Something scary has been happening to me: Intermittent Hypoxemia
Hi, it's been a while. I just wanted to share that something scary has been happening to me lately. I had extensive pulmonary function tests done, and my DCLO score was below LLN on the test. My pulmonologist shrugged it off like it was no big deal and adjusted it to blood test results from when I was getting over one of my many episodes of bronchitis this year. Asthma really kicked me in the rear end this year.
I went to the dentist, and I always bring my handheld pulse oximeter. I dropped to 88% SPO2 after just walking 15 feet. I had no symptoms. This has been happening more and more frequently and I will notice that without symptoms I will sat as low as 94%. I always come back up after 45 seconds, so it's not like the emergency room would do me any good.
I have an appointment with a pulmonologist at Johns Hopkins pretty soon. I am not looking forward to it, but I also am. It's very scary. I want treatment for the intermittent hypoxemia.
Hi there, and thanks for chiming in and sharing your recent experience. I'm sorry to hear that you (and your symptoms) are not being taken seriously. You deserve better from your medical team. I'm glad to hear that you have an upcoming appointment at Hopkins. Are you seeing a specific doctor or a medical group? Please check back and let us know how you make out. -Lauren (Team member) I'm going to a pulmonologist there. Hopefully they will give me supplemental O2 because my retired PCP wanted that for me. Oh good, I'm glad that you have an appointment scheduled. Please check back and let us know how you make out. -Lauren (Team member)
