Low O2 Levels
Has anyone lost the ability to think and speak clearly when your O2 levels drop?
Gwynne
Hi @Gwynne , and thanks for your post - you've posed an excellent question! In my experience, patients with decreasing or decreased oxygen levels (partial pressures of oxygen and/or oxygen saturation), may display different levels of coherency at different times. This may vary (quite widely) from patient to patient. It can depend on such factors as: level of disease, acute versus chronic episodes and disease states, age, sea level environment or not, and others. For some, the mentation can be altered after other initial signs and symptoms have occurred.
Did you have something specific in mind in regards to your question?
I am hopeful others will chime in here with their own personal experience.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I occasionally find it hard to think for a moment when I have bent over, not sat down when I should have, or removed the oxygen too soon after exercising. I find myself really making an effort, trying to get the thoughts to come out right. As soon as I sit down and my O2 level goes back up, I am fine.
whirledpeas
Thanks so much for chiming in here,, and sharing your own personal experience with the community. Everything you said is beneficial to know (about oneself and one's own condition). We value your input here.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)That is interesting. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi there. I've experienced brief confusion at times when I'm sure my 02 drops upon waking and beginning the day too quickly. I allow myself about 45 minutes or so (sitting and enjoying an ice-cold Coke) until I feel more comfortable to start moving about.
, I am sorry that it appears that perhaps your comment failed to post here! If you feel like sharing with us what you wrote (again, sorry!) we would be interested to hear. ~Melanie (team member)
, at the end of 2019, I was in the hospital for three days, and was released on Christmas. I had been sick for a month and finally, one day, I woke from a nap, (I have sleep apnea also) I am on oxygen when I sleep, and I use the Trilogy 100. After a four hour nap (the length of time I usually sleep) my oxygen level was only 73%. I was sitting on the side of my bed at the time, and I said, "Ok, this is not good"...so I drove myself to the hospital, a short distance away, and literally called the ER to have them come to me with a wheelchair, because I would not have been able to make the walk. I guess what I am saying through all this, is, I have never been confused in thought or speaking (so far) when my O2 levels drop. I am usually pretty steady to know when it is finally time to go to the hospital. , I understand that, and I had no difficulty driving this time. I just don't like to depend on someone, or have to pay a senior van to take me home (3 miles). Once I got to my van and caught what breath I did have, I started my drive. I made sure I was alert, not a problem. I knew I could not have made the walk though, as there was nothing to lean on to catch my breath between my car and the ER door, that is why I called for help at that time. When I do feel I am worse off than usual, I do call 911. I actually had a go bag ready back then. I used to go so often, it was easier to do it that way. I knew when I got to the ER I would always be admitted. I hear you. I think I was just reminding myself. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
