Went back to the hospital 3 times. One time my Oxygen saturation was at 78% the other time it was at 95%. The doctors are not sure what caused it to drop this low. Does this just happen sometimes? I am curious as to what could have caused it to drop this low and if i should be worried about it.
My oxygen saturation level was at 78% one day. Now it is back up to 95%. Is this normal?
Question posted by Anonymous on 19 April 2012
Last updated on 12 August 2022 by Lydia76
12 Answers
Lydia76
12 Aug 2022
I'm currently on home oxygen via a oxygen concentrator
2.5 liters 16 hours a day
When on it my oxygen level is around 85 when at rest but when moving about 83
WITHOUT oxygen my levels fluctuate between 78 and 83 but I often try not to move as I get too lightheaded which scares me
I'm only 45 and it's probably going to get worse in time
Is this what I've got to look forward to
Pjburns
22 March 2017
You need to have a CT scan to take a look for any blockages or possible COPD (which isn't a death sentance). We very active you could drop to a 90-91, but 98 is norm.
crowder73
12 Feb 2017
The drs needs tof testes to find out what's going onyour health is very important to.u.
crowder73
12 Feb 2017
When my 02sat drops to 95 my head startstartsending hurting it does this all the time. I am on oxygen 2-3 I just wonder what causes mines to drop. I was around a crowd yesterday and my sat drop to 93.
Jewelzsantovito
24 July 2015
Just was reading through this because I'm going through same thing. Doctors are trying to figure out why. My oxygen goes from 95 then drops to 76 up and down. I was wondering how many others have gone through this
Inactive
21 April 2012
Update: blood test results came back. The leukemia is back. Now just comes the fight.
kaismama
21 April 2012
Oh dear, our prayers will be with you.
endlessPred
21 April 2012
We are here to listen.
Inactive
22 April 2012
Round one day one of chemo starts tomorrow... they are really getting serious this time. Which is a good thing. I have been through chemo before. I know what to expect. But for some reason I'm really scared.
endlessPred
22 April 2012
Feeling scared makes sense. As you say, this is really intense treatment this time. So sorry this is going to be tough. I believe you can do this. The wait to start can be tough. You are doing what you need and understand. (Hope you have a good book to read.) You will be fine. This will help. Chemo is intense. I will be hinking about you. Karen
Inactive
22 April 2012
Thank you Karen. You are very sweet and offer a lot of encouragement.
-melissa
franklin8905
21 April 2012
Am so happy you are getting help, finally someone listened. I am praying that it is not the cancer returning, but rather something that is easy to correct or control. Please rest and get well.
franklin8905
20 April 2012
If you are blacking out... do not wait call and ambulance!!! The hospital is also more likely to admit you if you arrive per ambulance. Second, they will monitor you on the way in. The level of 78 is not conducive to life go now. Is there anyone there to support you? You mentioned you were alone, now is not the time to be alone. After you call the ambulance, call someone to meet you at the hospital to be your advocate. Many times when we are feeling poorly we do not inform the staff of what is actually happening. Someone who goes with you can advocate for you. Please seek help immediately.
endlessPred
20 April 2012
Franklin. Please see the comments above. Thanks for supporting what I had just sent her. I told her ambulance is best choice too. She does have oxygen now. Not sufficient. Hopefully as soon as she gets our messages she calls and they get her in ASAP. K
Inactive
20 April 2012
Ambulance is on their way. I'm freaking out a bit.
kaismama
20 April 2012
My prayers are with you. Waiting to hear how you are doing.
endlessPred
20 April 2012
We hope you are doing better now that you are on your way to the hospital. To be honest I was freaking out a bit not able to do more than write. You are a brave young woman and I wish you well. Hope they find what you have and things start to improve. Best wishes for you. Karen
franklin8905
20 April 2012
Please let us know how things are going as soon as you can. Hopefully you won't respond to this until Tuesday or Wednesday, as you are in the hospital being cared for. But if by chance they release you, please let us know and maybe we can help.
Inactive
21 April 2012
I am in the hospital. Been asleep all this time. Just woke up with notifications on my phone from this site. I will be in the hospital for a couple of days at the very least. But if my stats do not go up, I will most likely be here a lot longer. I'm exhausted. But releaved that I'm here where they can watch what's going home instead of being home alone. They are running tests. But its not looking good right now. Afraid the cancer may have returned with vengeance. Vomiting blood.
endlessPred
21 April 2012
So glad you went and they are keeping you. Sounds like you got there just in time. Appreciate you taking time to let us know. I am rooting for you. Whatever this is, you are safe now. I and others will be here for you, should you need an ear. we will be here.
This last symptom, would have been really tough at home. If it is the cancer, I am so sorry you have another battle. Will keep you in my prayers. Blessings to you. Sleep well. Karen
franklin8905
20 April 2012
I am really surprised that the hospital didn't keep you when your O2 sats were 78%. Most ERs are instructed to admit any patient with a Sat below 90%, did it stay at 78% for any length of time? Sats at 78% unually result in unconsiousness. Did you have edema in your fingers or were they very cold? Sometimes those little Sat machines don't work as well as they should. If you are going to a physician please ask them about a 24 hour pulse-oximeter test. This will measure your heart rate and your oxygen saturation over a 24 hour period. What you have going on must be scary. Feeling weak all the time and then being unable to breath is terrible. Please follow-up quickly.
endlessPred
20 April 2012
Exactly. I am concerned about you heart however, you did mention the cardiologist... Many things could be wrong there. Considering how recent your leukemia has been, have you contacted your regular doc? I too thought you should have been in hospital. So maybe you meant 87 rather than 78? Either way that is not a release for home.
The two channel study is very easy to do.It takes a Pulmonologist to order and machines may not be readily available. But I wouldn't rely on it being available at this time. breathing is the main issue. Please get a full work up with scans. You can get a pulseox at Walgreens, etc., to monitor. If you fall below 90 and dip into the 80's your body needs supportive O2. At night when you sleep O2 will drop even more. Remember if you faint again, get to the ER.
Eat whatever you are interested in. It can be difficult to eat when not breathing well. Same with the swallowing. Ice cream in its many forms. Juices, milk. Whatever. Not a time to worry about diet. Empty calories are better than none.
And thanks for the kind words about my daughter. She is 22 now. But the scar she carries will always be there and the radical surgery will always be a cause of pain. She is doing great things with her life. We do get stronger with adversity. Am always surprised what one can get through. Seems like you are a great example of that. Hang in there. Solutions are out there.
Inactive
20 April 2012
Yes I have talked with my regular doctor. There will be more tests run to make sure that the cancer isn't coming back in other forms. I was correct in my posting. 78%. I don't know why I was not admitted. But it is a very small town hospital. So idk. I have had oxygen sent home with me last night. They tell me to use it as much as possible. Especially while sleeping. I have kept it on most of today. Breathing is getting more and more difficult. To the point where I'm almost gasping for air.
endlessPred
20 April 2012
Ok. What amount of oxygen are you taking? Try pushing it up until you breathe more normal. You can go as high as 5 liters if you need to. Do absolutely nothing but bathroom and rest. Do not stop the oxygen for any reason. If you cannot talk without catching your breath every few words while on oxygen, you need the hospital as well.
Once you push it up, and if you are still gasping, go to the hospital immediately. You are in danger. If it holds at three or four, call the doc now, tell them you are concerned and it is getting worse. Because hospitals often don't like to admit on weekends, don't worry about it. Their staff is thin and you will get the rest and oxygen you need. You will be monitored, which seems essential. And all your functions will be watched. Any pain around the heart? A fever or chills? Pain in middle of back? Shaking? All of these should be checked and again, seen by a doctor.
Also, how close are you to a big city hospital?
If I were in your shoes, I would raise a lot of noise if they did not admit me. You need to be cared. I waited too long, myself, and ended up unresponsive in an ICU within a few hours of the ER. Don't hesitate, ok?
Keep me posted. My thoughts are with you. Karen
Inactive
20 April 2012
Without it I can't breathe at all. Right now its set at 2 liters. But if I get up n try to do anything at all I have to push it up to 3. I am a couple of hours away from a big city hospital. But I am thinking seriously about complaining until they admit me. I'm home alone for today and that scares me because something could happen and no one would know. N plus. I tried to shower about 30 mins ago. I had to sit n just take a bath. Everything went black. Almost like I was going to pass out, but I didn't. But I couldn't see anything at all for about a good to minutes. Once I feel like I can drive up there I will.
endlessPred
20 April 2012
Sorry, but driving is a very bad idea. Your strength to hit the brakes or avoid something in the road just is not there right now. Get a friend, neighbor or even an ambulance. In fact, the ambulance will guarantee that spent time with you.
Up the oxygen to 3 liters. Continuous flow. It isn't going to harm you. Call an ambulance. If they won't treat you right at the local hospital tell them to ship you off to the big city hospital. Tell them you are alone, no one to care ,for you. Tell it all, not a time to hold back and act brave. let them know how anxious you are. Remind them how fast you are becoming ill.
Inactive
20 April 2012
Sorry for my lack of info. First I will say that all of the tests were done at the hospital and not at home. So the results should be accurate. About a month or so ago I started noticing that I was getting extremely weak. Doing even some of the smallest things such as showering is difficult. I get short of breath, and dizzy. I have fainted a few times. I fainted the other day in my kitchen and when my boyfriend got out of the shower he said he found me on the floor. He said I was a slight blue color. Both sure what else to say to explain.
endlessPred
20 April 2012
Wow. That sounds pretty scarey. No diagnosis? No heart problem? no lung problem? What medicine did they send home with you?
You should go back to doctor right away. Fainting and turning blue, well he should have called 911. This is serious lack of O2. Especially for someone young. You dont want to wreck your brain. Were you in ER or a stay at hospital?
Using street drugs with alcohol? Just asking as that can cause you to stop breathing. Docs would need to know that. Not judging, just gathering info.
My disease presents with the breathing problem and the incredible weakness. There are various other rare diseases like that. Most importantly is that you see someone right away so they know it is still happening. That will actually help them figure this out.
Tell your boyfriend that he should get you to a hospital immediately if you faint again. Hopefully they can catch this right away while it is happening.
I will be thinking about you, as will many others here. Let us know how you are doing and what they find. Wishing you a quick recovery.
endlessPred
20 April 2012
Also thinking that you needed one doc looking at all of this. ER will not have the staff for continuity even though they can be very good. How they do things is different than a regular physician. See a Pulmonologist if you can. Or get a referral from a doc who treated you at the hospital. They always know the good ones. Just call them.
Usually i dont jump to conclusions. Hopefully i am off base. However, find out what they thought of your chest X-ray. It really sounds like my disease and that can be very serious. If you have problems swallowing go to ER. My disease is polymyositis. Rare. Most docs never heard of it, so it is not looked for. There Are different forms. Profound Muscle weakness is a major symptom. It can come on swiftly along with breathing problems, swelling of legs, ankles, etc. like a terrible case of the flu has suddenly wore you out. Am worried about you. Stay in touch, if you wish. Karen
Inactive
20 April 2012
To answer your question, no. Street drugs are not the case. Have never done drugs and never will. I have been referred to a heart specialist. I have an appointment next week. I have always had an array of medical problems. Everything from seizures, leukemia and leukemia as a child. And that was scary. But not like this. I can barely move sometimes because I'm so week or my body just hurts. I'm exhausted as well. I'm guessing that is somewhat due to the lack of oxygen. Not sure. But what you are saying with your illness. The difficulty swallowing, and the swelling of ankles. All of it is a lot of what I'm dealing with right now. Starting to get a bit worried myself.
endlessPred
20 April 2012
Ok. Don't be shy with the doc. Neurologists or rheumatologist treat this disease. Heart docs seem to be a breed of their own. So don't get disheartened (Yes, a pun).
Make a list of all of the things you are experiencing. That will help. And yes, unable to breathe well fatigues the body tremendously. You may also be losing weight really fast because you work harder doing simple things. If true, be sure it is on your list. Or you may suddenly gain twenty pounds of water weight. Very important they know.
If you have swelling of legs/ankles and it indents when you put your fingers pressing down, best to go right to the hospital. The toll on your heart and lungs is too much.
Because you have seen more than your share of hospitals and doctors, please don't hesitate to get this treated. Am hoping you have been cancer free for some time? I know my daughter still gets hesitant to be checked even fifteen years later, she was six. One more MRI and she said she would go crazy. She's fine, of course, and always happy to know it is history.
Life is funny. Just when you think nothing more can happen, something seems to pop up. Hang in there. We are rooting for you to get your proper treatment.
kaismama
20 April 2012
I'm glad you're seeing a cardiologist soon. With all that going on I am amazed they didn't admit you and monitor you from the er. It does sound like your heart, so hopefully the doc can solve the mystery. He may put you on a holter monitor since these "spells" come and go. Don't panic, there are alot of things to treat problems with the heart.
Inactive
20 April 2012
Thank you for your advice. You are correct once again. Over the last month I have lost about 12 pounds. I am a pretty thin person anyways, so losing this weight makes me look sick. Just in case this enters your mind, no, an eating disorder is not the case. Lol. I LOVS TO EAT! I was diagnosed with the leukemia at age 5. Remission at 7. Relapsed at 17. Been in remission this time for about 4 months. I am glad to hear that your daughters cancer has not returned. I understand her fear of it coming back. It is very scary.
Dolly Jean
28 April 2015
Hmmm... I had the symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath and low oxy level. My GP sent me for a CT scan, then to a pulmonary doctor because the CT scan showed I had COPD. You'd better get another opinion and/or go to a pulmonary specialist. Sounds a lot like my symptoms.
endlessPred
20 April 2012
Hello. I will drop, though not that low as I would faint, if I walk or move too much. I am on 2 liters to get to 96% and walking, bath, moves to three.
Am using liquid O2 pulse when quiet and full flow at 3 when walking. My problem is that my muscles are deteriorating. So situation would be different from you. Interstitial lung disease. Muscles store extra oxygen so regular exercise will help you be more stable if you are able.
I agree with my friend, that we need more info than what you provide. If you are using a home meter be sure it is checked at your doc for accuracy. The battery could go out or is wearing out. Just thinking...
kaismama
19 April 2012
Was it measured at the hospital or at home? If it only happens once, and goes back up, I wouldn't get too excited, but if it stayed down over time, or went down again, I'd worry. Are you on oxygen? What do you use to supply it, tank or concentrator? If the lady I take care of drops like that, I go through several checks, and if nothing is wrong there, I up her oxygen. I also look at her. You can do this. Are the lips dusky (gray tint), how about the nail beds? At 78 you should be pretty dusky. If it says 78 and you're not, something is going on. Tell me a little about why you have sats done and maybe I can help you out a little better.
Related topics
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
