It takes me a half hour to catch my breath during and after exercise.  I am healthy, 55 and female.  Beyond frustrated.
My Wegener's is neg since 1999, Scarring - some, but pulmy says that is not why my saturation is low.  No one has been able to figure this out - CT scans,PFT, sleep apnea tests all normal!  Still my staturation levels go way down with quick movement or exercise.  I am trying to avoid a biopsy...  Any ideas?  How about Valley Fever - a friend with WG says it sounds like it might be VF.... I am tired of being tired all the time...and do not want to be hooked to this oxygen machine for the rest of my life.... dr's have no clue - more tests, when does it stop?  Trying a new pulmy next week - in the meantime had to cancel travel.  I live at the beach so my windows are always open.  Is there anything else I have not tried?

[caregiver222]

You have to be very careful with such a low P02. I don't know the reasons for your condition.  Good medical work-ups by M.D.'s in person should determine that. But I do know you must avoid going into oxygen deficit. I you have difficulty breathing stop and rest. LIE DOWN and have someone put a pillow under your ankles. More people have died because they wanted to "walk to the ambulance" that you wanna know about. Try cod liver oil and omega-three supplements. They will increase the efficiency of circulation. Avoid exposure to carbon monoxide at all costs, as by being in a garage when the motor is idling. This includes waiting in a garage while your car is serviced. If possible, use a diesel car that does not producer carbon monoxide. All gasoline vehicles, without exception, leak carbon monoxide through the floor into the passenger compartment. The carbon monoxide binds and has an extremely long half-life. In a normaly person this may result in a two percent breduction in oxygen carrying capacity. You can't afford am one percent reduction. Get some plantsn in your house. They produce moxygen. And keep the windows cracked and get good circulation. If you ever experience sweating (usually cold sweats, but not only), or nausea, stop and rest. Seek medical attention. These are indications the heart is not getting enough oxygen.  Good luck.

[elaine1972]

WOW! That is definitely NOT normal! You should be in the 95-100% range, maybe a little lower since you were exerting yourself, but your doctor still should have been very concerned by this!  You need to ask to speak with the doctor right away about these test results and what needs to be done!

[Sunny602]

Good grief! That is pretty low...normal levels are usually 95-100. Some people with chronic lung disease have lower numbers but it can be agreed upon that levels less than 90% is harmful over time to the organs. Have you had your heart checked out as well? If your lungs check out fine then your heart needs to be looked at. As far as what to do with levels like that, were you put on O2? Especially with exertion if your numbers fall off like that. Did you feel short of breath or "funny" (have visual changes...feel "fuzzy") I know that whenever my sats dropped low, I felt very out of sorts...colors weren't as bright either.
I hope that you get some answers and soon. Sunny

[peachy297]

Have you had a spirometry test yet and have the doctors said why you have low oxygen?