O2 Sats normal so why the suffocating feeling?
Normal oxygen sats with my oximeter, 95-97% but still feel breathless. Gave up smoking 18 days ago and it's worse since then!? Wake up frequently at night suffocating in my sleep - especially if I'm having a bad dream so I feel upset.
P.s. I have not been officially diagnosed by a doctor (UK) and I am not on any meds. I started the process with a pulmonary nurse in Feb.2020 then the surgeries were all closed due to the plandemic and my next appointment was cancelled by the NHS. I haven't been back since as it is now almost impossible to get a face to face appointment with a doctor!
Hi cary, and thanks for your post, and sharing this with the community. You may be aware that COPD affects everyone differently. Having said that, it is fairly common for some folks with a COPD diagnosis, to experience labored breathing in spite of an oxygen saturation level being normal. This may be what is happening in your case (saturation levels of 95%-97%). Generally speaking, it is sometimes caused by areas of ventilation / perfusion mismatch. This occurs when good blood flow (perfusion), exists in areas of poor ventilation. This may be characteristic of some types of COPD.
I also thought you might gain some additional insight from this article, which speaks to this very topic: https://copd.net/clinical/breathlessness-vs-oxygen-saturation. I do hope you find this information is helpful in a practical way.
I want to congratulate you on being smoke-free for 18 days already. Sometimes, it takes the body a while to adjust to smoking cessation. Some of the symptoms you have shared may also be due to the particular level of (COPD) disease, rather than the absence of smoking. This should be discussed with your physician when you are able to connect with one.
It's frustrating for me to hear of the challenges you are facing trying to gain access to a physician (face-to-face). It must also be for you! More than anything, I would think that is what you need the most. Spending time with a qualified physician will be necessary to provide you with a complete physical and history and, a thorough assessment. Then, a definitive diagnosis can be determined with an appropriate and proper treatment plan with a suitable medication regimen.
The world has certainly been affected dramatically by the COVID-19 pandemic. It's time to try to get back on track for your own good health. I realize this is easier said than done, but please, keep trying!
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
